HELP for my sister!!!
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HELP for my sister!!!
| Wed, 05-16-2007 - 10:32pm |
Okay so something is going on with my sister and our whole family is at a loss for what to do or how to help her. For the past three months, she has been obsessed with the fact that she has some kind of illness and requires constant medical attention. It started a couple of months ago. She has lost 25 lbs and has become a recluse. She visits every doctor imaginable for every symptom imaginable. She has has neck pain symptoms, ear pain symptoms, abdominal pain, urinary retention, high blood pressure, weird feelings she can't explain and the list goes on and on and on. She has seen specialists, has gone to 3 different emergency rooms and hospitals, and has called 911 about 6 times in the past couple of months. She will be going for her 4th ct scan in 3 weeks. She has had numerous tests run as well. The thing is nobody finds anything wrong with her. She keeps saying wait until something comes back positive I won't talk to anyone. Or she will say I can't understand why these doctors can't find out what is wrong with me. Meanwhile, we are thinking that is b/c there is nothing worng with you. She hates to take any kind of medicine and right away she will have some kind of symptom from taking a pill. She admits she has anxiety and depression and has to stop what she is doing, but the very next day she is calling or going to the dr or hospital. She started an antianxiety pill but then broke out in a rash, well of course, this was the end of the world. They have since put her back on it b/c they thought maybe another med had caused the rash. I am hoping and praying this medicine works b/c it is affecting everyone. SHe used to go out and do things now she just lays on the couch. Her kids and husband are suffering and she is always asking my mom to take her to dr's etc. This is almost an everyday occurence and nothing seems to be helping. She had a therapist but they left now she has nobody. I know one of the most important things is that she sees a therapist to talk to, however, she is procrastinating at finding a new one. How can we help her? Is this just anxiety or are we dealing with a hyperchodriac or something else? I am scared for her. What can we do?


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Hello! I am glad that you are seeking some help and information for your sister.
Several years ago, I could have been your sister!
Sheri Ann
Lynn
What if we are wrong though and they eventually do find something. Of course, I can't see how with all of the testing she has had. SHe says she won't talk to anyone anymore. I really feel like she is losing it and it is truly in her head, but how do oyu convince her of this if she truly feels this is real. It is so out of control she is at the hospital or dr's everyday. Yesterday, she ran to the OB/GYN b/c the primary doctor mentioned a possibility of a fibroid. She made the GYN fit her in to take tests. Today it's the blood in the stool. What else can go wrong?
Lynn
Dear Hunter: If your sister is willing I would get her evaluated by a psychiatrist.
It sounds like she suffers from depression, anxiety, and is a hypocondriac.
She has to want the help, you can't force her unless, she is dangerous to herself or her family.
There are many good therapists out there, try and help her find another one.
I wish you luck, I hope that your sister gets the help that she needs.
JS
Dear hunterb6868~
Hi...I am concerned with your situation because, you see...I can honestly say that I was in your shoes not that long ago, it lasted 16yrs...although it was hard because my sister and I were only teenagers when it began and were soon going our separate ways...
A lot was going on in both of our lives...She was throwing up, literally every 4-5,
like clockwork...the most difficult thing was that everybody was turning their back on her, they chalked it up to 'oh she's doing it on purpose, she just wants attention'...I'm the only one that that was there for her and continue to be...the rest of the family have nothing to do with her....
She is finally on the right meds...I'm so proud of her for continuing to have the self-discipline to want help herself...but it's so important that we have each other for support...
So much has not been put in my post, I'm respecting boundaries and her privacy...I ask you, from one family member to another...please don't turn your back on your sister...we all need someone that cares...
^j^Honesty Abounds
unfortunately,i-don't-think-you-can-do-much-more.--can-her-dh-go-to-her-pdoc-appt-with-her-and-request-a-referral-to-a-therapist.-maybe-if-he-was-more-active-in-the-situation,-she-would-get-help-sooner.-the-lexapro-should-start-making-a-difference-soon.-it-did-for-me-after-about-a-week.
Sheri Ann
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