My last post was concerning a report from Thomas’ day program that a staff member had pushed Thomas because Thomas was cursing at him. Unacceptable. No one should be putting their hands on Thomas period. I call the day program earlier this week and was told the push allegation was “unfounded” however the staff member did curse at Thomas. Still unacceptable. This staff member will be provided with re-training, extra training, blah blah. I said I wanted that staff member away from my son. I was asked if I wanted a meeting, with the day program I declined.
Thankfully I call a wonderful resource and friend who knows the situation and she advises me to absolutely have a meeting. Solid, great advice, thank you Jenn!! I call the program and let them know I changed my mind and absolutely want a meeting at my convenience, I’m not taking a day off so we can meet in the morning, nope. I work until 2:30. I’m called back with a convenient time (after I’m off work) and day.
I’m the meantime I’m also waiting to speak with Thomas’ psychiatrist who has been lowering his meds (why? I have no idea. As his legal guardian I was NEVER consulted). Finally get the psychiatrist on the phone, and introduce myself and slowly and deliberately. I asked why Thomas’ meds have been lowered more than one, the answer; I haven’t lowered that many”. (OMG) I mention that since lowering his meds he is cursing at the group home and day program, not to mention other behaviors that are increasing, that this is unacceptable. I deliberately instruct her that I am not only Thomas’ mother, he also has 2 legal guardians, myself and my husband, and we have NEVER been notified of med changes. Does she ask the group home staff about his behavior? I don’t know how to describe someone hemming and hawing but you get the picture. I had this distinct mental picture of a person looking at me while walking backwards. She then says that the group home nurse said i wanted a different psychiatrist. I said oh yes I do! She said she would let the person who does the assignments know. I hung up. These are the times you yearn for a grand slamming down of the receiver.
I find it unreal that a physician can fuck up, get super quiet and then push her patient onto another practitioner. If anyone can explain this to me I would gladly listen.
I next find out who the assignment person is. Found her in about 5 minutes on the phone. Call, get asked to leave a voicemail. Again I slowly and deliberately say who I am and that Thomas NEEDS a new psychiatrist; he could run out of meds and I can’t have this!
I get a call the next day. He has a new psych, an appointment next week and I will be informing her to telephone me in.
I have to say it felt a bit good to open my experienced, educated mouth and I did not curse once. I have not had to speak up recently. You don’t fuck with my kids and their mental stability.
Menay O; mom to 4, Christian and thrift shopper on the side... 