Discharge Emotions

       Do you remember those days when you just want to pull out your hair? How about when you want to scream at the top of your lungs? Have you ever been in "the energizer bunny" mode and can't seem to slow down? Or the direct opposite and you can't even get out of your own way much less anyone else's way? When you want to pull the covers over your head so you don't have to face the day ahead of you?
       Lately I have been all over the range's stated above and to a bp individual, the switching back and forth among these states can wreak havoc with your mind. You are never quite sure how you are going to react to things, a it can be down right scary not knowing. Everyone goes through times like this, specially if you have children, bp or not. When you add a MI into the mix of things, it is that much harder to deal with because there is no rationality with it.
       We are looking at my DD #2's third discharge for the phosp this year alone and this should be a happy, joyous time, right? Your child is coming home after being away between 10 to 29 days. They were missed by everyone in the family, moods and all. Why would this NOT be a joyous time? This day marks the end of the days without the "highs and lows" of the bp.
        We, as a family, deal with what we have to in order to make it through a day without too much disruption, as I'm sure all families do. When a day comes that we have only a few minor arguments and maybe a tear or two, as a successful day. A difficult day involves one of the kids having to always be in my presence so that I can intervene quicker in disagreements. Then there are the days when restraint and/or intervention is required by outside individuals and this usually ends with an inpatient stay.
       Out of those three days, I would much rather deal with the first two then the last scenario. After a discharge we have what you call the "honeymoon stage". Getting the children adjusted to all being home is somewhat of a rocky thing to do at times. Usually medications have been changed or "tweeked" during an inpatient stay, so the moods and sleep patterns may be a little irregular but usually get better as time goes on. Adjusting back into the usual swing of things at home, can be tricky after being in a hospital setting for a period of time.
       We all try to take it one step at a time and try to make the best of it. This in itself can be and usually is taxing on the emotions. I really have to fight the depression aspect of a discharge and I keep pushing though by telling myself that this will get better. After years of dealing with this "in again, out again" roller coaster ride, you begin to wonder will this truly get better? Yes, it will, with time and the right medications, it will get better.