Hey everyone,
I have responded to a couple of threads, but couldn't really figure out how to do this untill now. I'll tell you a little about myself. I am 30, almost 31 yrs. old, and I have schizoaffective disorder, which is a combination of Bipolar and Schizophrenia. I have had several hospitilizations over the years since age 16. And recently was discharged from the best one of the lot. I have been pretty stable over the last seven years and this episode was a complete suprise to me. The Dr. I currently have informed me that the illness will probably progressively get worse for about the next 4 years. Then, I should pretty well stay that way for the rest of my life. I am hopeful though, since now I actually have a psychiatrist, and psychologist that I am working with. My first appts. with them are next week. I am feeling like myself now though. THANK-GOD!!! My condition can be very hurtful, alienating, depressing, and scary. It's so awful to not have control of your mind all the time. I am learning about the illness now though (finally!) And I have made the decision to be as healthy, and happy as possible. (So that I might have the best quality of life possible, in spite of the disease.) Things aren't perfect. I have some issues, and personal problems. But they are good, and getting better everyday! Hope to get some feedback and responses from people here.

hi columbiangirl and welcome to neurotalk.

you found the right place for support. it sounds like you have a plan on how to deal with the schizoaffective disorder. that is great.

i'm looking forward to getitng you know you. if you have any questions..just ask.

Hi columbiangirl

I am glad you found NeuroTalk as we truly have amongst the most caring, supportive and helpful membership on the web, as well as many mambers who share a lot of really useful information.

Although I sympathize with your having to go thru what you do with your illness, yet it is, as you have noted, so much better to know what you are dealing with and so to be able to learn the best possible coping startegies and treatments available

it is very good to have you here

Colombiangirl1,

Happy to see you have come to join our gang. There are a lot of caring people here to show support to one another.


Darlene

I'm so glad to meet you, and happy you found your way to our little corner of the internet. I don't know much about schizoaffective disorder, but you are right, it does sound like it could be scary and lonely at times. I hope you make a lot of friends here who will help keep you from feeling that way.

I would love to see you become an active member, and look very forward to seeing posts from you in the future!

My Very Best,
Idealist

welcome again!
bizi