Feeling differently about mandated treatment

For reasons I can’t go into, I now have more doubts about forced treatment than I ever have before. But I will continue to struggle with the issue, as it’s not something I believe can be easily and absolutely decided one way or the other. However:

Bill mandates treatment for mentally ill

liz | 2:25 PM | Uncategorized

Responding to Serbian mistreatment

TTWS reader Ellen says:

I saw the NBC report, which was, of course, difficult to watch. More so because it brought back memories of being a 14-year-old volunteer in the early ’70s at a “training school” in Connecticut where conditions were every bit as bad as the ones depicted in the report, right down to the teens and adults who were the size of toddlers.

Having years later become the mother of a son with Down syndrome — who’s grown into a remarkably competent teenager with what we hope is a bright future — I now know just how much potential was buried inside those urine-stained walls, full of barely verbal adults who were never taught to use a toilet properly, much less read and write and surf the Internet.

It’s all very well to shake our heads about these conditions in a country still recovering from war, but how many people realize that their fellow Americans were treated just as badly within most of our lifetimes?

liz | 11:40 AM | Uncategorized

Serbian atrocities

I’ve been trying to post about this for a long time, but haven’t had the opportunity all day. Several people have alerted me about it, and I have no access to their emails. But the deal is this:

Mental Disability Rights International Accuses Serbia of Torture and Abuse Against Children and Adults with Disabilities

Associated Press Report: Disabled Kids Abused in Serbia

Serbia says allegations of abuse at mental institutions part of ‘dark propaganda’

liz | 3:38 PM | Uncategorized

Miami’s vices

From Joe, who can always be counted upon for pointed commentary:

“In August, [Florida Department of Children and Families] officials decided to ignore orders from judges that certain inmates be immediately transferred to a hospital. Officials say it wouldn’t be fair to jump over others on the waiting list that often has more than 300 names statewide.”

I guess ignoring a court order and failing to create a responsive mental health infrastructure is fair in Florida. So much for fairness.

System fails mentally ill inmates, families

liz | 11:26 AM | Uncategorized

Least Surprising Headline of the Day

Iraq Vets May Suffer Depression, Stress

liz | 4:13 PM | Uncategorized

Boring But Important: Medisucks Update

From NAMI:

Medicare Drug Benefit Update: 2008 Plan Year Enrollment Begins
November 14, 2007

November 15 marks the start of the open enrollment period for the Medicare Part D drug benefit for 2008. During the “open season” period for 2008 drug plan enrollment, Medicare beneficiaries will be able to select prescription drug coverage that goes into effect on January 1, 2008. The open season ends December 31.

As the 2008 plan year approaches, NAMI is watching closely to ensure that beneficiaries with serious mental illness, especially low-income dual eligibles, are able to maintain continued access to drug coverage that meets their complex treatment needs. Of particular concern are the 2.1 million dual eligibles and low-income subsidy (LIS) Medicare beneficiaries that are being required to switch to different prescription drug plans (PDPs) on January 1.

For more information on the important issue of Medicare drug plan reassignment of dual eligibles and LIS beneficiaries for 2008, click here.

Web-Based Search Tools for 2008 Drug Plan Options
There are a number of important web-based tools to search available plan options, research whether or not a specific medication is on a plan’s formulary for 2008 – or is subject to an access restriction (placed on a tier requiring higher cost sharing, prior authorization, step therapy, quantity limit, etc.). Most can be searched by zip code to check on availability by geographic region.

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

CMS 2008 Plan Finder

CMS 2008 Formulary Finder

Access to Benefits Coalition

Medicare Rx Connect

liz | 1:08 PM | Uncategorized

Today is Cindy’s Day

A while ago I blogged about Christopher Ted Dye, a guy I knew in Austin, Texas, who turned out to be a serial rapist. In response to that post, I got the most remarkable piece of writing from one of his victims, which I should have published a few days ago, on Nov. 10, but am publishing today instead. It’s one of the most incredible first-person accounts you’ll read on this site. But be aware that it’s graphic and disturbing. Thank you to author Cindy for sharing her story with us so we can have an understanding of what some rape survivors have been through.

It is coming up on the 14th anniversary (November 10, 1993) of my horrific experience with Mr. Dye. I was his 5th victim. I had just moved to Austin, which had been my lifelong dream. I was only here six weeks and had just begun to get settled into my new apartment (first floor). I had a brand new job, was making new friends and loving the cool crisp weather. Upon coming home from work that day I noticed smoke coming from my windows. All the neighbors were coming outside to see what was happening. I had a reptile aquarium in my bedroom and the heating element malfunctioned and had caused a small, but contained fire. There was no real damage, but the apartment was filled with black smoke and extremely strong fumes. I pulled up all the blinds and opened every window for most of the evening. I lit a fire in the fireplace and fell asleep on the couch. I woke around midnight and shut and locked all the windows and locked the sliding glass patio door. Then I went to bed. I distinctly remember the last thought I had….did I click the patio door lever up or down? Are you sure it is locked? I was sure I did and fell asleep.

More »

liz | 8:42 AM | Uncategorized

America on meds

TTWS reader Nancy B. says:

Thank you for sharing the Consumer Reports health blog/video ad. Until I read the article, I had no idea that the U.S. is one of only two countries in the world (the other is New Zealand) where pharmaceutical ads are legal. The following info contained in the article was also dismaying: “While Congress recently gave the FDA more authority to regulate ads, it rejected a measure that would have allowed the agency to place a moratorium on ads for new drugs that raise safety concerns.”

Then listen to the NPR interview about the Vioxx settlement.

The executive editor of JAMA says in the interview: “The lesson is that you should not believe one thing— not anything—that a pharmaceutical company says. That where you should start from….”

She goes on to say that it’s all about marketing and not science anymore.

Wake up, America

!

liz | 4:18 PM | Uncategorized

CR blog

Joe G. has alerted me to the fact that Consumer Reports has a health blog — something I wasn’t aware of. Though it seems the last post was on Nov. 1, the idea of such a blog makes me very happy. Check this post out (avec Flash):

Finally, an antidote to TV drug ads

liz | 10:46 AM | Uncategorized

Too much

No entries yesterday — what kind of a blogger am I? That’s for amateurs. Well, I confess to being a little strung-out, not on drugs, of course, but on exhaustion. I think I’m pushing myselft too hard and getting overwhelmed. I can’t seem to say no to anyone or anything. I get an email and have to respond. I offer to do extra assignments at various workplaces. I come home from the 9-5 job and immediately go to the computer to try to do stuff for Philadelphia Weekly. It’s too much. I’m breaking down. I have a cold and I can barely see straight. How many of you have sent me great tips for stories on this blog that I haven’t posted? How many emails haven’t I answered? You’re just the tip of the iceberg.

The other night I was working on deadline on something for the paper that HAD TO BE DONE. And I realized: I can’t jeopardize my health this way. I am taking some Benadryl, going to bed, and it will have to wait until tomorrow. Just making that decision — and feeling like my life was my own, and that I was in control of it — offered me immeasureable relief. My bed has never felt so comfortable. And I have to hand it to Benadryl: for a good night’s sleep, you really can’t beat it. Of course, your nose and mouth become dry and parched, but given my cold, that worked for me.

Here’s something I’m reading when I have some down time. I recommend it.

If you’re going through hell keep going

liz | 12:57 PM | Uncategorized