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What was your fasting blood glucose? (with some chat)

@OrsonKartt ive just read Oscars story very very sad and distressing but wanted to say that you have written it so well - despite the fact that it must have been painful to write it raises such important stuff. Severe mental issues are so so difficult to deal with for the individual experiencing them but also the family and it’s all made much much worse when the right help isn’t available. Just to say that he sounds like a wonderful son and always will be. It’s just so so sad that we don’t often have the right help and support in place. The mental health system can be very cruel to the vulnerable. I agree too that it’s shocking you didn’t have family therapy -amongst other things- it’s in the nice guidelines and for our youngest and family it was a lifeline and transformative. Take care of your own health too I also know from personal experience the impact it can have and am certain stress can contribute to a diabetes diagnosis amongst other things!
 
@OrsonKartt I’ve just finished reading Oscar’s story and it’s chilled me to the marrow that a gorgeous, bright boy with loving parents should be failed so devastatingly by our health ‘care’ system.

I have some experience with mental health services too as my daughter has also spent time in institutions similar to those you mention. They were scary, frightening places even for me as a visitor, and as you say the staff seemed to consider patient’s family as an annoyance to be kept out of the loop at all costs. People are encouraged to bring a friend or family member to medical appointments for physical diseases such as cancer, I always went with my dad to his appointments. Conversely my daughter’s appointments were usually made without my knowledge and often changed last minute to times I would not have managed. My daughter is fragile but still with us. You are right: the system is simply not fit for purpose. My heart goes out to you.
 
OrsonKartt said:
Mental health is much worse. It killed my son https://sites.google.com/site/nosafeplaceforoscar/
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It is impossible for me to imagine the heartbreak involved in the events you describe. The bravery you show in sharing that story goes beyond anything I feel I could manage. I am both in awe of that piece and deeply despondent about the chances of reform to the system you describe. I feel privileged that you hare shared Oscar's story but very uncomfortable about what I have learned.
 
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OrsonKartt said:
Mental health is much worse. It killed my son https://sites.google.com/site/nosafeplaceforoscar/
Click to expand...

OrsonKartt, I'm so sorry about your son. Mental health systems in so many places are so inadequate and reading what you wrote about his experiences made me simultaneously sad and angry. Your son and family deserved better.

I'm also a bereaved parent. I lost my 25 year old son 3 years ago on July 15th, 2015 (to SUDEP - sudden unexpected death in epilepsy. He was also born in 1990.) My son had severe nonverbal autism, intellectual disability and atypical bipolar disorder (in addition to epilepsy) and we struggled to get him help and to keep him stable (he was also hospitalized on an involuntary commitment at age 12) , so I understand a little bit of your experience. Unfortunately the mental health system here (Canada) is also inadequate. :(

I wish "the powers that be" made mental health a bigger priority and the mental health systems were more caring and sensitive to people who need help (and with their families.)
 
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