Hi - My name is Strangedogs!

I'm guilty... I'm diagnosed as a Paranoid schizophrenic due to terrible problems in the past few years with Agoraphobia. Some days I can't leave the house (for weeks on end). I can't go into stores, public buildings (especially public restrooms) etc. My wife has learned when it happens that she has to do all the outside stuff including even going to our community mailboxes. I no longer have "friends" per se as I don't want to communicate with anyone (other than the "Net". We've basically become Hermits. I take (and have taken) all sorts of meds - right now I take Geodon, Prozac, etc as well as 3 different pain meds for back problems (I'm 100% disabled now drawing full SS) - 8 Loricet, 4 Percodan and 4 Soma a day but starting next month my Doctors are going to change out the Percodan and Soma (leaving the Loricet) for a low-dosage Morphine.

The Mental problems started a few years ago. I worked as a Service Electrician and it got to where I couldn't get out of my Van. I started missing work a lot and finally my Boss (who loved me to death) sat me down and I confessed all my issues - he was the one who got me into treatment. After 3 different hospitalizations (Private Mental Hospitals) and constant therapy, 2 suicide attempts, minor hallucinations, hearing voices, etc., I was granted full disability although my back problems alone would have been enough to draw SS Disability I later learned. I was a "People" person - got along great with everyone - was usually the Comedian of the crews I was on. But something went wrong...

They try to say it was from all the drugs I did in the 60's, and 70's but I don't buy it. They also feel it's Hereditary as my Mother in her 50's began exhibiting signs of Schizophrenia and my older brother (who's a Psychologist) also started developing signs in his 50's too...

Thank God for my Guitar. When I play I'm young again and in "my own world" and SANE.

Hello. How are you going with the Agoraphobia lately? I'm sorry no one responded to your post sooner...