Refusal to take medication

[humanbean11]

I'm new to this board but I posted a couple of years ago on the thyroid board about my daughter who is now 20. She is again refusing to take thyroxine and other medication, saying she isn't unwell and doesn't need it... it's complicated as she has other things going on (mental health and other autoimmune disorders).

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

The last two years have been up and down with three hospital admissions. Anyway, she's now detained under section 3 of the mental health act as she's been deemed unable to make appropriate decisions around her medication. Her last blood test that I know results of was in August, when there was no detectable T4 or T3 and her TSH was off the chart. Her body is completely swollen, she has slurred speech, is always freezing and sleeps most of the time. She is hallucinating and is delusional, thinking that test results are being fabricated, even though she has had a total thyroidectomy. These are all symptoms of hypothyroid.

The hospital has said that they cannot force medication for a physical complaint even though it directly affects her mental health; she's falling between the gap of mental and physical care. She hasn't given consent to share information so I'm flailing blind.

I don't even know what my question is, other than I'm desperate and need to know if anyone has any knowledge around this. I suppose I feel I'm in the brace position waiting for an impact that may, or may not, happen. I need information to enable me to process, and prepare:

1. Is it correct that the hospital cannot force medication under section 3?

2. How do I accept that this is her choice and that we may lose her??!

3. Can I even fight this and what will that do to our relationship?

I've rung everyone I can think of but it all comes back to 'it's her choice'. Anyway, thanks for reading, and thanks to anyone who feels they can reply.

[mtcorr]

Hi humanbean11

I have often thought of you and your daughter but I am afraid my own life events took over from my following up on how you were.

I am devastated to hear what you are going through just now.

There is an organisation called Mind who may be able to help with your queries.

mind.org.uk/information-sup...

There is nothing worse than watching a loved one make devastating life choices. Unfortunately I get to see it all to often with family members bearing the brunt of the heartache, but I do see people come through. The hardest part is the individual needs to want to do it.

I would give Mind a call and see if anyone can help.

X

[knitormiss]

I wish I had some advice or anything to add, but I'm just going to send my most sincere concerns and thoughts for your support while you do everything you can. I'm so so sorry that you're in this position. <3

[Hidden]

The only people that can use force is yourself/family - I would use it in this case and get nurse/carers that might be able to help in this case, they may have experience - you may be the only hope!

[makemepainfree]

Hello so sorry to hear what you and your daughter are going through. I ca rally comment on the mental health issues but I was very depressed among other things before i took thyroxine. Possibly C. A. B could help on the legal issues. My doses change all the time on 150 at the moment it will help with weight issues. Iam on alot of oher drugs as well. I send all my best regards to you and hope your daughter can get the help she needs

[Missy_D]

Your county council should have a MCA / DoLS / Adult safeguarding department who will be able to advise and help you. I thought that it had to be Section 2 MCA to be able to force medication but am not totally sure. Hugs x

[Hidden]

Sorry to say the withdrawal of treatment if the person refuses to take the medication is generally correct I understand. However it may be you can discuss this problem with CAB or a Lawyer to get someone else to make those decisions for her.

That is all I can suggest, You could contact MIND or other Mental Health Charities, they are on the web, they may have other suggestions on what to do, given your daughter has a Section placed upon her.

However I am worried how you are managing with all of this going on, you are going through life with what I would call fear and Panic, regards your Daughters Attitude, and refusing treatment.

Talk to Her Family Doctor and hopefully you can explain what is going on, the practice may have so sort of pull on the hospital regards treatment.

Have words with your GP explain your worries and concerns, it may be He may be able to help you and your fears

BOB