Got Tardive Dyskinesia - Now What?
It is a scary feeling any time a doctor tells you that you have any kind of chronic illness. At first your mind wants to deny it, and then you steadily give into the shock of realizing that you really do have something wrong with you. Even if you have been exhibiting symptoms for a long time, your problem just isn’t set in stone until the doctor tells you those fateful words: I’m sorry to tell you, but the tests came back positive.
When the diagnosis is Tardive Dyskinesia, it truly should not come as any surprise. In truth, it could be a relief, because when you know what the problem is, there are steps you can take to reverse the condition, and you definitely want to do that. Perhaps you have been suffering from the embarrassment of your tongue popping out of your mouth every couple of seconds or of making hideous scowls that are out of your control. You might have had a lot of agonizing physical symptoms, like neck spasms or involuntary twisting of joints. Don’t believe any one when they tell you that you will just have to live with the issues, as they would not need to if they were in your place. Instead, here is what you can do.
For a start you can learn everything there is to know about Tardive Dyskinesia damages. Sometimes it’s just great to have someone you can talk to about your condition who will understand and offer proposals for what you must do next. Contacting the Foundation will put you in touch with caring folk who can help. You may also visit their website at www.dystonia-foundation.org.
Another group that will be in a position to offer you the information and help you need is We Move which is a support group for folks with movement disorders. This organization has groups thru the world. You can find the nearest group by going to their site at www.wemove.org. People who have developed Tardive Dyskinesia have filed successful suits, and plenty of other court actions are in process. If you are diagnosed with TD after taking Zyprexa [ Olanzapine ], Risperdal [ Risperidone ], Seroquel [ Quetiapine ] or many other neuroleptic drugs, you could be in a position to file a lawsuit looking for compensation to help you manage the losses you incur because of the condition. Lawsuits are often filed successfully against doctors prescribing medicines known for causing TD. However, it’s yet to be seen if legal actions against the giant pharmaceutical companies who produce the drugs will be settled in favor of patients.
There are a few doctors who have investigated TD and know the right kinds of treatments that can reverse the indicators of the disorder and bring relief to patients. If your family physician isn’t able to provide you this sort of assistance, you can contact a psychiatrist instead who has experience working with the side effects of anti-psychotic drugs. In addition, you may find a neurologist can properly treat your Tardive Dyskinesia.
