I dropped in on mum and dad this morning. Total routine, nothing out of the ordinary, everything seems to be bumbling along nicely. The house actually smelt quite fresh for a change - there was a hint of liniment, stronger in dad's room than elsewhere. I didn't bother asking about it. Dad probably would be unaware of the smell, and even if he was aware, probably unable to remember what had caused it. So, I ran through the usual tasks:
  1. Fed the cats
  2. Sorted the mail
  3. Paid the bills - day care and meals on wheels
  4. 'Fixed' the computer - returned Calendar to 7-day view
  5. Took mum and dad out for a cake and some coffee
  6. Gave dad some money
  7. Left money for Rachel next time she visits
  8. Replenished the Aricept
And then I did something else which has become a routine of late: tried unsuccessfully to speak to Dr Humerus, the psychogeriatrician, about mum, aggression, and Risperidone. I forget how many times I have called since mum has worked her way out of the effects of the drug - maybe four or five. Each time I am asked to leave a message (which is never responded to) or to call back later (which I do, but always at the wrong times, it appears). The second time I called today I was told that the doctor was unavailable, and was asked if I would like to leave a message, I said:
'No, please just give me the address. I'll write to her.'
'Or you could send a fax...'
'No, I'll write a letter.'

And so here is the letter:

Dear Dr Humerus,

You will remember a few weeks ago, when I phoned to tell you that my mother, Mrs Irene Pritchard, had turned into a zombie soon after commencement of a daily 1 mg Risperidone dosage, that you decided to cut the medication completely and see whether her behaviour returned to normal.

It took more than a week before a clear pattern emerged; for several days we had alternations of the zombie and the attack-mother. The zombie, however, has now faded away, and the attack-mother remains unchallenged. My dad, consequently, has been sporting scratches on his face from my mum's renewed and strenuous admonitions for whatever it is that he does to irritate her.

So, whilst this is indeed a return to normality, it is not good. Neither my mother nor my father enjoy the status quo. I'd like to start another pharmacological experiment - such as your suggestion of a 0.25 mg dosage. What do I need to do to make this happen? Or is it possible for you to simply mail a prescription to me?

Regards,

Mike Pritchard.