Warren is extremely unwell and we have no proper diagnosis or care. Two years ago he blacked out and started hallucinating.  After some tests no diagnosis was found. In May last year he had another blackout and was again hospitalised. He was treated with Epilim & Redilev, an anti-seizure drug.  When we questioned this (he was not epileptic) we were told that they were being used 'in case'.

He started hallucinating and his speech was impaired. Behaviour got worse, and one terrible night he woke Merle up having cut his wrists, saying  “look what I’ve done” –he had no idea why!

In November he was admitted to a psychiatric clinic for observation for 2 weeks. After first diagnosing mild Alzheimer’s, which seemed odd, given sudden severity and symptoms, he was given anti-psychotic drugs: Donacep and Dopaquel.

He became extremely agitated, the police were coming for him, the fridge was going to blow up etc. Eventually he wouldn't shower,bath or use the toilet. Merle was no longer able to manage his care. After researching the various drugs we are concerned that there have been numerous reports of terrible side effects and similar symptoms.  We would like to try to find out to what extent, the drugs could have caused this extreme, rapid decline. 

We decided to place him in a care facility where the drugs could be reduced, under supervision, slowly, but are struggling to afford this. Merle and Warren have been happily married for 50 years this year. In his 30s he suffered 3rd degree burns over 80% of his body in a work accident. He never received compensation for this. He has battled the lasting effects and depression his whole life and remains a gentle, kind -hearted, lovely man. It's a devastating situation and not right that he can't get proper help.

We just want to get proper diagnosis and care. Care costs £1500pm (R29k). As a family we are all helping, but struggling to pay for the most basic facility, with no opportunity for specialists.