My name is Tracy. I am 29 years old and have been suffering from schizo-affective disorder since my early 20's. I could exchange e-mail with sufferers from my own age group or those in their early to mid 20's that have just come down with the disorder. My country of origin is the United States and am only fluent in English.
When I came down with the disorder, I first thought that someone was listening in to my conversations and such because I heard voices. Later these voices directed me to wander my apartment building early in the morning and knock on doors to say that I was telepathic. My first experience with medication was respiradol. I could not handle it so they changed me to Zyprexa. As with everyone, Zyprexa made me very sleepy. When Giodone came onto the market they mixed the Zyprexa and the Giodone. This seemed to work out pretty well. This summer to get me off of the Zyprexa, they put me on Abilify. Abilify has completely gotten rid of the voices, but it makes me agitated. To calm me down, I take lorazepamin the evening. I also take Paxil and Neurontin for my mood disorder and depression. My family and friends have been extremely supportive, but from those who do not understand the disorder I have gotten some negative responses. However, the disorder has not stopped me from continuing in my education. I have graduated from college, finished grad school, and had my own private music lesson business.  Right now I am living with my parents for financial reasons, but that is only temporary. Currently, I have a volunteer job with NAMI, taking Karate (I have a blue belt), taking piano lessons I love helping people. If you are reading this and like what you read, I would love to hear from you. 

My email is: ttowen@aol.com