scared from additional diagnosis of bipolar!

[jenluv93]

I went to see the psychiatrist today and he told me that I have Bipolar II disorder. He advised me to stop taking elavil as this will make my mood swings even worse! I have been crying all the time or angry and fighting for now reason so I guess that's where the bipolar comes in. I'm scared though cause he wants me to read about Lamictal and Lithium and they sound horrible!! :confused:
My pain is taking over my body and my thought are driving me crazy. :loco: UGH! Has anyone ever taken any of these medications?? :help:

[kuntrygurl78]

I have a sister in law and a friend that are both bi polar. I dont know much about the meds that they take. I do know that both went thru several combinations of meds before they found the combo that worked for them. They both also had great therapists. Be patient, you will feel better soon!:grouphug:

[jenluv93]

Thank you so much! I don't know anyone with this diagnosis so I'm a little scared. I'm going to research it and pray for the best!!:pray:

He believes that some of my pain might be caused from this disorder as well and probably from the anxiety/depression could have added to my pelvic floor disfuntion and IC, IBS, etc... etc... (My laundry list of issues!! LOL)

[Sally939]

I also have two good friends that are bipolor. I think it is a very common disorder. I thought you should know that as long as they take there meds, they are both very normal, happy, succesful people. It is important to keep taking the meds once you find good one. I think it is comon with bipoler, like all conditions, to not think you need the meds after taking them for a while because they feel good.

[stef000]

I have known a few people that has that diagnosis and they can go on a lot of different meds....
There are a lot approaches to take.....like the antidepressants can calm down your depression and therefore the 'cycles of emotions' are more manageable than before.....there are meds for the mania like lithium and such....and a new one---abilify.....and that calms the mania down so then the cycle of emotions are calmed down too....:angel:
Its a personal choice on which approach you want to take....
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manic_depression
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treatment_of_bipolar_disorder
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bipolar_disorders_research

here are some good articles about ways to approach treatment....:rolleyes:
i just figured to put this up for you in case you haven't checked it out yet....
i hope this helps....
i hope you get some relief soon...:hi:
take great care
hugs n better body days
:hi:

[stef000]

just figured to put this up too......i really hope this helps you out.....ever need to vent just message me....:hi:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lamictal

[GriffsMommy]

I'm so sorry that you have another diagnois to deal with. I can only imagine how scary it is to get that diagnois. I personally don't know anybody who has bipolar though we suspect my MIL has it.
I just wanted you to know that I am not bipolar myself but my dr felt that my anxiety about my pain was actually just making my pain worse and causing a horrible cycle. He put me on klonopin to help with the anxiety about the pain. It's so hard to say since I'm on so many meds but I do feel that I am a little more calm over all since I started taking it.
When you have multiple conditions it seems to be very common that one can aggrevate the others. I don't know anything about the meds but I hope you find something that can help you feel better. If you're scared about the side effects and such then talk to your dr about that. I would ask how many of his patients are on the different meds and what percentage of the different side effects he sees. If you trust your dr then that might ease your mind alot. Good luck :grouphug:

[stef000]

this is for anyone who has a psychotropic med and wants to look it up or has symptoms and wants to look at the meds that are out there....
just figured to put it up just in case....
definitely look at other links for things but wikipedia is a good start with things....and webmd.com
and also with manic depression....you can do psychotherapy and other things too so it doesn't have to be meds at all....
its whatever approach works for you...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_psychotropic_medications

:hi:

[mbe]

If it helps..I was on Lithium when I was younger for a few months while I was having "difficult" teenage years and it really didn't feel like it made a difference..I didn't feel anything and no side effects. It didn't even feel like I was on medication...so my point is don't be scared of the lithium but also don't do anything you don't want to do..it is your body and you know what's best. Discuss with your doctor all your fears and ask if there is anything you can take that will make you feel more comfortable. Ask for a referral for a second opinion..that may put you more at ease also..

I had a co-worker who was bi-polar and she had a really difficult time some days but for the most part she was able to find ways to deal without medication..not everyone can do that but it is just a thought.

If mood swings are a problem what about St. John's wart or something like that? I would check with your doctor before you do anything but alot of people use St. John's wart due to the lack of side effects...

Hope this helps!:smile tee

[Berkshire Road]

Only a few years ago, depression itself was considered a shameful disease and something to be frightened of. Now we know that it's very common -- I once taught in a two year college and we discovered that the entire faculty was on one anti-depressant or another.:)

Now bi-polar - - seems it's just a variant of depression, maybe a little harder to find the right med combo, but people still get upset with this diagnosis. I am sure in a few years, bi-polar will be better accepted by society and understood more like depression is now: No big deal, as long as you get treatment.

What I mean is, don't let the word scare you. When you find the right treatment and stay on it, you'll be fine.

[ICNDonna]

I know we have some members who have bi-polar. Hopefully they will see your post and respond.

Donna

[jenluv93]

Thank you all for your support and help!! The information is very helpful! I feel a little better about it. I just want to feel better and I'm hoping that this is part of the puzzle of my illnesses :pray:
I'm also scared because I don't know how much more I can handle getting excited about a treatment and then being let down. It's just frustrating. Lately I've been so up and down. My husband misses "me". I just really hope this works....
Thanks again and if anyone out there has this too please continue to respond :)

I'll update you after my appointment next Monday!:grouphug: