Just Diagnosed

[Called2Grace]

Hi,

I had my first psychiatrist apt today and was diagnosed with Bipolar II. I always thought it was just depression but he asked me a few questions and then come up with Bipolar. I guess it all fits. I have been prescribed some medication It is epimil or something like that anyway. And I have to continue with the Lovan. Then in a week I have to go back to my GP for adjustment.

 

[EbonNelumbo]

*Hug*
I understand that there is a ton of fear in the beginning..I was diagnoses with BPD about 7 months ago and some people will never understand, what you need to know is that it helps a lot of people to understand you better if you do tell them, and the ones who truly care will do whatever it takes to learn about it so that they can help you better. BPD is borderline personality disorder...fancy words for extreme PTSD in my case, debilitating.

One thing I might add...get a second opinion. Go to someone WITHOUT telling them of your diagnosis of bipolar and ask for a dsm-iv screening (basic psych test for determination) and see what they come up with. I went to someone who initially diagnosed me as bipolar and the three second-opinions I got gave me bpd. Just a thought.
Don't be afraid. If you ever need to talk, PM me or find someone online if you cannot talk to anyone face to face. Speak to your pastor about it, they are usually extremely supportive.

 

[NewCovenant]

I understand how you both feel. I was diagnosed w/BPD II a long, long time ago: FOURTEEN YEARS! Sometimes is takes a while to get stabilized on your medication. Listen to your doctors. Never, ever stop taking your meds. Go to therapy. Pray. Go to church. Create a routine for your daily life, go to bed at the same time, get up a the same time, take your meds at the same time. Don't drink or do drugs (I'm sure you don't, but it's just a precaution). Eventually, you'll start to feel more stable and your life will balance out and you will feel better. But hang in there, and even when you do feel better, DO NOT GO OFF YOUR MEDS! BPD is a life-long struggle and you must continue in your treatment for the rest of your life. It is not a death sentence, however. Since you have good treatment available, it can be managed and you can and should lead a full, rich life. Remember, Bipolars have been known to be some of our most creative, intelligent, productive members of society. (There's a list of us somewhere, it will blow your mind to see who's on it.)

God bless!
Gladys

 

[Alive again]

I was diagnosed as depressed for 10 years before my pdoc and I finally tied all the pieces together. It took me 3 tries to find a mood stabilizer and then eventually my body/brain improved enough that the anti depressants started triggering manias (in my case extreme short intense episodes of rage) and I was able to discountinue the antidepressants and am solely on a mood stablizer. This does not happen for everyone, but you will find the right mood stabilizer and it will help if you are patient. Pm me anytime!!! Blessings and prayers!!!

 

[Called2Grace]

Thanks for your words of support.

I was on Effexor before and it triggered mania, but my GP at the time, didn't think it was all that unusual...I started to have really vivid dreams (I was Buffy the Vampire Slayer frequently as well as everyday life things) but my view of reality started to blend with the dreams...and I would get very agressive. She took me off that, and put me on lovan, but when I started to get wound up again, she doubled my dosage....

The fact that I am also hyperthyroid means I need to monitor my levels very closely, becuase that can also trigger a manic episode. I could feel myself winding up again, thought it was my thyroid and have had it checked, but that it normal.

I also talk to the point of breathlessness too (I have to talk quickly to keep up with my brain, or I lose my train of thought), which I thought was a cardiac problem!

Anyway first night went ok, we'll see how today goes.

Michelle

 

[NewCovenant]

I am hyperthyroid, too, which makes things more complicated for me as well. Watch your med levels and keep a routine in your life, as well as a close relationship w/ your dr and suppoty system.

 

[Jeshu]

It may take some time to get your medications soorted out and in the mean time depression may bite deeply. Those racing thoughts and fast speech should go away overtime, I hope and pray that you will keep on top of it all.
The best advise that I can give you is to make sure you have a good doctor and a good support network as these two factors alone make our illness a lot more bearable.