Lamictal situation again-update

[tapero]

I was on the 8th day of 25mg of lamictal and got a welt. On the 12 day I got 2 more welts. I called my pdoc but he wasn't in, so another pdoc said "stop taking the medicine, and go to the e.r. if you get any more welts or a rash."

Today I talked to my Dr., and we discussed it. He wants me to go back on taking 25mg for 2 weeks to start.

I knew he would do this. I don't mean to start another thread here about this, but could you pray for my safety. I think this doctor thinks it's all in my head. lol

I'll do what he says, and have a peace about it, but I just needed to write this down here. Lamictal can cause Stephen Johnson syndrome if one is allergic, not to mention the dreaded rash, and I think welts are an allergic reaction.

Thanks for praying. Ganaan

 

[wonderwaleye]

I was on the 8th day of 25mg of lamictal and got a welt. On the 12 day I got 2 more welts. I called my pdoc but he wasn't in, so another pdoc said "stop taking the medicine, and go to the e.r. if you get any more welts or a rash."

Today I talked to my Dr., and we discussed it. He wants me to go back on taking 25mg for 2 weeks to start.

I knew he would do this. I don't mean to start another thread here about this, but could you pray for my safety. I think this doctor thinks it's all in my head. lol

I'll do what he says, but I just needed to write this down here. Lamictal can cause Stephen Johnson syndrome if one is allergic, not to mention the dreaded rash, and I think welts are an allergic reaction.

Thanks for praying. Ganaan

I to had a bad adverse reaction to a med and it was making me shake. This could of made me do this for the rest of my life even if I stopped taking the med. If your doctor won't try something else get a new doctor. I had the same problem with one and I will never go back to him. I now have wonderful meds that have given me relief for years and I don't even know I'm taking them. I don't want to push meds that are working for me but if you would like to know what they are just let me know.

 

[tapero]

Hi Wonderwaleye,

Thank you for your post. I'd be interested to know what meds worked good for you. I'm glad you have a good doc now.
Thanks, Ganaan

 

[angelkiss]

When my doc first started me out on Lamictal, he started me out slowly, for he said one of the main side effects was Stephen Johnson's Syndrome. A rash that sometimes leaves scarring. He said it was important to start out slowly and then work my way up gradually to prevent the bad rash. I was taking 25 mg every other day for a couple of weeks, then, proceeded to take one a day, for a couple of weeks, then on to two a day. You might want to consider talking to your doc about the every other day theory. It really seemed to work for me that way. I'll keep you in my prayers. God Bless!

 

[tapero]

Dear Angelkiss,

Thanks for your post! Did you get terrible headaches? I know my doctor didn't belive that I got welts. Since I got them on the breast area maybe that's why he is ignoring them. I didn't take tonight's dose. I was afraid to. I got such bad headaches last night. I felt so sick and dizzy.

I like the idea of taking them every other day, but with the experience I've had so far, I am just really hesitant to continue them.

Thanks for writing. Ganaan

 

[angelkiss]

I don't get headaches caused from the meds. I usually get them without meds. When I have a bipolar episode, or get stressed out in any way, I suffer from headaches.

Dear Angelkiss,

Thanks for your post! Did you get terrible headaches? I know my doctor didn't belive that I got welts. Since I got them on the breast area maybe that's why he is ignoring them. I didn't take tonight's dose. I was afraid to. I got such bad headaches last night. I felt so sick and dizzy.

I like the idea of taking them every other day, but with the experience I've had so far, I am just really hesitant to continue them.

Thanks for writing. Ganaan

 

[blessedmomof5]

Ganaan,

we have discussed this before, i am on 200, with no side effects, but also no improvement.....so am stopping it....
but if you ahve concerns and i know how you feel about your dr....call your pharmacist....they would be more than hapy to talk to you about you reaction, and if you do not have one and just get samples, call one anyway, they will talk with you, thats what they are there for to help you understand your meds and complications.....
Denise

 

[tapero]

Thank you both for your posts. My doctor isn't returning my calls. There's more going on than meets the eye. I believe he is angry at me for not wanting to take this medicine. I was willing to try every other day, but if he's not going to call me then well I shouldn't be on it all alone. Thanks for your help. Ganaan

 

[wonderwaleye]

Thank you both for your posts. My doctor isn't returning my calls. There's more going on than meets the eye. I believe he is angry at me for not wanting to take this medicine. I was willing to try every other day, but if he's not going to call me then well I shouldn't be on it all alone. Thanks for your help. Ganaan

The meds that really worked for my depression, manic, and anxiety are 100mg of lamotrigine (generic name) twice a day and 100mg of sertraline (generic name for zoloft) twice a day.
Works very well for me and I never know i'm taking them.

Now remember not all meds work the same on all folks so you might talk to your doctor and if the meds you are now taking are not working or your having adverse reactions then ask him if he would try these to see if they would work.

 

[I'ddie4him]

Thank you both for your posts. My doctor isn't returning my calls. There's more going on than meets the eye. I believe he is angry at me for not wanting to take this medicine. I was willing to try every other day, but if he's not going to call me then well I shouldn't be on it all alone. Thanks for your help. Ganaan

Has there been any updates on the situation with the Dr ??
One would think that he would be willing to find a suitable dosage and timing without putting you at risk for anything associated with the side effects.
Is it possible to find another Dr in the area that is willing to work with you on this ??

 

[tapero]

Hi, Thank you both for writing. As an update on the lamictal, I told the doctor about the welts, and he doubted that I had them. I told him I get serious headaches and he told me no one else on the med gets them. So I don't trust him. I've decided not to take the medicine. This will infuriate this doctor.

Meanwhile since I'm on social security a review is coming up and the most important person in the review is the psychiatrist. So since I will have to leave this doctor, if you dont' mind please pray that I get someone who will help me with social security and not hinder me. Though it is all in God's hands.

I'm hoping a new doctor will find the right med, and not get upset if I have bad side effects. Im afraid to tell my current doctor goodbye until I get a new one, and it could be months to get an appt.

Even my counselor has told me to goto a new doctor.

I pray I find a good new doctor to help me.

Thank you for your concerns and prayers. Sincerely, Ganaan

 

[alaurie]

Praying you find a doctor you're comfortable with, Ganaan

 

[tapero]

Thank you Laurie. I appreciate your prayers.

 

[wonderwaleye]

Hi, Thank you both for writing. As an update on the lamictal, I told the doctor about the welts, and he doubted that I had them. I told him I get serious headaches and he told me no one else on the med gets them. So I don't trust him. I've decided not to take the medicine. This will infuriate this doctor.

Meanwhile since I'm on social security a review is coming up and the most important person in the review is the psychiatrist. So since I will have to leave this doctor, if you dont' mind please pray that I get someone who will help me with social security and not hinder me. Though it is all in God's hands.

I'm hoping a new doctor will find the right med, and not get upset if I have bad side effects. Im afraid to tell my current doctor goodbye until I get a new one, and it could be months to get an appt.

Even my counselor has told me to goto a new doctor.

I pray I find a good new doctor to help me.

Thank you for your concerns and prayers. Sincerely, Ganaan

Dear Tapero
You are in a problem that is not uncommon to many bipolars. Money seems to really talk when it comes to proper care. It is not uncommon for many bi-polars to be living without meds. and it's such a shame as their lives are full of pain.

I have represented many social security case in the past. On the last case that came up for review I had to submit a statement as to the condition of the client.

This person was not taking the meds that where given to him because they didn't work for him and he had adverse reactions to them. In my statement to them I told them of the problem he was having with the meds and that he stopped taking them. I told them my client smokes pot and while I don't condone it I will have to say that it makes him to where it is easier to live with him and seems to calm him. I also let them know his access to pot is very limited because of the cost. Well you would think that this statement would cancel his disability but it didn't. It was the truth and it is known that self medicating oneself is not uncommon with bipolar folks.

The important things on a social security review is to have folks that have contact with the bipolar to write statements as to this persons condition. Most bi-polars live in a very controlled situation that is required for them to be able to handle life. Having to live like this is what makes them disabled.

So don't worry about your doctor and you will find that he is not always the most important person in the review. It is important to make them aware that the doctors care is not working. Others statements can also include this. You might also include your counselors advise. It would help if you had others that also went with you to see the counselor.

XEven though you can't see Him, GOD is there!O
( click on the X and move to the O ) ( then feel who is around you )

 

[tapero]

ed

 

[wonderwaleye]

Dear Wonderwaleye,

Thank you so much for writing. I thought the psychiatrist had the most weight. Thank you for this letter, because it teaches me to be honest. One thing I'm worried about. It states, if you feel better you must inform us. WEll, I haven't done that, and I think I'm feeling better in some ways, but not so good or worse in other ways. Then when it comes review time, the first question is 'do you feel better" Those questions alone worry me. And I was so sick last review and am doing much better this time around.

I think that's a great example about the pot. Mine is sleeping and being isolated. I was thinking that's how I self medicate, and the doctor doesn't understand that no stress means a healthier me, and no stress means sleeping and isolating...

I don't have anyone here, no friends or anything to go with me to the counselor. Did you mean the review counselor or regular counselor.

I just want to thank you for writng all that out for me.

I love the X and O. neat! Please keep teaching me more if you feel like writing. I'm not good socially, and would be the first to hang myself so to speak, because of the way I am; you know high functioning,but I have great social problems.

Well, God Bless you for your help. Sincerely, Tapero

Dear Tapero
Thank you for a very kind reply.
Generally you don't see a review counselor. That is done in office.

It helps if someone comes to your regular counsel meetings for more than one reason. They can help on a review and they can give you the proper support reminders when needed.

It is not uncommon for bipolar folks to isolate themselves. Sometimes it's all they can do to tolerate themselves. Others have a hard time understanding this or any mental disease.

It would be a good idea to make contact with someone. A support group dealing with your type problem helps. They don't question your feelings but they can give you ideas of what and what does not work for them.

Never forget GODS WORD on not taking your own life. If you feel the real pain of depression ask that you be committed. I did. When they locked the doors on me I felt very relieved because it was then that I was unable to do what was needed to end it. The ONLY thing that kept me from it was GODS WORD.

REMEMBER:


XEven though you can't see Him, GOD is there!O
( click on the X and move to the O ) ( then feel who is around you )

 

[Alive again]

Social Security-I have been on it for about ten years now. I lead an active life, but am incapable of working because my emotions overwhelm my ability to cope, particualry anger. I try very hard to maintain it, but it will break out unpredictably. I am much improved recently and am also concerned about the are you feeling better question. However when I am honest with myself, I may be feeling better, but I still cannot maintain well enough to work. I hate it and it is tough to admit, but it is the truth. The hardest part of assessing feeling better in BP is this-is this truly better or mania and then if it is better will it last and finally it may be better, but is it better enough to work e.g. will I be able to handle the stress of work without a relapse????

The best hint I ever had was from a social worker-When you apply for social security-talk about your worst days!!! These are the days you cannot trully work. With BP this involves your worst mania days and your worst depressed days.

My experience with social security and my own claim and helping others was fight it through the appeals to get to the hearing judge and hire an attorney for that. The lawyer I talked to recently said they deny 60-80% of all initial claims, and usually do not reverse themselves until you are at the hearing. In my case, the judge pick a date out of the air that I was magically disabled and I recieved a back payment to that date and then ongoing monthly cash. Those eligible for SSDI are eligible for medicare and can also be eligble for SSI if their income is low enough. Those eligible for higher levels of SSDI and with kids may also be eligible for auxiliary benefits. My son who is 20 and has ben unable to work due top his bp is actually eligible for the auxialry benefits from my SSDI as a disabled adult of a disabled adult.

Summary-fight it thru to the hearing, get help and ask lots of questions!!!

Alive

BTW I self medicate m,y emotions away with food

Praying you will find a doctor who will listen to yu and that you are comfortable working with!!!!

 

[tapero]

ed

 

[Alive again]

Dear Wonderwaleye, Thank you so much for writing again. I missed these posts till just tonight. Thank you for your support and suggestions. I don't have bipolar as severely as I had it before, or maybe it's because i"m totally isolated, like you say that is common. I'm sorry this post is a mess, I'm replying to the two letters here. Do you mean to bring a counselor to the review? I am not so sure mine would be able to come. Thank you so much for writing.

Dear Alive again, Thank you also for your letter, again I apologize for taking so long to reply. I wonder if you recall that when we feel better we are supposed to call social security and let them know as well. That's my main worry. Then the form when it gets here on top of that with the same question. They stop the check six months if they think one is lying.

I've also been on 10 years I believe, possibly 15. My psychiatrist is really giving me a hard time about taking a medicine I'm allergic to. I'm really all messed up. I can't get another psychiatrist and it's getting close to the review date, so I need to trust Christ in all this, which is so hard to do. Maybe Jesus is wanting me to work again; I don't know, but I don't feel ready.

I see what you mean about self medicating - I do the same thing. I hope I don't need lawyers or anything when it's my turn. Thank you so much for your letter, and please write again and tell me more of your thoughts. My letter tonight is a little jumbled. CAnt do 2 letters in one swoop. Just noticed both tonight. Feel awful for it going so long. Please forgive me both of you. Thank you for praying for me.

God bless, Tapero

Tapero, you do not need to apologize. I actually have more to apologize for as I missed reading some posted and did not realize you were already on Social Security. I do get those letters and always panic. But I still focus on my worst days and realize those are the days that keep me from holding down a job. It's not like I can get suddenly and overwhelming mad at a coworker, or fail to show up cause I just can't get out of bed that day. I do realize the concern about reporting to Soc Security. I am actually at a phase where I am feeling better and wondering about returning to work myself. However, I still have episode of emotions so oerwhelming I have great difficulty managing them (both up and down). I still have major sleeping probs. But I am able to lead an active life, just not the structured one that a job requires. So when social security asks again, I can tell them I am feeling better, but the truth is I still have difficult to manage symptoms that make working a challenge. I personally find the diffculty of bp and retruning to work, being is this a mania that won't last or is this "better" so I can get back to work? so far my house is still a dirty disaster area. I feel, for me, when I make progress there and it lasts, then that will be a good indicator that I truly am feeling better and ready to return to work.

Also, did you realize that you can work a certain amount and still recieve ssdi? My son is in the process of a claim for ssi and ssdi and working part time. The amount you can make may vary, but my son can make about $800/month. Also are you aware of the return to work trial period program that SS has?

Prayign that you will have peace and wisdom about the correct path for your situation!

Alive

 

[wonderwaleye]

Dear Wonderwaleye, Thank you so much for writing again. I missed these posts till just tonight. Thank you for your support and suggestions. I don't have bipolar as severely as I had it before, or maybe it's because i"m totally isolated, like you say that is common. I'm sorry this post is a mess, I'm replying to the two letters here. Do you mean to bring a counselor to the review? I am not so sure mine would be able to come. Thank you so much for writing.

Dear Alive again, Thank you also for your letter, again I apologize for taking so long to reply. I wonder if you recall that when we feel better we are supposed to call social security and let them know as well. That's my main worry. Then the form when it gets here on top of that with the same question. They stop the check six months if they think one is lying.

I've also been on 10 years I believe, possibly 15. My psychiatrist is really giving me a hard time about taking a medicine I'm allergic to. I'm really all messed up. I can't get another psychiatrist and it's getting close to the review date, so I need to trust Christ in all this, which is so hard to do. Maybe Jesus is wanting me to work again; I don't know, but I don't feel ready.

I see what you mean about self medicating - I do the same thing. I hope I don't need lawyers or anything when it's my turn. Thank you so much for your letter, and please write again and tell me more of your thoughts. My letter tonight is a little jumbled. CAnt do 2 letters in one swoop. Just noticed both tonight. Feel awful for it going so long. Please forgive me both of you. Thank you for praying for me.

God bless, Tapero

Dear Tapero

You are not stable because you fail to have the right meds. Things don't get better for a bipolar, they remain a bipolar that can hopefully be controlled with meds.

Now what I mean by the statement of things don't get better doesn't mean that your recent episodes haven't been as extreme, it means once a bipolar always a bipolar and you are subject to a extreme episode at any time given the right conditions.

Before a person is really ready to go back to work they need to have meds that work good for them so they are stable. You must remember that once you take on a job your stress level will increase.

Are you aware that you can try going back to work and still draw SSD? Or that you can make up to $700.00 and continue to draw SSD? This is not a bad option as it lets you see if you can handle it.



It might help for you to talk with me. If it would you could email me your # and I will call you. Tell me the best time to reach you. My email address is wonderwaleye@yahoo.com

Then we could talk about what is needed for you reevaluation.

ALWAYS REMEMBER:

XEven though you can't see Him, GOD is there!O
( click on the X and move to the O ) ( then feel who is around you )