in search of people who can relate

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-28-2006
in search of people who can relate
4
Thu, 09-28-2006 - 8:56pm
Hi girls. My name is Christina, I'm 23 and I've just been diagnosed with Bipolar II disorder. My psychiatrist suggested joining a Bipolar Support Group but being in a small town it's hard to find one so I thought I'd check out this message board first. It's a little awkward finally having a diagnosis since I've been telling people for 6 years that there is something wrong with me but it always got pushed aside as weaknss or "just a phase". It wasn't until nearly attempting suicide that I feel like people actually started listening. My psychiatrist put me on Lamictal, which doesn't make you gain weight (or so the studies say). I've read a few posts and noticed there are some concerns about that with the medications out there. It was also my concern prior to going to the doctor because I have a history of eating disorders as well, coinciding with my manic stages. Well that's it I guess.I start seeing a therapist on Monday. I look forward to getting to know you.
iVillage Member
Registered: 02-15-2004
Thu, 09-28-2006 - 11:20pm

Hello Christina, my name is Gigi.

I have Bipolar Disorder as a result of my genes. My father had Bipolar Disorder. I wasn't diagnosed at an early age, it took several visits to a private psych hospital and a lengthy stay at the State Hospital for me to be tested, (blood tests, evaluations, etc.)to find out why I was having extreme mood swings.

I was relieved to find out what was wrong, and that something can be done about it. I've been given different types of anti-depressants. Many of which, I had to have the levels of the meds checked, by my blood being drawn. One of the anti-depressants, I did cause me to gain weight to the point of obesity. Unfortuantely, because of this specific med, I crossed over that invisible line of not having diabetes to having diabetes. Please be careful of your diet, regardless of what med you are on. Of course, those that do take their meds knows the side effects of drowsiness, etc.

I have lost weight for reasons that I chose to leave personal, but I did lose weight. But I'm pretty sure everyone else, in this community will share their stories.

Thanks and welcome!

Gigi

 


Hugs,


Sebastian


 


http://www.facebook.com/sebastianbruce

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-27-2006
Fri, 09-29-2006 - 12:10am

Welcome Christina


I am glad you found us. I feel we have a nice support system here.


I wish I was diagnosed when I was young. My pdoc (psychiatrist) that I have now

     ~ Tina ~

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-12-2005
Sun, 10-01-2006 - 2:08pm

Welcome to the group. My name is Johanna aka jo. And I just want to say OMG you sound like me when I was 23. Your story is exactly the same as mine, to the T. Except that I was 25 when DX. I have been here for a few yrs and the ladies here are wonderful and a life saver. I moved to a small town 2 yrs ago and my pdoc told me to join a group as well when I told him about my online group he was real happy with it. I hope you ind a home here with us. This is one of the best places to be. Hope you stay around.


huggs,


jo


[url=http://www.forum-signatures.com][img]http://www.forum-signatures.com/wizard/Sigs/2010/final130219095588.jpg[/img][/url]
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-06-2005
Mon, 10-02-2006 - 9:20am

Hi Christina and Welcome !!!


Glad you found us...as you have seen the women here are great and very supportive.


I took Lamictal, its a great drug....I was one of the ones in that .5% that did gain weight, but everyone is different and reacts different to each med.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

God could not be everywhere, so