confused and scared

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-18-2003
confused and scared
12
Wed, 12-01-2004 - 4:43pm




I went to the new pdoc today.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 07-01-2004
Wed, 12-01-2004 - 7:43pm

(((Traci)))I don't know much about bi-polar, but is is not as scary as people make it out to be. For the record, you seem a lot less bi-polar than some undiagnosed folks. But that is my unofficial unprofessional opinion.

Look it up on some search engines and try not to worry so much.

Sending hugs and good thoughts your way.
Take care,
Lisa-)
Co-CL Depression Support

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-16-2003
Thu, 12-02-2004 - 10:27am

(((((((((((((Foggy)))))))))))))) It sounds to me like mixed state depression could be bipolar. I've never heard of that before. I know this will sound strange, but getting this diagnosis may be a good thing. I was diagnosed as bipolar this past March and was put on Lamictal then. I am still on it and Lexapro. There are different types of bipolar disorder, some with more serious symptoms than others. I had only mild manic episodes (compulsive spending, racing thoughts, going for a week at a time with hardly any sleep). For some people the mania manifests itself in worse ways. I mostly experienced extreme depressive episodes to the point where functioning on a daily basis was becoming very difficult. The Lamictal will stabilize your moods and will help your emotions even out. It has been a godsend to me. That combined with the Lexapro helps me let things go and not worry constantly about them.


Having this disorder does not have to place ANY limitations on your life, Foggy. I was relieved to get my diagnosis and medication so I could finally move on with my life and come out of the dark hole I was living in. Just pay attention to yourself and to your moods and behaviors. You will learn what triggers your moods and you can learn how to avoid or deal with those triggers. Tasks that seem simple to some people can be very difficult for me (like getting a meal on the table every night)..I recognize that and know when those tasks are triggering me so I can step back and figure out a better way to get the task accomplished.


Don't be afraid. Sounds like you are in good hands with your pdoc. Give the medication time to get in your system and work. And, keep reaching out for support. It helps to commiserate with those who can identify with what you're going through.


(((((((((((Big Hugs of comfort)))))))))))

Ting 

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Thu, 12-02-2004 - 12:33pm

Hi Foggy. I'm Keli. I have Bipolar Disorder. And the two diagnoses are NOT the same, however, when you're bipolar, you can have many mixed states of both depression and mania. I would be very interested to know what symptoms you are/were having that led your doctor to this diagnosis, if you don't mind sharing. I will say though, that a lot of pdocs will hesitate to dx Bipolar for a while, until they see a constant and concurrent pattern, and in the meantime, dx something like "mixed state depression". Now, I also know how scary it is to BE bipolar, so I know how you're feeling. As for the effects that it can have on your life, well, that all depends on how severe your disorder is, how well you respond to treatment, and how well you cope with your illness.

I don't mind sharing my story with you, if you'd like to hear it. Just let me know. Over at the Bipolar board, the ladies are wonderful and you'd get wonderful support there too, just like you do here.

Hang in there. Lamictal is a great medicine, if you can tolerate it. Watch very closely for the rash. I got it and couldn't take it. But I know several people who have taken it with good success. Its a mood stabilizer that works on depression as well.

Wellbutrin made me worse, so I couldn't take it.

Anyway, didn't mean to ramble. If you'd like to know more, just let me know. I'm usually lurking here, and always on the BP board.

Hugs,

Keli

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-18-2003
Thu, 12-02-2004 - 12:36pm

I have cyclothymic disorder which is a form of bipolar disorder less severe but chronic..
When I have my manic episodes I just get really agitated angry stuff like that but since going on a mood stabilizer I am even my moods are not out of control I have the racing thoughts but that is not too bad now that I know how to sort them out..
the thing is biplar when on meds is not a horrible thing it is so not as bad as people make it out to be as long as you take care of yourself you will be fine..
I kopw for me personally I can not atake an anti depressant it makes me manic so my neurontin works great alone I tried lamictal but I got this horrible rash on my neck with puss and what not so I had to get off it but I was told that getting something like that is so rare and I just happened to be one of those people who has reactions like that to meds...but Iknow that you will be fine and the others are right sometimes getting a diagnosis is the best thing cause then you know what is going onwith you and how to fix it..
best of luck to you
Erin

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-18-2003
Thu, 12-02-2004 - 7:49pm




Thanks Ting.

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-18-2003
Thu, 12-02-2004 - 7:53pm




Thank you Lisa.

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-18-2003
Thu, 12-02-2004 - 8:06pm




Hi Keli.

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-18-2003
Thu, 12-02-2004 - 8:14pm




(((((Erin))))) Thank you for your input.

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-16-2003
Fri, 12-03-2004 - 9:06am

That definitely isn't a stupid question, Traci. It's good that you are seeking all the information you can find. That will help you figure out how to cope and move forward. I don't know how racing thoughts and panic attacks are linked. I didn't notice that I had panic attacks with my racing thoughts, but I may have and just wasn't paying attention. I have had panic attacks lately, though, but my AD is helping take the edge off of them. What triggers mine

Ting 

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-18-2003
Fri, 12-03-2004 - 9:31am




Thanks Ting.

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