I have low BP as well, severe migraine, bad short-nearsightedness, very bad astigmatism, moderate asthma, bad tonsillitis, allergies, awful dysmenorrhea and insomnia. Those are my known illnesses. For years I've had awful recurring joint pain and muscle cramps but despite numerous tests and doctor visits the cause remains a total mystery. I'm a health insurance company's worst nightmare. At one point my doc thought I had a tumor due to the severity of my migraines. Each day is a physical and mental struggle but I make the most of the good ones and try not to let the bad ones get me too far down.

You are right, Amuseme. It can get overwhelming for sure. My other conditions are Pre-diabetes, bronchiectasis, fibromyalgia, sleep apnea, high cholesterol and cervical spondylosis. Plus I'm 70 lbs overweight. I'm working hard at trying to lose by eating clean and controlling portions. Plus I go to the gym at least 2 x a week. In 4 months I've only lost 8 lbs. Of course I have to do what's healthy with the other conditions too.

It truly is a balancing act - not letting all our other conditions and their needs overwhelm us and triggering a bipolar shift VS not letting the bipolar shifts overwhelm us so we neglect all those other conditions.

Its a good point and thanks for making me think about it.

I have kidney problems...related to going toxic on Lithium ...TWICE !

At 62 , I feel like I am in OK shape health wise.
Slightly elevated blood pressure and cholestoral could be better
My Depakote drags my butt, but I do OK

yes, i was diagnosed at 14 with scheuermann's disease, and still recovering and rehabbing a severed achilles tendon and shattered heel-bone. also damaged eyes and the multiple surgeries following.

if it sounds like i'm whining, i'm not. there are 1 year olds w/ lukemia, so relatively speaking, i have had a pretty disease/injury free life so far.

I have never been able to see a doctor in my life. I just recently got on medicare and wouldn't know how to begin to find a doctor for a check up. I am sure there are things wrong with me but I have no clue what they are. Every time I get bloodwork done at the clinic they tell me I have a urinary tract infection but I know I don't. I used to sell my blood for money but they stopped letting me do that, saying I have some liver disease that bans me for life from every giving blood again. But that's all I know. Never had the luxury of medical care.

Heretic surely you don't mean that literally? How were you prescribed Geodon?

For me I have some minor physical ailments that at the age of 54 aren't bad - I've started getting migraines and I take meds for Blood pressure and GERD.

I still count myself as healthy and very lucky.

acuriousfish - I didn't count mental health providers, I was only counting medical doctors. I have had a pdoc for 4 years, and every time I get blood work done at the clinic they tell me I need to see a doctor, but so far I haven't.

Heretic,
I think you meant Medicaid? Finding a doctor involves getting a list of doctors in your area who accept Medicaid (Medicare), seeing who is accepting new patients and researching their credentials. I just filled out a new patient application in order to switch doctors.

The best way is to get recommendations from people you know. Avoid getting a doctor who is near retirement age and younger doctors usually don't struggle with computers as those 50+.

I have had issues like appendicitis, bunion removal/haglunds deformity sanding down of bone before 20 years old, gallbladder removed, then of course a few automine disorders including Sarcoidosis that they say is in remission now...yet it leaves me with vitamin D intoxication which can be life threatening if out in the sun too long.

Thyroid troubles. Diagnosed with Hashimoto's Disease at age 20 in college. Had emotional/depression/anxiety fallout and dropped out of school. And I've developed high blood pressure. From stress and hereditary. And I need to lose weight.

fibromyalgia, migraines, bad eyes, high cholesterol, IBS, and I won't mention how much overweight I am, but it is quite a bit...I also have serious back problems, arthritis, and possibly a motion disorder (will know Monday)

meant movement disorder...and forgot...sleep problems...
lol...

My Pdoc does acupuncture to treat depression and migraines. I have an appt today. I use my health insurance a lot! Very fortunate to have always had very good coverage and very good, easy to reach docs.

Ateriosclerosis and some other possible conditions that I am not ready to face yet

I think of myself a pretty healthy because the illnesses I have/had were controllable or mild - hypothyroidism, arthritis, shingles.