not true your still the same person now you just have to figure out what you need to do to keep you level

Your husband took a vow to love you in sickness and in health, till death do you part. If he is a good man, he will stick by that because, very likely, you've been Bipolar I a lot longer than you think, and he has stood by you thus far.

I really hope he will be nothing but loving and supportive of you. I'm very sorry you have to bear this diagnosis..this disease. I know how awful it can be and I wouldn't wish it on anyone. Please hang in there! You can live a good life, hun, and be stable. Just do the work and keep fighting.

I just feel like a fake. Like he purchased something at the store and got it home only to find it is broken. Shouldn't I expect him to want to return it?

all depnds on the guy some are unders standing some are not but your still you i'm very open about my bp all myfriends know i don't "keep it in the closet" so to speak and all of my friends still axxept me for me the ladies included

Candymom,
Things will be okay. This is NOT a death sentence here. Your life will go on & you are still the same person. I bet your husband will be a lot more understanding than you think. There is still a treatment option for you, this doesn't mean you are broken. I am Bipolar I, with PTSD & schizoaffective disorder. I am not broken, I am still a person & I manage to accomplish things, care for my 2 year old daughter, work part time. We all have obstacles to overcome & challenges, but we are not broken. You need some time for things to sink in & your treatments to get adjusted, but you will be okay! Feel free to message me if you ever want to talk. All best! XOXO

I was going to say exactly what muggermike said in Reply#1. I am bipolar 1 also - stable on meds and lovin it. I am glad that I am who I am and that I have had the experiences I have had -- without it I wouldn't be the person I am now. And I like the person I am now. I'm sure if your husband fell in love with you unmedicated, it will only be easier to live with you on meds, lol, just kidding. Really, things will be ok. XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO Bee

Well you have a long toughroad ahead of you.
The question might be what are you going to do about it.
There are alot of treatments around that can really help. Get him involved with the treatment . dont keep whats going on a secret. Educate him on the meds side effects.
How to help track your moods. go to therapy together
join a local suppot group and get to know other succsefull bp couples their is alot out there for youand him. It is a family disease. and should be treated that way.
I will pray for the two of you. find some girlfriends here and tellus how you are doing your trails and triumphs.

matt.

Your husband loves you. This disease is only a part of you. Therefore, if your husband loves all of you then he must also love the bipolar portion and all its ups and downs. Be kind to him, educate him as much as possible, and involve him in in your treatment. You'd be surprised by human behavior.

My first marriage ended becuase of my illness. He told me he didn't want to be my caregiver...so much for in sickness and in health. My second marriage has been a God-send. He is totally supportive and understanding. Hopefully your husband will be a real man and stand up to the plate. Ask yourself what if he got sick would you leave him? BP is just an illness like diabetes or heart conditions. It doesn't change who you are inside. You're still the same person he married only now things might be even better now that you are diagnosed and get onto proper meds. I would think this should be a happy time for you knowing that you will soon be healthy again and be able to contribute a lot more to the marriage.