Bipolar Disorder Support Group
Bipolar disorder is not just a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders marked by periods of abnormally high energy and euphoria, often accompanied by bouts of clinical depression. This is the place to talk about your experience with bipolar disorder, learn from others' experiences, and find support.
I am in a psyhiatric partial hospitalization program right now, and their team diagnosed me with bipolar disorder.
A brief history; I used drugs and alcohol for many years. Got sober in 1997. I started getting massive panic attacks after I got sober. My psychatrist put me on Klonopin and ended up with Serezone for depression.
That combination worked for many years up until the last 7-8 months. I started having heart palpatations, panic attacks, and afraid to leave the house! I thought I was dying, hence the partial hospitalization.
I do get hyper I must admit that, but I am down more than up. And the panic attacks/palpatations are the worst.
I am wondering why my psychiatrist of 10 years did not diagnose bipolar before. I am wondering if the people at the hospital who came to their diagnosis in 1 day are wrong?
Who should I go to for a second opinion?
Anyway I did stop the Serezone anti depressant and started with Valproic Acid last night. 250mgs for 3 days, then 500mgs for 3 days, then 750mgs after that. Plus I am taking the Klonopin 2 to 3 mg a day for panic attacks and anxiety.
The doctor told me I may need an anti-depressent along with the Valproic Acid, plus he told me to start taking fish oil.
He first wanted to put me on Lamictal but I was worried about the rashed. I already have sensitive skin and have dogs, and would not know if the rash was from allergies or the drug.
Now I am all freaked out about the potential side effects of the Valproic Acid.
Anyway, HELP I am totally lost and confused. You should see how messed up some of the people at the partial hospitalization program are. It is a 2 to 3 week program and then they just basically discharge the people. It is through an HMO.
A brief history; I used drugs and alcohol for many years. Got sober in 1997. I started getting massive panic attacks after I got sober. My psychatrist put me on Klonopin and ended up with Serezone for depression.
That combination worked for many years up until the last 7-8 months. I started having heart palpatations, panic attacks, and afraid to leave the house! I thought I was dying, hence the partial hospitalization.
I do get hyper I must admit that, but I am down more than up. And the panic attacks/palpatations are the worst.
I am wondering why my psychiatrist of 10 years did not diagnose bipolar before. I am wondering if the people at the hospital who came to their diagnosis in 1 day are wrong?
Who should I go to for a second opinion?
Anyway I did stop the Serezone anti depressant and started with Valproic Acid last night. 250mgs for 3 days, then 500mgs for 3 days, then 750mgs after that. Plus I am taking the Klonopin 2 to 3 mg a day for panic attacks and anxiety.
The doctor told me I may need an anti-depressent along with the Valproic Acid, plus he told me to start taking fish oil.
He first wanted to put me on Lamictal but I was worried about the rashed. I already have sensitive skin and have dogs, and would not know if the rash was from allergies or the drug.
Now I am all freaked out about the potential side effects of the Valproic Acid.
Anyway, HELP I am totally lost and confused. You should see how messed up some of the people at the partial hospitalization program are. It is a 2 to 3 week program and then they just basically discharge the people. It is through an HMO.
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theatre and I are there already. I'm having a very berry tea with crackers, cheese and cherry tomatoes and she's having a joint with some beer and we're both on really comfy recliners on thick pile carpet. we need some help with the decor if anyone is around??
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I'm trying to exercise daily. I was doing fairly well until I sprained my ankle 2 weeks ago but now I'm getting back on the horse. Today I walked over a mile with my arm weights that are about 22lbs total. I was out of shape and it was hard on my arms. I also did my 30 situps. I'm also going to drink a lot of water and try to eat healthy. I do tend to have a sweet tooth but I'm cutting...
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Thank you
BTW Welcome The people here are great and a great source of information.
Some people cycle rapidly, others take years. Each case is different. It sucks that it took so long for you to get a complete diagnosis. But you have it now.
I had an allergic reaction to lamictal. Sucks, I will be starting something new this week, don't know what yet.
Get a second opinion, but realize that doctors are human. Don't ask your freinds for their thoughts, they aren't professionals. Ask your MDoc for another PDoc if you want a second.
Stick close to us here. Sometimes we are way out there, and sometimes we can help you pick up the peices.
Best advise I can give is to follow your doctors instructions to the letter. If you choose to get a second opinion just make sure it is a Pdoc who is qualified to make those diagnosis.
You might want to read a book called Bipolar for Dummies...it is a very easy read and very informative.
Lastly, you have found a great source of information and support in this site...but be warned that there have been people here lately that will give you bad advice like telling you to go medication free. If the advice does not make sense or goes against your doctors orders you should question it thourghly with your medical team!
I too would question a one-day diagnosis. I support your desire to get a second opinion.
If the BP diagnosis is wrong then you're wasting valuable time, but follow the regimen and take the meds because if the meds work then the diagnosis is likely correct.
To me your symptoms sound more
Anxiety-related and Anxiety Disorder is very different from BP, though many treatment meds are the same for both.
Time and knowledge are your best tools in coming to grips with things, and DS, of course!
It sounds to me like you might very likely be BP II. (C'est Moi!!!)
From what I've read, it is not at all uncommon to go years before getting a correct diagnosis and usually the incorrect diagnosis is Depression.
I'm sorry I can't help you with your questions as regards your meds, or where to get a second opinion.
Good luck!!!! Maybe you'll be doing a lot better from here on in!!!
Take care!!!!
Give it time
There is no medical foundation to prove that fish oil helps your brain function, but most people believe this myth. It's a good vitamin to take anyway.
The SJS rash is completly related to the medication. Not a huge anount of people get it my pdoc told me, it's just something to watch out for the entire time you are on Lamictal. If you start to get itchy or rash on your upper body or back, just take it seriously and get to a doctor asap.
I don't know of a psych drug that doesn't have a side effect, that's just what you have to live with when you have BP. Lamictal has pretty low side effects considering, cmpared to the others...other than the SJS.
My advice, just do what the doc say as best you can, and don't stop or adjusy your meds without letting your pdoc know...very dangerous.
Therapy is always a good idea too (Cognitive therapy is best for BP)
This is all just my experience and my opinion.
Most of us (I think) have it genetically.
I know this from my professional work.