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.

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ShivIT 02/19/2013

I have recently come to realize that the medications I take may be keeping me on disability. I feel like I'am constantly battling the side effects of my medications. It's hard to focus and I have constant brain fog. I can't seem to keep my thoughts organized. My short term memory is awful. How do you maintain a job when you are constantly asking, " how do you do that again...what was it you told me?" Sometimes it feels likes I'am trying to hear over the noise, but the noise is in my head!

Can you go to school without losing your disability? I need to try something.

vickybea 02/19/2013

when l was on high levels of Depakote l was the same way my Dr told me to give it 3-4mths to settle down it never did l changed meds you may be on too high a dose of something and its zoning you out l would ask for a change because its affecting your quality of life too much.

dancingd 02/19/2013

Contact your school to see if you can attend w/o losing benefits ...I don't foresee a problem.

When I applied for SSDI, I included the side effects the meds caused.
Dizziness
Forgetfulness
Lack of balance.

All of these were legit reasons to qualify for SSDI

ShivIT 02/19/2013

I have been on lithium, lamictal, and clonapin for over ten years. But over the last three years these side effects seem be a permanent problem. My doctor doesn't want to change anything, but I feel like I'm disappearing in my mind and life. The world is passing by without me.

vickybea 02/19/2013

Seriouslay get a second opinion, l know l slept most days never remembered if l had taken meds it was impossible to keep pace with days, l was on too high a dose for me working was impossible walking down the road l had one road to cross l almost got run over l was so spaced out its a horrible feeling.

My Dr kept tweaking the dose of Depakote higher whenever l complained until l told her l was in too much pain l had a complete med change and feel so much better. I take lamictal and space out every now and then but not all the time, my short term memory is very bad though and l have noise when l'm having an episode. Do you feel stable lately?

GinaWonders 02/19/2013

If you can't remember things well enough to keep a job - how could you go to school? Brain fog is brain fog?????

I have found in 20 years on meds - sometimes you have to tweak dosages to function.. example too much lithium, I could read or focus. Adujsted down a bit, it worked without brain fog - worked well, for over 10 years, and I managed to keep working...

If you pdoc doesn't listen, and your meds are not working well enough, then a second opinion, a fresh set of eyes and knowledge would be worth trying, having a life with working and Having money.

Too much time on my hands, and broke - does more damage then help...... Disability is not enough to have a good life. If you don't have to settle, Don't ((((BIG HUG))))

I do know how hard it is! Maybe just get a doc to tweak, if your doing well - but not well enough.... First : ) imho

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