I was diagnosed with BP when I was 16 and it's been a journey ever since then. I have seen various doctors (specialists and GPs). It's not because I didn't like them, but rather when I moved to school and since the GPs referred me to PDocs and then I wanted to switch from a male to a female PDoc. Anyways, many doctors cannot agree on what I have or don't have. I've tried a variety of medications, usually I get really bad side effects so I quit taking meds. I was off meds for about 2 years, then finally started taking them again, but after 3 months my doctor told me she didn't think I needed to keep taking meds, so I've been off them completely for about 14 months and doing pretty well. I also tend to do better when I'm not on meds. Oftentimes I can get really depressed due to the meds I've tried.

Anyways, I haven't really experienced many episodes in the last few years. I've only been hospitalized once which was 4 years ago and after got out of the hospital I've been doing great. I may be down sometimes, but not at all like what it used to be. I also don't seem to get hyper very often or do risky things anymore.

I think part of the problem was hormones, but once I started taking birth control for regulation purposes, I have rarely felt the same way as I used to. So I don't know if I ever really even had bipolar. I want to go to a PDoc just to see if I still do or not. I know bipolar is generally for life, but I am very confused. Or is it possible just to go several years with no episodes? I probably should just enjoy it while I still have the chance...but...