Another "thing"

Poor J.  This kid can't get a break. This year has been particularly difficult and it's been going on since February.  It began that month when his adorable girlfriend broke up with him.  He was a mess.  They had gone out for two years and he was so happy with her.  They had a lot in common (they both liked to paint), she "taught" him how to clothes shop and buy gifts for others, and he discovered that he liked to cook so she would buy him his own kitchen supplies.  She was also two years older than him.  Like the girlfriend who broke up with him in high school.  In fact, those two girls were good friends when J dated the other one.  And both girls were the reason he ended up in the psych ward for suicidal threats.  
He appeared to be much better once he was released from the hospital in August from the ward.  Prior to that he was drinking very heavily day after day.  Although he was extremely angry that we had him committed and he said it was a horrible experience while he was there ~ it did something to "snap" him out of it.  He was only on the medication for a short time and then seemed "okay" after that.  He was diagnosed with BP 2.  Now it makes sense - some of the "quirks" he's had in the past and now.  I am surprised that the adolescent psych doctor didn't pick up on that, based on some of his behaviors.  After his recent diagnosis and reading about it more ~ there is no question. Expect for these major episodes ~ on a daily basis he seems and is very "normal" so it's hard to forget he has this issue.
Sure he had some drinking episodes but compared to what it was like before ~ it was okay.  He also had been in college last spring and still managed to get all A's ~ except one class. The prof in that class gave him a 3 month extension on a paper because J has the highest grade in the class ~ but J never did it.  Not sure what he got.  J quit college.  Not sure what he wants to do but he had been working in a tavern/restaurant that he really liked - waiting tables on some days and cooking on others.  He is so upset that they are going to find a replacement for him because he's been sick.  The strep was sooo bad.  Let it go too long, emergency tonsillectomy, and now I believe he's going to have surgery on his knee.  His knee is bad.  Taking him today to the orthopedic and I know it's bad news.  He didn't listen to me - had to play soccer the day after being released from the hospital. 
So today ~ another doctor visit after the one yesterday for his knee.  He's in pain with pain meds.  I hate the idea of this extended pain regimen but what can ya do?  Just have to hope and pray that he doesn't get hooked on these.