Posted by fluffy on April 24, 2003, at 11:26:26
In reply to Re: Bipolar success stories? « Kira, posted by judy1 on April 24, 2003, at 0:05:47
Kira--
I will second that the people on this board are usually 1) new to their condition/ diagnosis and struggling to accepting it, and 2) new to medications that can at first cause side effects (that can fade over time). Because of this, posts can seem negative and sometimes desperate...but they are honest, coming from *real* people...not a psychiatrist. So in that sense, the information is valuable. But take it with a grain of salt (including my opinion!).
Don't let it keep you from seeking treatment for your condition, however. There are many medications that can help you cope with your symptoms and the havoc they wreak on your life-- MUCH, MUCH better!! Honestly!! I am trying to perfect my coctail right now, but I still feel better than I did when I was first diagnosed. (bipolar II--rapid cycling). I have been through a couple of mood stabilizer trials, and it seems that Lamictal is working well *for me*. You may require some trials to figure out what works and lessens your symptoms WITHOUT feeling like a zombie!! It is possible! It's a real pain to feel like a guinea pig, but be patient--there is relief!! Unfortunately, psychiatry is still a science of trial and error. They are working to make it better, though.
I highly recommend that you read "An Unquiet Mind" by Kay Redfield Jamison. It helped me to be realistic about my medication and swaying with "episodes". If you don't already know, Kay Jamison IS a success story. She was diagnosed bipolar I while studying to BE a psychiatrist (which she is now, successfully--and taking Lithium)If you have any questions or need to talk, don't hesitate to post to this thread...I'm following it. It's an issue I still feel close to, as I was only recently diagnosed and am still grappling with it (and meds). Don't let anyone discourage you from taking medication at this point since you haven't even *tried* any!!
Keep in touch and take care!
Katy
poster:fluffy
thread:221828
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030423/msgs/221987.html