Posted by ksvt on January 8, 2001, at 19:48:48
In reply to Re: Need to bend an ear.....anybody have one available » tdaneen, posted by medlib on January 8, 2001, at 0:23:19
> tdaneen - I would also notate times your spouse was entitled to visitation or was offered extra visitation and failed to use it. Sometimes that is helpful information. Usually the issues addressed at a temporary hearing are limited so hopefully you'll be able to keep a low profile. Just remember, you hired an attorney so he or she could advocate on your behalf. You shouldn't have to talk to anyone but your attorney, unless you have to testify. In alot of court houses they have separate rooms that can be used to give litigants some privacy. Maybe you can just hang out with a friend or with your attorney in one of these rooms until your case actually gets called. Good luck ksvt
tdaneen--
>
> First, I'd like to ditto Racer and tina's advice. In court, present the smallest possible target and let your attorney advocate/defend you. I've been in your shoes, and the less direct contact you have with your STBE, now an implacable opponent, the better--for you and your child. Your calendar of visits is invaluable; I can only suggest that you also notate any time it is necessary to refuse a visitation request, and why. Unfortunately, conflicts of this type seldom end with the divorce decree.
>
> Re short-term stability: I strongly advise temporarily dropping the Adderall; please consider checking this with your pdoc Monday. This stimulant drug increases nervousness, irritability and anorectic behavior--while undoubtedly helpful on the downswing, its booster-rocket-effect is the *last* thing you need on an upward spiral.
>
> I'm sure you must have shared earlier re topamax, but I missed it. Can I assume that Lamictal, Tegretol, Neurontin and Lithium proved ineffective for you? Topamax (like other anticonvulsants) does decrease mental alertness and focus. It can also cause fatigue and depression and increase irritability. None of these "electrical smoothers", as JohnL calls them, are without major side effects; sometimes you just have to keep an eye on the risk/benefit ratio and have patience with yourself. You are being treated for a major, relapsing-remitting-type chronic illness. It doesn't mean that you can't be a loving, effective mother and a productive citizen, any more than it would for someone with MS, or Crohn's or rheumatoid arthritis. It *is* important to be pro-active in lining up extra support and creative in learning adaptive techniques. Don't let *anyone* invalidate you!
>
> BTW, another med note: Titrating Effexor up and down may not be too effective short-term. Initially, more Effexor- > more sleepiness; the additional mood elevation may not kick in for days/weeks. Adderall might be a better candidate for quick adjustments, with its shorter half-life and rapid action. Just food for pdoc conversation.
>
> Well wishes and don't let the f---ers get you down!---medlib
>
>
> > Well, to anyone that decides to respond to this (some of you will remember me and my history), for those who don'tI just want to let you know that I'm a BPII currently taking 150-225mgs effexor, 20mgs adderall, and 200mgs topamax per day. I have only been hospitalized once, for four and half days only two and a half months ago.
> > I am currently (eh gads! STILL) in the process of a divorce. I believe that is what is triggering my current depressive episode (or relapse if you prefer that term).
> > You see, my ex-to-be and I have been seperated for over a year, and we are just now going in for our first court date. This was supposed to only be for temporary support, however, he had his attorney file an additional paper adding to the docket. So, now he is also trying to prove that I been refusing him visitation! That being completely untrue, as he has our child for three nights every other weekend, and at least one or two week nights every other week (I HAVE kept a calandar of each and every one-thank you).
> >
> > So now that I have bored you with my personal life, I need to get to the impact it has been having, and my fears of going to court.
> > I'm your basic atypical BPII. I have been sleeping more, but it is strange that I'm not eating. When I stop eating that is when I start getting manic. By this time normally I'm doped up on carbohydrates, and sluggish.
> > I've been VERY, VERY grouchy. I'm not thinking clearly most of the time, and increasing my effexor hasn't seemed to help. I'm afraid that I will continue to spiral until my court date (tuesday). If it goes badly...then hopefully if I start to bottom out I won't have to keep the effexor at a higher dose for very long. If all goes well...hopefully I won't start to spiral up. It is weird. I'm right in the middle (Hmmm mixed episode?!?)and if I don't get it stabilized quickly I could get out of control quickly. And THAT is not only something that I work very hard to control, but at this point something that my soon-to-be-ex would want.
> >
> > So, does anybody have any suggestions for short-term stability? I need some ideas on how to make it through these next two days...I promise I'll call myPdoc on Wed., no matter how it goes.
poster:ksvt
thread:3759
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20010105/msgs/3792.html