Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 87059

Shown: posts 1 to 16 of 16. This is the beginning of the thread.

 

How can I protect myself?

Posted by judy1 on December 15, 2001, at 21:59:01

I am in my last month of pregnancy and because i have bipolar disorder and because i had a psychotic depression with my last child i feel like no one will listen to me. I have a shrink and therapist and ob doc (who I really like) watching me for any signs. i feel like i can't be honest or i'll be slapped on an AP and in a hosp and i'm so afraid of losing my baby even for a minute. it's like i have to be super normal which is hard because i can't take anything now (meds) except in emergencies and then i'm admitting i have a problem. maybe i'm on the wrong board- judy

 

Re: How can I protect myself? » judy1

Posted by Dinah on December 15, 2001, at 23:07:24

In reply to How can I protect myself?, posted by judy1 on December 15, 2001, at 21:59:01

Judy,
I certainly understand your concerns, but it would probably be best to be honest and open with your doctors. It can't be good for the baby for you to run into serious problems. Remember, they'll be watching out for the baby's best interests as well as yours, so you should be able to trust them.

 

Re: How can I protect myself? » judy1

Posted by Cam W. on December 16, 2001, at 0:06:12

In reply to How can I protect myself?, posted by judy1 on December 15, 2001, at 21:59:01

Judy - I am surprized that with all of the recent literature saying that lithium and valproic acid (with folic acid), if levels are watched properly, are reasonably safe to use during pregnancy. I have several studies stating that lithium, valproate, and some of the SSRIs, in a risk v benefit scenario, are now recommended in at risk pregnant mothers. Hmmm....

In any case, for your sake, as well as your baby's, do keep your docs informed of any changes in mood. You are less likely to lose your baby to the state if you are up front about your condition. Asking for help for yourself will show everyone that you are looking out for the best interests of your baby. It might be wise to tell the docs of your concerns about losing the baby, even for a short time. See what kind of help that they can offer you.

Good luck, hang in there, and keep us posted. - Cam

 

Re: How can I protect myself? » Cam W.

Posted by judy1 on December 16, 2001, at 12:29:15

In reply to Re: How can I protect myself? » judy1, posted by Cam W. on December 16, 2001, at 0:06:12

Thanks for the info Cam. Lithium doesn't work for me, depakote does for mania, but I couldn't nurse, could I? (SSRI's make me manic also) I think AP's (the old ones) are supposed to be okay but I don't know about nursing. I don't want to ask my drs, maybe paranoia kicking in. take care- judy

 

Re: How can I protect myself? » Dinah

Posted by judy1 on December 16, 2001, at 12:39:03

In reply to Re: How can I protect myself? » judy1, posted by Dinah on December 15, 2001, at 23:07:24

i hope this doesn't post twice, maybe it's paranoia like i said to Cam. But when someone is the victim of child abuse and has been thrown in restraints in more than 1 hospital it's so hard to trust. i would never try to hurt my baby, myself yes but never a child. sorry, just scared- judy

 

Re: How can I protect myself? » judy1

Posted by Dinah on December 16, 2001, at 12:59:54

In reply to Re: How can I protect myself? » Dinah, posted by judy1 on December 16, 2001, at 12:39:03

I understand that perfectly, and I never meant to imply that you would do anything to hurt your child, just that you have to take care of yourself for the benefit of your baby. Breastfeeding is terrific and wonderful, but not breastfeeding wouldn't be the end of the world. Babies have gotten along fine on formula for years. The bonding and cuddling is more important and might be easier for you to do if you are in a good frame of mind.
Take care of yourself. That's the best way to take care of the little one.

 

Re: How can I protect myself? » judy1

Posted by susan C on December 16, 2001, at 15:53:49

In reply to How can I protect myself?, posted by judy1 on December 15, 2001, at 21:59:01

ah, if it were me...and i had all those MDs at my beck and call (he he he) I would pick the one i liked best, print out what you said, make an appoint ment and say, i want you to read this and take time with your reply.

and I would have someone with me who also knows how i feel, as my advocate. How come so many of us feel we have to do this alone...?

keep us up to date, and take care mom to be

mouse being maternal
sc

 

Re: How can I protect myself? » judy1

Posted by shelliR on December 18, 2001, at 14:56:13

In reply to How can I protect myself?, posted by judy1 on December 15, 2001, at 21:59:01

> I am in my last month of pregnancy and because i have bipolar disorder and because i had a psychotic depression with my last child i feel like no one will listen to me. I have a shrink and therapist and ob doc (who I really like) watching me for any signs. i feel like i can't be honest or i'll be slapped on an AP and in a hosp and i'm so afraid of losing my baby even for a minute. it's like i have to be super normal which is hard because i can't take anything now (meds) except in emergencies and then i'm admitting i have a problem. maybe i'm on the wrong board- judy

hi judy.

I've been off the board in the hospital. How much support is your husband giving you? Will he be
there during delivery?

i'm thinking of you and everyone,

shelli

 

Re: How can I protect myself? » susan C

Posted by judy1 on December 19, 2001, at 10:54:05

In reply to Re: How can I protect myself? » judy1, posted by susan C on December 16, 2001, at 15:53:49

i think having an advocate is a really good idea, i just don't know of anyone. like i said in an e-mail to shelli, my husband listens to the docs more than he does to me. i just don't understand how they can be so certain i'll get ill, i feel like they make me ill. everytime i talk to them, i feel worse and just plain hopeless- judy

 

Re: How can I protect myself? » shelliR

Posted by judy1 on December 19, 2001, at 10:56:09

In reply to Re: How can I protect myself? » judy1, posted by shelliR on December 18, 2001, at 14:56:13

i wrote you on your thread, thank you for thinking of me. when they let me have a lap top at one hosp, it helped me so much to know that there were people out there that cared about me. i hope you feel the same- judy

 

Re: How can I protect myself?

Posted by Noa on December 19, 2001, at 18:45:51

In reply to Re: How can I protect myself? » susan C, posted by judy1 on December 19, 2001, at 10:54:05

Discuss with your husband how to convey to the docs, et al that you are working as a team so that the docs, et al can feel more assured that the baby's interests are protected even if you have some recurrence of your symptoms--that your husband and maybe another friend or relative are there as the "safety net". If you are direct with the docs about all of this, I would hope that they would have more confidence in you because you are acknowledging the risks and vulnerabilities your illness does potentially pose, and you are doing what you need to do to ensure that supports are in place.

You might want to think of joining up with a maternal-child support service like visiting public health nurses or early intervention programs, or a new moms' support group. Every state in the US has early intervention services of some kind--it is mandated by federal law. Call your state health and human services to find out about what is available in your area. Or the ob or ob nurses might be able to tell you.

I guess the bottom line is "be proactive".

 

Re: How can I protect myself? » Noa

Posted by judy1 on December 19, 2001, at 19:01:37

In reply to Re: How can I protect myself?, posted by Noa on December 19, 2001, at 18:45:51

thank you Noa- i'm going to call the a public health nurse in the morning. you are right, if it comes from me maybe they'll think i'm able to make good decisions (i hope you don't mind me saying it was my idea) i know i can use help. thank you- judy

 

Re: How can I protect myself?

Posted by OldSchool on December 19, 2001, at 19:02:00

In reply to How can I protect myself?, posted by judy1 on December 15, 2001, at 21:59:01

> I am in my last month of pregnancy and because i have bipolar disorder and because i had a psychotic depression with my last child i feel like no one will listen to me. I have a shrink and therapist and ob doc (who I really like) watching me for any signs. i feel like i can't be honest or i'll be slapped on an AP and in a hosp and i'm so afraid of losing my baby even for a minute. it's like i have to be super normal which is hard because i can't take anything now (meds) except in emergencies and then i'm admitting i have a problem. maybe i'm on the wrong board- judy


First, stay really tight with your family. Inform your family of your fears of losing your baby. Have your family be prepared to take care of your baby for a while if needed. And let the doctors know that your family can take care of your baby if the bottom does drop out.

Secondly, search around for a good attorney. Perhaps a woman attorney who specializes in this sort of thing. If the worst does occur, the attorney can come in and aggressively fight for your rights and make sure the baby remains in your family. Until you recover and then you get your baby back.

Maybe you should hire a mental health advocate to help you during your pregnancy. Check out Bazelon Center for Mental Health law for mental health advocacy groups in your state. The advocate can be part of your "voice" if things really get rough.

It probably wont come to this...Im just suggesting things to do to be proactive. Think ahead.

Eric

 

Re: How can I protect myself?

Posted by Noa on December 20, 2001, at 8:11:32

In reply to Re: How can I protect myself?, posted by OldSchool on December 19, 2001, at 19:02:00

Eric, thank you for this info! I think they are important.

Judy, keep us posted and also let us know how helpful any of these resources are. It is good info for all of us!

 

Re: How can I protect myself? » OldSchool

Posted by judy1 on December 20, 2001, at 11:51:25

In reply to Re: How can I protect myself?, posted by OldSchool on December 19, 2001, at 19:02:00

Dear Eric,
i once got a mental health directive from Bazelon i just have to find it. But i remember how helpful they were and thank you for reminding me of them- take care, judy

 

Re: How can I protect myself?

Posted by OldSchool on December 20, 2001, at 14:03:33

In reply to Re: How can I protect myself? » OldSchool, posted by judy1 on December 20, 2001, at 11:51:25

> Dear Eric,
> i once got a mental health directive from Bazelon i just have to find it. But i remember how helpful they were and thank you for reminding me of them- take care, judy

Judy, another idea to deal with any possible future psychotic depression would be to just tell your Pdoc upfront now that you would just wish to have ECT if you develop psychotic depression. ECT, particularly bilateral or bifrontal ECT, is the single most effective treatment known for psychotic or delusional depression. Perhaps creating another mental health directive dictating that in the event you develop another psychotic depression, your wishes are to just have ECT, including possibly bilateral or bifrontal ECT. This way youd get blasted out of the psychotic depression fast and be able to keep your baby.

Bilateral ECT oftentimes causes FULL REMISSION of depression symptoms, including psychotic depression. Side effects include memory loss and social stigma. Here is an article about it:

http://www.mhsource.com/pt/p010621.html

Sure youd lose some memory, as bilateral ECT in particular causes memory loss, but dont you think that would be preferable to going thru a bunch of mess fighting to keep your baby? Plus if you opt for ECT, that makes it appear that you are trying to fight this thing to the max, which would only look favorable on your part to the doctors and authorities who might wish to take your baby away.

ECT is effective for post partum depression, which is considered a particularly nasty type of mood disorder.

Old School


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