I have been depressed more than happy lately.  My docotor wanted to put me on lithium, but like you I was a little weary.  It can cause arithmia in your heart and I already have a pacemaker/defibulator.  We are going to give it a month and see what happens.  Then if I still feel this way I am going to have to find something.

I will be praying for you because I know how frustrated you feel now.

Your friend, Lori

Purple Flamingo

2/ 9/10 11:50pm

Luv u, Lori.  You make me better.

If you are truly bipolar vs unipolar (only mania or only depression)...then you need a mood stabilizer...it may be drugs for both mania and depression. Be sure to go to the drug site listed and check it out.

I am a firm believer in a well rounded approach that includes talk therapy and other things.  I have read virtually everything that I can get my hands on too. If you are not comfortable with your doc, switch. Have your husband go with to the appointments. He hopefully had a clearer picture of how you really are. When we are in the midst of something we aren't in clear judgement at all!

God's blessings as you go thru the trials of the different meds...not fun but sometimes very necessary.

Purple Flamingo

2/10/10 12:02am

aha!  did I mention my husband also is a bit mental?  I live with an unseen herd of animals.  I promise; they ain't mine.  But my hubby does know more about me than I do.  He does make an appearance when needed.  Yes, I am bipolar.  My rabid rapid cycles sometimes take leisurely strolls.  Some days, it feels safer to stay in the car.  No telling what will happen next.  I really, really want talk therapy!  I don't know what to ask from my insurance people.  They ask me, ' what kind of doc are you looking for?' I say , 'I want a doc that does meds and meetings and maybe a walk in the park.'  And those fools, they ask, 'yeah, fine, but what doc do you want?'  How should I know who does what?  That's why I asked them first!  By chance do you know the Lable under which I should ask for a talk/meeting/meds doc?  Is it a therapist or a social counselor or what do I ask for?  :(

Shelly

2/10/10 12:40am

I go to a psychologist. I started seeing her 2 years ago before my bipolar diagnosis. At that time it was major depressive syndrome.

 

My insurance (actually my husband's) pays for the whole appointment. I am going to see a psychiatrist to make sure the med situation is good but couldn't get in until mid April. I was prescribed the tegretol in October by my family physician. My hubby has gone with to the doctor but not yet to the psychologist. His work gets in the way. I'd like him to come at least once. I tell him all about my appointments. I go every other week until I get to a point where I feel more stable. She says it's up to me when to taper down.

 

I know it gets dicey at times...my hubby still feels like he's walking on egg shells lots of the time. He's understanding a bit more each month that this 'drags on'...so hoping that I'll see quicker improvements once spring is showing up. We just got dumped on again with 8" of snow...along with the drear. ugh.

 

I do know that I'm getting better so that gives me hope!