Just a quick note to update everyone. I have plateaued in my progress for several months, so we tried to increase my Lamictal from 200mg to 300mg 2 months ago (since Lamictal has seemed to be the best med for me) & my condition actually got worse - I had a mild manic episode (I have heard this can happen with Lamictal). Back to the drawing board...
I hadn't noticed any improvement from 100mg to 200mg a year ago (the pdoc had recommended the increase for 'further protection' from instability). Then 6 months ago, I went off the birth ctrl pill, which apparently leads to the Lamictal increasing in efficacy. So it appears logical to go back down towards 100mg.... of course I will check with my pdoc.... I know I better not monkey around too much, since each additional episode apparently worsens the overall prognosis. I've also read that BD tends to generally 'worsen' over time... maybe they meant only if it was untreated? I know of people who have gotten much better since getting treated - though it took months or years to find the right mix... I'm frustrated with how long it's taking. It's also frustrating re-gaining some weight. Back on the diet...
On a positive note, I am getting more & more involved with The Mood Disorders Association (they have over 60 support groups across B.C.). I'll be getting trained to be a group facilitator in July & then co-facilitate my own little group here in North Van... but my main passion is in educating the public and fighting stigma. I am very fortunate to live near the headquarters office & so I can deal directly with the Executive Director, Marketing Director, Newsletter Editor, and the founding couple. I take pride in gaining more & more knowledge about mood disorders & recently finished an 8-week PsychoEducation course for Bipolar at UBC. I will be speaking with the Executive Director tomorrow to compare notes & help them develop a similar program for the MDA. They have asked me if I could teach it! Once I am strong enough, I would like to give it a try. In the mean time, I am beefing up their 'resource centre' with my own list of the many books, documentaries & internet sites that have helped me over the years. I have begun to purchase & donate some of the better ones for their library.... The MDA has also asked me to 'write my story' which they will put on their website, using it to help us attract more members and supporters. I'm really happy to do this & on one of my 'good' days, I will do this.
Hope all is well with you all.
Sharon
