Information and opinions on health from Hopeful mom at HealthCentral.com. HealthCentral.com is one of the top health destinations on the Web, with more than 35 condition-specific, wellness and general health Web properties. http://www.healthcentral.com/profiles/c/67087/index http://www.healthcentral.com/profiles/c/67087/rss self application/xml en-us 15 120 19 http://www.healthcentral.com/images/hc_logo_sm.gif http://www.healthcentral.com/profiles/c/67087/index http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/67087/139766/manic-episode Sat, 11 Jun 2011 08:31:08 -0400 Hopeful mom Well we went along for a good 3 years of stability after my son's hospitalization at the age of 15.  Now he's 19 and having his first manic episode.  He ran off with a 14 year old pregnant meth addict.  He lost his first real job and spent every bit of money he had on the girl.  He doesn't have money for car insurance or to pay his cell phone bill.  His grandpa bought him a 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt for graduation but he... http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/67087/139766/manic-episode http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/67087/132080/hit-close-home Thu, 17 Feb 2011 18:59:16 -0500 Hopeful mom Today, I found out that a dear friend's son committed suicide.  She and I had talked about Bipolar disorder.  She is being treated for it and knew that he had it too.  The problem is, he was in his 20s.  She couldn't make him get help.  He refused to see a doctor and did drugs instead.  I feel so bad for her.  I can't imagine anything worse than losing your child that way.   Then I started to question... http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/67087/132080/hit-close-home http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/67087/106520/deficiency Wed, 17 Mar 2010 10:22:44 -0400 Hopeful mom I found out an interesting thing recently.  I was dieting and working out like crazy and showing barely any progress at all.  After about a month, I developed back and leg pain.  I felt like an arthritic old woman every time I tried to exercise. I went to see my doctor for my physical and mentioned it to her.  I thought I might be hypothyroid because my mom had that issue years before.  She ordered blood tests and talked... http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/67087/106520/deficiency http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/67087/106415/life-good Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:33:55 -0400 Hopeful mom I can't believe it's been two years since I've been a regular around here.  My son is 18 now.  He's driving, he has a job, he's making As and Bs in school, and he's going to graduate in May.  The very best thing is that he's happy.  He told me recently that when he went through his bad spell he hated everyone and now he loves everyone. We were lucky to find the right help at the right time.  I know that he could... http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/67087/106415/life-good http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/67087/72825/year Sat, 30 May 2009 11:33:08 -0400 Hopeful mom Well another school year has drawn to a close.  Only one year left to go.  I am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel for him.  He has his year one machining certificate.  He passed the semester with straight Cs.  I know he could do better but at least he passed everything.  No more Math! Woohoo! He has to repeat a semester of biology and year 10 English but other than that, it's smooth sailing from... http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/67087/72825/year http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/67087/55964/still-doing-well Sat, 17 Jan 2009 09:27:43 -0500 Hopeful mom He ended the semester with an A, two Bs, and two Cs.  Life is going better for him now.  He should be getting his driver's license in the next couple of months.  One more semester of Math and he shouldn't have to worry about that any more.  He was really tired before Christmas break but he seems renewed at the moment.  We had a conversation this week where he claimed he'd be going off his meds when he turns... http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/67087/55964/still-doing-well http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/67087/52493/checking Tue, 16 Dec 2008 08:47:19 -0500 Hopeful mom Wow, it's been awhile since I posted here.  Guess I haven't felt as much need for the forum lately.  It's been a year and a month since we got our son back.  When he was released from the hospital he was a tiny 120 pounds (he's 5'9).  He was very gaunt and unhealthy looking from the depression that almost ended his life.  We were scared to death and I thought every time I fussed at him about something he would go try to... http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/67087/52493/checking http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/67087/42636/meeting-therapy Sun, 28 Sep 2008 07:36:31 -0400 Hopeful mom We had his IEP meeting on Friday.  It looks like he should be able to graduate on time if he doesn't fail any more classes.  His F in Algebra is now a C.  His Science grade is a D but his teacher said if he'll finish 2 assignments this weekend, that grade will be a C as well.  He's holding a strong B+ in English. I think he might just have a handle on this school thing.  Time will tell I guess, but he's finally talking... http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/67087/42636/meeting-therapy http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/67087/42052/things-couldn Wed, 24 Sep 2008 05:37:52 -0400 Hopeful mom We're finding out now that he can do the math without stimulants.  He's coming in from school and getting right down to it.  He's only missing one more assignment in his algebra class at this point.  He's understanding it too.  He hasn't asked for help in a week now.  I really think the kid had to experience success before he was motivated to try. I would recommend alternative school to any parent of a teen who's... http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/67087/42052/things-couldn http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/67087/41630/mother-dream Sat, 20 Sep 2008 10:50:01 -0400 Hopeful mom Those of you who've been following my story, know about the ups and downs of raising a teenage boy with a mood disorder.  Today, I realized he's going to be fine.  I received his progress report from vo-tech.  My son, who's not shown any motivation academically, has an A in his machining class.  Not only that, but he was marked as giving a responsible performance and having a positive attitude.  He's doing it all on his... http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/67087/41630/mother-dream