Topic : Bipolar Disorder

 my son is in jail on a dwi, which really he hadn't been drinking but was self medicating with zanax because the week before he missed taking his zyprexa for 5 days because he was out and unable to get more. He is really sick and knows it, he hears voices where do you get good help? He sees  a doctor for his medicaines and a counselor, and belongs to nami, planned and dars, but where is the help in fixing his head? This has taken such a toll on myself and my marriage. The grief is beyond comprehension. Any advise would be welcomed.

Weight gain with a particular drug depends on the person. When I took Lithium alone, I actually lost weight. I also became very manic so the increased energy and activity could have contributed to that. I have also been on a mix of Ziprasidone, Topamax and Lithium that worked for me with weight control. The Topamax definitely is a weight loss drug. The Ziprasidone seems to be weight neutral, at least at low doses. 

  

Antipsychotics cause weight gain. I've had bad luck with Zyprexa, Seroquel, Risperidone and Abilify. Ziprasidone is the only one I was able to lose a significant amount of weight on. 

  

Like I said, Topamax works for weight loss and some of the other anticonvulsants are supposedly weight neutral, like Lamictal for instance. I've been on Lamictal for about a year, and although I've gained weight on it, I don't know that it isn't another one of the drugs I am taking that is causing it. But Lamictal has protected me against severe depression for some time, so it's always a trade-off. 

  

While the medications may cause an increase in appetite or may be sedating leading to decreased energy and exercise, our weight is ultimately decided by the calories we consume vs. the calories we burn. The only way to achieve a desirable weight is to watch what we put in our mouths and to get up an move, regardless of what medicine we are on. I know that is easier said than done, but that's the reality of it.  

I'm tired of feeling awful. I dragged my butt outside yesterday and walked four miles. Lately, I've been changing my eating habits. I still feel awful, but I feel better about myself for giving it more effort. I can't make the illness an excuse any more. 

  

I go to Voc Rehab too and have for almost two years. I'm still not any closer to working and I'm sick of it. I feel like I have to just get up and do it. Make my mind up that the illness isn't going to beat me and just do it. 

  

Hopefully I can sustain this momentum. 

I used to be a social worker in a city jail and would help people like your son, by working with the judge to try to get treatment rather than jail time for mentally ill people. However, if your son is under the care of a doctor, he should not have run out of pills and he should be receiving help for the voices. Sounds like he is not doing all he can to get help. Perhaps you could go with him to the doctor and find out what the problem is. There is a problem here. 

  

 If your jail doesn't have a social worker, talk to the legal aid people or go directly to the judge. You may get help for the legal problems there; but you have medication and dosage problems too.  

I know what you mean. No one can turn your life around but you. Leaning on bipolar to explain all your problems won't cut it. You have to do what you can. I always have the theory that everyone has a problem of some kind they have to deal with whether it is mental or physical and we all have to do the best we can.  

  

I thought I had this illness beat until I got found out and fired from this job. I turned around and made my job into my hobby. I am lonely and dispossessed in a strange town but am still trying to do my best. 

Hi 

  

I've been determined 100% disabled since 2001.  I do not like sitting at home and not being productive.  So I do get VA disability at 100% and SS disability.  I don't have to work anymore...I want to work...but, with all the things wrong...I don't know "how much" I can work. 

  

Well, today after this appointment...I now have a bulging disc in C7.  Well, I don't have to have major surgery...but a procedure will be done to help stop the pain.  Then after that they are going to work on the Thoracic area...and pray the pain stops.  I still have the stiffness I can live with that.   

  

I am going to go rest for a few hours and I'll remain positive and hopeful.  Oh by the way the program I am in to attempt to go back to work is Voc Rehab...so, if they say it is not possible...well, then that's it.  To try anything would be a huge risk for me. 

  

Thanks for talking to me. 

Rhonda     

Hi Blaze, 

  

I do understand how your feeling.  I'm not going to share much about that...because this is about you and your son.  I am going to continue to say prayers and pray for the best possible outcome.  One thing that I did learn in Biomed and Pathophysiology is that children have a lot of resilence and they have a good immune system, because they haven't put junk in their bodies ... drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, also their cells are still young.  Your son has a lot going for him and stay strong and positive...having a good spirit, totally helps in recovery.   

  

Thinking about you, 

Rhonda  

I like that 

  

Hi Blaze, 

  

I am on social security disability & VA disability.  I don't have to find a job...I want to work again.  My case worker for Voc Rehab is gone until Monday...so I won't know anything till then...if not next week sometime.  The Voc Rehab I am going through is for disable vets.  They are teaching me new skills, ie through college, that I can physically/mentally do. 

  

You and Matt are in my thoughts and prayers as well.   

  

Rhonda 

Your probably right Mensan, but really the point of working was to "get out" of my house.  For me, working was extremely rewarding...and there was human contact.  This is the best human contact I get right now, outside of doctors.   

  

If the VA Voc Rehab does not allow me to continue...because the "success" of employability is not there...well they will deny it.  Then I'll go into another phase of Voc Rehab, I guess, and get some help to help myself do things from my home...as you say.  When a veteran is 100% disabled, I do have to say the VA may be limited, but do their best to help you from dying of boredom and loneliness.  Say, I may have to go that route...I have no choice but to accept it if that's what comes down.  So, I'll stay positive and even though the route I had chosen may not be the one I can take...I will find another one (I don't know what yet...but something).   

  

Maybe, I'll start writing like you...you will have to share on how to get published.  :-) 

  

Thanks 

Rhonda