Quote From: lorrieannd
Faith, sorry it took me so long to respond. I check the boards 1-2 daily. Also, I like to think about my response carefully befor inputting.
I take a combination of Lithium ( Mood stabilizer, Very important to have some of that), Welbutrin ( anti-depressor) and Effexor ( another antidepressor). If Bi-Polars take anti-depression meds with-out the mood stab. the reaction can be hypermania, at least it was for me. The side effects I was speaking about are: weight gain(excercise helps me), loss of memory and how to preform simple tasks, the"shakes", and last but the WORST, a form of acne on my back, arms, legs and sometimes my face. They look like acne, but they are very sensitive. I still have ups and downs on the meds but I am learning everyday to cope by Prayer, Thoughts and actions. When I am down or maybe we had a very hectic week due to baseball, visits etc. It is like my body just shuts down and I NEED to rest. It is still hard not to feel guilty, but my family helps alot. If you are tired...that's OK, your body, soul, and MIND need the break. At least do that, if nothing else, for yourself. It took 5.5 years to find what worked for me, and 4 doctors in different cities here in Canada. You are right, it IS a vicious cycle, even with meds, so hold on...over the next few months, as more people come back, and start on this board, I am sure you will find lots of support. You asked if I was on disability. Not yet, I retired from the Army with a small pension, but I did send my papers to apply in July. Who knows. As long as I can pay for my meds, and help with the household bills, I really don't need much else.
Lorrie
I take Abilify and Klonopin. I'm unable to take an antidepressant because they always throw me into a highly suicidal state. My pdoc even tried to add a low dose of one after a year on a mood stabilizer and the same thing happened. It makes it difficult to manage the depressive end of the spectrum.
Wow...you are tolerating a lot of side effects. And it's still worth it? I guess one of my main problems is the acceptance piece. I'm finally beginning to admit that I do struggle with bipolar...that the diagnosis is real and on target...but I'm still not will to admit its impact on my life. I so desperately want to be one of those people that have a mental illness but somehow still learn to cope and move forward in life. Maybe it will take a little time. Maybe I simply do need to rest a little bit longer.
Thanks for your ear!
although i am starting to get bored of him, i think i might dump him for a stronger older man who can protect me LOL
