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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by MJ on February 4, 2001, at 3:11:04
I had what I thought was severe postpartum depression, and now my pdoc says it's bipolar II. After reading the excellent book-"An Unquiet Mind" by Kay Redfield Jamison- and identifying with so much of her story and also feeling mood swings when pdoc tried to lower mood stabilizer I'm coming to realize that this disese will be lifelong. I'm still trying to find right med mix (have tried ~12 types/mixes of meds so far). And for the last year and a half either my husband, parents inlaws or hired help have had to be with me and my 2 and 6 year old 24 hours a day (I'm on SSI).What Id like to know is-what is the success rate of getting back to stability? Right now I'm feeling very hopeless, sad, and angry. Still not able to function to take care of kids/home for more than 10 minutes by myself before I get overwhelmed. Side effects on concentration, memory, etc. so annoying. Are there usual stages of grief, denial, anger, etc when finding out a person has a bad chronic disease? Everyone around me says as soon as I get on right meds I'll be just fine, and keep thinking positive. Personal stories, success stories, info in general about realities of management, and encouragement desparately needed please! I'm in a bad depression/very low functionability lately or else in the same day I might be in a decent mood for a while if there is no stress. I am very sad, confused and scared and my parents and I need to get lots more info because they can't understand why I'm getting so bad again, not sleeping, etc. I'll appreciate any and all feedback and help. Thanks - MJ
Posted by judy1 on February 4, 2001, at 9:04:00
In reply to Accepting diagnosis of bipolar II - HELP!, posted by MJ on February 4, 2001, at 3:11:04
I'm probably the last person you would expect encouragement from (BP 1, treatment resistant and rapid cycling). But what struck me most about your letter was the level of support you have around you. The best thing you can do is gather them all up and ask your shrink (he/she will love this) if they can come in for a session to be educated about your illness. They will probably get the diabetes speech, yes this is a life-long illness, yes you will most likely need to be on meds for life, and ways to support you since this is a disease of moods and the people around us have a great deal of influence on how soon we get well (I think as much as meds sometimes) As for your own ways to cope- it is normal to go through the levels of grief (like any major illness) and I agree Jamison's book was wonderful. I know it is difficult with 2 young children, but exercise and sleep regulation are really crucial. I think you will find a great deal of support on this board, and remember the true success stories probably aren't here posting- but there are quite a few. Take care, Judy
Posted by tdaneen on February 4, 2001, at 11:37:09
In reply to Accepting diagnosis of bipolar II - HELP!, posted by MJ on February 4, 2001, at 3:11:04
I also am BPII treatment resistant with atypical depression. I have a few questions if you don't feel they are too intrusive.
First, Are you a stay home mom? If so, are you involved outside of your family in your own interests and activities? This is important.
Second, Do you attend regular therapy? Singularly, or group? I found that a group was a godsend for me. It was such a relief to know that there were others JUST LIKE ME. Not just words typed on a screen, but actual people with names and faces.
Talk to your therapist and\or pdoc about a bipolar support group.Third, What medications have you been on, what doses, how long? What are you on now? How long have you been on it? Do you have any other health problems?
You may want to post this information on regular PB for some of their feedback. There are a lot of super people there that have been through the medication mill, and might be able to give you some insight to meds you and your doc havent thought of. Doesn't hurt for you to ask your doc about it in conversation.I know that when I got my diagnosis I broke down and cried. My pdoc, said something that I'll never forget, "Hey, This isn't as bad as it seems. Now that it has a name, we can start treating it. It isn't a mystery anymore." I took me a couple of weeks to really understand what he was trying to get throught to me. I finally go it though. We as human beings are always more afraid of the unknown. Now we know the enemy, there are ways to fight this enemy, and new ways developing every day.
It is a difficult task to be strong, but IMHO I have come to believe that some of the bravest, and strongest people I have ever met (both in spirit, and persistance) are those who have to deal with this crap every day.
It sounds like you have a GREAT support system. You are so lucky. Take advantage of that.
Remember there are lots of great people that know where you are, have been there, and are supportive.
best of lucktdaneen
Posted by Noa on February 6, 2001, at 9:15:55
In reply to Re: Accepting diagnosis of bipolar II - HELP! » MJ, posted by tdaneen on February 4, 2001, at 11:37:09
Have you had a good thyroid eval?
Postpartum thyroiditis is a leading cause of anxiety and depression in women after childbirth. It goes undiagnosed too often.
Often, women are hyper and anxious for the first few months and then crash after 3-6 months. THis is because they are hyperthyroid at first and then hypothyroid.
I urge you to check it out.
For more info, see last months regular "babble" archive and also the thyroid and depression folder at psycho-babbly-tips (link at top of regular babble page).
This is the end of the thread.
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