Posted by SLS on May 30, 2000, at 15:59:35
In reply to Bi-Polar (Rapid Cyc.)-nothing has worked.SSDI?, posted by Ima Lamer on May 30, 2000, at 5:14:32
> I'm 19 years old. I have (diag.) Bi-Polar disorder, but the most fun form of all, Rapid Cycling.
>
> It kept me from two years of school, and I've been out of work for 6 months now. I am about to be sent to collections (anyone who is Bi-P out there without credit cards, don't get 'em!), and it seems that I am at my wit's end.
>
> I know that this feeling is "normal", and I am not stressed anymore by this feeling, it's a daily thing. I've seen doctors of all types, and even spent a weekend in the psych ward. I've been on Lithium, Depakote (is that spelled right?) and many anti-depressants, but with no avail. This is something I have accepted in life - and actually in my manic days/moments, it can be kinda fun (i'm really funny then).
>
> But I guess my question really is, what are MY chances of maybe getting on Social Security Disablity? I now live with a girlfriend, who financially supports me as much as she can (I eat), and doesn't step on my (mental) toes - but I need some sort of income. I'm greatful that God could bless me with such a nice person, but this isn't going to go on forever.
>
> I had a job for 2+ years, but I walked out on an UP day, and now I'm really screwed. It's not at all that I don't want to work, but the anxiety that is involved is just too much (that's why I spent the time in the ward) and I would like to devote my life to more important things.
>
> Well, I'll just wait for more posts to write more.
>
> PS. I have ruled out suicide (the major cause of death in my situation) just because...
> There must be a better way.
> ALSO: I don't leave the house most days-and have delusional obessive (and sometimes scary) thoughts. But I can live with these problems, it's my past employers who have the problems with it.
Hi there.
If you are a true rapid-cycler, you are going to have to take a combination of at least two mood stabilizers. You may need three. The NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health) has had some success using Tegretol in these situations. However, it is not always the "cleanest" drug when it come to side effects. If Depakote has helped a bit with mania or has not made you feel worse, you may want to try combining it with Lamictal. Lamictal is a good drug, but must be started very slowly to prevent a serious rash. When combining it with Depakote, the dosage of Lamictal must be cut in half and started more slowly. The instructions on the package-insert and in the PDR give very specific instructions on how to go about doing this. If you don't want to go to this combination immediately, it wouldn't hurt to try Lamictal alone first. It has been shown to be effective in rapid-cycling presentations.How do you know that you are a rapid cycler? It sounds like you are. But what exactly are your reasons for having come to this conclusion? Does your cycle have a regular pattern - what is it?
If you are not a rapid-cycler, you may want to ask your doctor about what he thinks about combining lithium and Depakote. This combination should also be considered if you are a rapid-cycler.
I have had some success with Lamictal+Neurontin.
If things get tough, here's a cocktail for you: lithium+Depakote+(Lamictal or Neurontin)
If you are a rapid cycler, you should consider taking mood stabilizers for a long, long time - perhaps indefinitely. Being young, you will probably not want to entertain this idea. Talk to your doctor about this. The earlier in life you get this situation under control, the more likely it is that you will remain well.
Rapid-cyclicity can be very, very difficult to treat.Mania can sometimes get worse the more times it happens. If it does, it won't be so much fun anymore.
I haven't neglected antidepressants, it's just that with bipolar disorder, mood stabilizers are often critical. This is probably absolutely true when rapid-cyclicity is involved. Break the cycle (if you have one).
Good luck.
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:35187
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000526/msgs/35266.html