Posted by AWorriedMom on June 20, 2003, at 9:17:09
In reply to Re: Which meds for mania and depression ? » AWorriedMom, posted by whiterabbit on June 19, 2003, at 18:39:19
> Mom-
> I didn't get through the entire thread so forgive me if I repeat any advice from others.
> The first and MOST important step is to find the right doctor.Absolutely!
We are looking hard for new pdoc. At last weeks appointment with these concerns (lithium, depakote low levels- lack of stability along with depression)it was "No changes now, see you in 2-3 months" This pdoc is supposedly certified for child and adolescent treatment - sigh.
Anyway am running into insurance run around. We may have to go out of pocket.About 4 yrs ago she was relatively stable on tegretol. Had depression symptoms that I missed (all those tummy aches, lots of missed school, irritability, etc.)but the horrible mania, delusional thoughts were not there. Then,pdoc took her off the tegretol and put her on topomax. I thought she was getting better, then full blown mania and hospitalization. Doc put her back on tegretol, but this time even at high levels, it didn't work and from there we have lived a nightmare of medication merry-go-round and still no real stability. This doc seems content so long as she's well enough to stay out of the hospital. I can't settle for that and neither can my daughter.
> Learn as much as you can about your daughter's condition and treatment: knowledge is power.
A terrific website for information on mood disorders is www.nami.org - NAMI also has chapters nationwide that offer group support to families dealing with mental illness. It would be helpful for your daughter to meet others who are going through the same ordeal - she will feel less
"different" and alone. It will help you too.Found local NAMI group and organization for parents of BP kids. Thanks.
> Apart from a support group, I highly recommend therapy for both of you - separately.
This past year through a special ed program in our school district that works through a pdoc's office, she found a therapist that we both like for her. I can see that it would help me also, thanks for that advice.
> Don't lose hope. The trial-and-error phase of medication is difficult and seems impossibly long-
> but the better the doctor, the less trial-and-error you'll need. In the end, when your daughter is stabalized and doing well, you'll have saved her from a lifetime of suffering...the most loving gift a mother could give.
>
> Prayers for you and your daughter-
> GracieThank you for your prayers. We will need them to get her to another pdoc. Our mental health insurance company owns the one and only pschiatric practice that they allow to be in their network of providers. It is all totally separate from the medical side of our insurance with the school board. (I'm a teacher)
Thanks,
Mom
poster:AWorriedMom
thread:232648
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030619/msgs/235381.html