Posted by Karen_kay on December 13, 2003, at 23:05:03
In reply to Re: Quit the Topamax? » Karen_kay, posted by katia on December 13, 2003, at 14:45:37
> > Hello!!
> Hi Karen,
> It's good that you sought out a new doctor. I don't care how cute you are, if someone prescribes a med that is potentially - highly - deadly without regard to this side effect, and this someone is supposed to be TRAINED in this, I'd have to chuck them right away. How incompetent to say the least. It's not a laughing matter and sometimes I wonder who's more ill AND ignorant on the subject of meds - doctors or the patients??<<Hiya~!!!! He was Really VERY VERY cute! And that was the only mistake he ever made so I gave him the benefit of the doubt. It turned out well, so I did find another doctor.... All's well that ends well I suppose...
> When you say you tried Lithium until you started hallucinating?
<<<I was on Lithium and started hallucinating while I was taking it. But I had been taking it for a while. Odd circumstances I suppose? I think it had to do with stress mainly and depression.
Is that what you consider hypomanic?
<<<No, not at all! Hypomania for me is wonderful!!! :) I welcome hypomania compared to depression and stress!What did you hallucinate?
<<< My dead father, skeletons walking on the side of the road, my walls bending, that sort of thing...When were you diagnosed?
<<< I was dx August of 2002What has been your experience of mania (since you're BPI)?
<<<< Ahhhh!!! Ummm, well.. Not good! When manic I instigate sex with complete strangers off the street, spend money that I don't have, walk down the street naked (oopsie, is that wrong?), sometimes have auditory hallucinations (hear things that aren't there) such as someone whispering my name and people crying, I have flashed a police car before, drive like a maniac... that type of thing...>
> I'm *tentatively* BPII/Mixed. I also tried Depakote for a couple of months and decided I didn't like the potential side effects either, mainly the PCOS, which BTW I found out about by myself not my pdoc...
> That's so wonderful that the Topamax is working for you.How long did it take you with trial and error to get to this point?
<<Well, I started on AD's 3 years ago, then they suggested therapy. I called my GP and said some unkind and psychotic words to his nurse. I moved to Muncie to start University, where I met my former GP. He dx me Bipolar (thank goodness!!!).. From there he put me on Lithium. After a brief hospitalization and a couple of med changes and a year or so of mixings, I found Topamax. So, I've been working on it for about 3 years total with about 1 year of therapy, which has helped tremendously! I too was put on AD's which didn't aid in my recovery. I can't believe my old GP didn't pick up on it. Some doctors seem to be just plain uninformed!
I've been in the works for 18 months now! One year was mistakenly on antidepressants to finally get the dx of bp. I'm on 200mg of Lamictal and 12g of fish oil. I'm starting to feel a dip in my mood though - again. nothing sticks. It could be PMS or the holidays or the fact that I'm not drinking. yes, that's makes me more depressed because it's like my medication. I've not tried Topamax.
><<<I hear you about PMS... I recently started the pill which adds to the mix.. Talk about being emotional! And I thought I didn't have emotions! Ha!!!
> > So, you quitting drinking? Congrats!!! Alcoholism runs in my family so I am very careful!! I have an aunt and uncle who are afflicted with it. Good luck in your journey (??) is that the right word? I know it must be hard, but the reward is so much better than the gratification from the disease. I'm sure you can do it! Just don't let the stress from the holidays ruin your plans of staying sober. Continue to post to me and keep me updated!
>
> **I'm not even going to try and remain sober on x-mas. it's not because it'll be so jolly, it's the opposite, I don't really have anywhere to go and will probably spend it alone. and that trully sucks.
> >
> take care,
> katia<<<<I'm in the same situation... My mother lives in a different state. My boyfriend invited me to his parents, but I feel out of place. I spent last xmas there, but still... I may spend the holidays alone.... It does suck.... I feel like they feel obligated to buy me as many presents as they buy there kids. And I feel like I'm imposing. Waaaaa....... Why can't I have a normal family.......??????????I hate the holidays.....
poster:Karen_kay
thread:287670
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031213/msgs/289524.html