Posted by fionamck on May 9, 2006, at 8:33:28
In reply to Re: Bipolar II? Just what is this?? » CEK, posted by Phillipa on May 8, 2006, at 19:19:26
Thanks so much for all your support and suggestions. I have been doing some research into the drugs you mention (Wellbutrin - worried about seizures, though W + Effexor seems to be recommended by a few people; Topamax - though concerned about the eye pressure side effect (weight loss sounds good, though...); Trileptal - this sounds positive; Cymbalta - possible, though there seem to be a lot of side effects listed). I am seeing my therapist tomorrow (she used to be a psychiatric nurse so she knows something about the drugs)- I'll see what she says; can't afford to see the psych until pay day at the end of the month.
So tired of spending my time researching all this when I'm trying to keep a job down and I am paying a fortune for a psychiatrist; he's got more damn energy than I have, too!!
Still, I suppose that's life, and you all seem to have had a hell of a time with it, too. It's such a relief to hear that your stories are similar to mine; I was almost feeling like a fraud as I appear to have bipolar II but no mania, so how can that be bipolar and am I just making it up etc etc.
I hope you all manage to stay well and happy, and thanks so much again for all your support!Incidentally, re the cost (bug bear of mine, although I know all the stuff about one's health being more important etc etc; it just further adds to my rage and frustration that it's eating a huge chunk out of my salary each month. Has anyone managed to get this covered by medical insurance? I'm not in the US and my company has taken out insurance for us with a company that covers 500 pounds a year for 'psych treatment' (I'm paying 429 a month for fees, drugs and counselling, so this figure is laughable), but unlimited for 'prescription drugs' and 'consultants' fees'. They should, therefore, cover all but the counselling under the 'drugs' and 'fees', shouldn't they? I am anticipating a fuss, though, as they have contacted my psych for a treatment plan and I have a feeling they are going to include the drugs and fees under psychiatric treatment and so just allow me the 500 a year. I just don't have the energy to fight them on this, but it is criminal. I almost didn't want to submit a claim because I felt that if they refused to cover it, I would become so apoplectic with rage (anger being a particular issue of mine) that it would do me more damage than good. Has anyone had success with claiming? I know insurance companies are all different, but it would be nice to hear that someone somewhere has got it sussed!
Thanks a lot.
poster:fionamck
thread:641250
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060504/msgs/641657.html