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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
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.
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
Posted by Cynthia M on May 31, 2000, at 10:10:55
In reply to Re: Bi-Polar (Rapid Cyc.)-nothing has worked.SSDI?, posted by SLS on May 30, 2000, at 15:59:35
Hi- I am also a rapid cycler and I am 36 years old... it has almost ruined my life due to non-existent impulse control.. I have recently applied for disability and I think if you have cooperative therapists and a pdoc who will work with you your chances are good.. I belong to a bipolar support group and most of the folks there are on disability...I agree that you need a combination of mood stabilizers, I have tried Depakote, Lithium and regular Tegretol and am now on Carbatrol ( a long acting Tegretol ) and am having better control I also take Gabitril and Seroquel... All of my stabilizations are tentative since I have a tendency to metabolize things rather rapidly ( only when it comes to the meds) and I burn through the dosages and require increases almost every two weeks... it can be very discouraging but worth the work to find the right combination... I hope you are able to find the right path for you .. it sounds as if you are definitely on the right track.. keep trying .. stabilization can be elusive but it is wonderful when it happens...... Cynthia
Posted by SLS on May 31, 2000, at 15:50:34
In reply to Re: Bi-Polar (Rapid Cyc.)-nothing has worked.SSDI?, posted by Cynthia M on May 31, 2000, at 10:10:55
> I agree that you need a combination of mood stabilizers, I have tried Depakote, Lithium and regular Tegretol and am now on Carbatrol ( a long acting Tegretol ) and am having better control I also take Gabitril and Seroquel... All of my stabilizations are tentative since I have a tendency to metabolize things rather rapidly ( only when it comes to the meds) and I burn through the dosages and require increases almost every two weeks... it can be very discouraging but worth the work to find the right combination... I hope you are able to find the right path for you .. it sounds as if you are definitely on the right track.. keep trying .. stabilization can be elusive but it is wonderful when it happens...... Cynthia
Dear Cynthia,Recently, a doctor said that I should look into Gabitril. I am currently taking Lamictal + Neurontin. This combination keeps me out of the basement, but really does very little.
What do you know about the use of Gabitril in bipolar disorder?
Could you describe how Gabitril has affected you? Are there any side effects. How much are you taking?
I appreciate any input you can offer. Thanks.
* Lamictal is supposed to be quite effective for treating rapid-cyclicity.
I hope you hit the bull's-eye soon. (poor bull)
- Scott
Posted by Ima Lamer on June 2, 2000, at 0:51:00
In reply to Re: Bi-Polar (Rapid Cyc.)-nothing has worked.SSDI?, posted by SLS on May 30, 2000, at 15:59:35
Sorry, niether the Depakot or the Lithium has done anything.
The Lithium made me sick to my stomach, but other than that (maybe tired, and had to p*ss a lot) nothing. Really, I don't want to take 3 or 4 meds, then whats the point?
I become a victim of drugs more than BPD. (my doctor came up with the diagnosis (psych. ward)). I'm not being like these other people who don't want to cooperate with the docs, but is there anything wrong with just wanting to live my life as it is? I know it's not perfect, but so far the only thing that has really helped, it just listening to my mind and body and reacting to that.
Why should I try to force it to do something? I can just put my feelings first.
Doing what I want is the best medicine (for me).
Who knows?
Posted by Noa on June 2, 2000, at 9:47:27
In reply to Bi-Polar (Rapid Cyc.)-nothing has worked.SSDI?, posted by Ima Lamer on May 30, 2000, at 5:14:32
I had feelings about being on multiple meds, too, but I realized I just have to accept the idea for now, because there isn't one med that does it all. I agree that you should respect your body's signals. But, perhaps there is a combo you have not tried yet.
I think, realistically, it would be hard to qualify for social security benefits if you cannot show that you are undergoing medical treatment--ie, taking meds.
Posted by SLS on June 2, 2000, at 10:55:11
In reply to Re: Bi-Polar (Rapid Cyc.)-nothing has worked.SSDI?, posted by Noa on June 2, 2000, at 9:47:27
> Sorry, niether the Depakot or the Lithium has done anything.
> The Lithium made me sick to my stomach, but other than that (maybe tired, and had to p*ss a lot) nothing. Really, I don't want to take 3 or 4 meds, then whats the point?
I know. I hope you find Noa's comments helpful.
Who knows how many drugs you'll end up needing. Maybe only two. You are still in the middle of a trial-and-error process.
> I become a victim of drugs more than BPD. (my doctor came up with the diagnosis (psych. ward)). I'm not being like these other people who don't want to cooperate with the docs, but is there anything wrong with just wanting to live my life as it is? I know it's not perfect, but so far the only thing that has really helped, it just listening to my mind and body and reacting to that.
You are so young. You must feel trapped and unwilling to live in the cage of illness and a dependancy on drugs for the rest of your life. However, these drugs may actually give you your freedom.
I don't know if you will need to take medication for the rest of your life, but you may.
> Why should I try to force it to do something? I can just put my feelings first.
How do you know what your true feelings are if your feelings change so dramatically with your variable mood?
> Doing what I want is the best medicine (for me).
Yes. Now you must choose what you want to do. Do you want to get healthy so that you can do what you *really* want to do?
> Who knows?
I don't. Unfortunately, you may have a bit of a journey before you do.
1. You need to know what medical condition(s) you are suffering from.
2. You need to find a doctor(s) who is able to determine this.
3. Once this is determined, you may need to undergo trials of several drugs or drug combinations until you find the right one. You will. From your description of your symptoms, I know you will.
4. You will need the strength of character to make these choices, the willingness to work towards your goal, and the ability to endure the pain until you achieve it.
I know that you have the character to do what is necessary to get well. You have already demonstrated it to all of us. You have chosen life. Now, go get it!
--------------------------------------------
Ima - We are all here for you. Please keep posting. Take one step at a time.Where do you live?
Do you ever get depressed? How severe? For how long?
I don't want to assume that we know your diagnosis yet. What do your doctors say?
Zyprexa:
I think it might be a good idea for you to consider using a drug called Zyprexa (olanzapine) or one of its relatives. Ask your doctor about it.That's all for now. Tell your girlfriend that we said "Hi".
- Scott
This is the end of the thread.
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