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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 9 of 9. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by liberty2004 on April 26, 2005, at 7:34:34
I need help!!!! I can't accept the fact that I am bipolar and that I have to take medicine. I found out 6 weeks ago that I am Bipolar. I hate the medicines because of the sexuall side affects (no orgasm). I feel like something huge in my life is missing and that I am less of a person due to the anorgasm. On top of everything else I have 3 kids to raise, a 3,7,and 11 year old, so I know in my head I have to take medicine but I DON'T WANT TO!!!!!!! Someone please help me.. I go through this every other day and my husband is suffering seeing me this way. Thanks Liberty
Posted by banga on April 26, 2005, at 8:08:31
In reply to I can't live this way, posted by liberty2004 on April 26, 2005, at 7:34:34
> I need help!!!! I can't accept the fact that I am bipolar and that I have to take medicine. I found out 6 weeks ago that I am Bipolar. I hate the medicines because of the sexuall side affects (no orgasm). I feel like something huge in my life is missing and that I am less of a person due to the anorgasm. On top of everything else I have 3 kids to raise, a 3,7,and 11 year old, so I know in my head I have to take medicine but I DON'T WANT TO!!!!!!! Someone please help me.. I go through this every other day and my husband is suffering seeing me this way. Thanks Liberty
Hi,
Sorry things are tough right now. How long have you been taking medication? What are you taking? All of this is probably overwhelming, try to focus on what you need to do now to take care of yourself and your family. Just take it day to day. You are not less of a person! Give yourself time, many things can get worked through if you give it time.
Posted by B2chica on April 26, 2005, at 9:39:39
In reply to I can't live this way, posted by liberty2004 on April 26, 2005, at 7:34:34
Hey liberty, you've come to the right place. Babble is here.
two answers to 'i can't live this way'...
1)you shouldn't have to live with depression or mania, that is why you will need to fight to find the right med combo...and you will find it-it just takes time.
2)You Can live like this. chances are you aren't just getting these symptoms, you've probably had them for years and fought them. you are just getting a dx. and that's a first step. you are already a survivor...be pleased with that.All i can tell you is it's been over a year and half since i got my diagnosis and it has been a bumpy ride but i'm still here.
It may not be an easy or simple road but i can tell you that if you hang on tight you WILL get through this and land on your feet!
there will be days you are SIck of medication, there will be days you are Sick of doctors, there will be days you are Sick of the dx, and there will certainly be days you want to stay in bed and cover up with blankets. However, there will also be days you feel SOOOOOOO much stronger for having survived through all this, you will feel proud for gaining strength, and most of all, if you play an active role you will have gained So much knowledge and wisdom that you will be able to help MANY others that are just starting in their journey with this as well.Please, just give yourself time. Try to relax when you can. You WILL have normal periods, don't spend them worrying about your next 'episode'. enjoy them when they come. and know your family is right there and you are a Great parent doing all you can.
take care.
b2c.
> I need help!!!! I can't accept the fact that I am bipolar and that I have to take medicine. I found out 6 weeks ago that I am Bipolar. I hate the medicines because of the sexuall side affects (no orgasm). I feel like something huge in my life is missing and that I am less of a person due to the anorgasm. On top of everything else I have 3 kids to raise, a 3,7,and 11 year old, so I know in my head I have to take medicine but I DON'T WANT TO!!!!!!! Someone please help me.. I go through this every other day and my husband is suffering seeing me this way. Thanks Liberty
Posted by D minor on April 26, 2005, at 15:35:59
In reply to Re: I can't... » liberty2004, posted by B2chica on April 26, 2005, at 9:39:39
Hi Liberty,
I know its tough. I was diagnosed with Bipolar several months back after having been diagnosed with major depression. I don't especially like having to take my meds. In fact, I even tried going off of them. But I learned an imporatant lession. I'd rather take the meds an be healthy than not take them and deal with the depression and hypomania. So, I try to be grateful for them. Imagine if we didn't have them! I'd probably be locked in a tower somewhere :-) LOLAs far as the sexual side effects, the good news is they go away. I had anorgasmia when I was on, I forget, I think it was Paxil, then again on Cymbalta. It took a few weeks, but it did go away. Just keep trying and give it time. This illness requires a lot a patience. What meds are you taking?
The best thing you can do for your kids is to stay healthy by taking your meds. I have a friend who's mother was bipolar, and things went so much better when she was medicated. You set a good example by doing what you have to do to stay healthy.
And you might not have to take meds forever. For the forseable future maybe. But who knows. Maybe one day they'll find a cure. For the mean time, we'll adapt.
I'll be praying for you.
dm
Posted by liberty2004 on April 26, 2005, at 16:54:10
In reply to Re: I can't..., posted by D minor on April 26, 2005, at 15:35:59
> Hi Liberty,
> I know its tough. I was diagnosed with Bipolar several months back after having been diagnosed with major depression. I don't especially like having to take my meds. In fact, I even tried going off of them. But I learned an imporatant lession. I'd rather take the meds an be healthy than not take them and deal with the depression and hypomania. So, I try to be grateful for them. Imagine if we didn't have them! I'd probably be locked in a tower somewhere :-) LOL
>
> As far as the sexual side effects, the good news is they go away. I had anorgasmia when I was on, I forget, I think it was Paxil, then again on Cymbalta. It took a few weeks, but it did go away. Just keep trying and give it time. This illness requires a lot a patience. What meds are you taking?
>
> The best thing you can do for your kids is to stay healthy by taking your meds. I have a friend who's mother was bipolar, and things went so much better when she was medicated. You set a good example by doing what you have to do to stay healthy.
>
> And you might not have to take meds forever. For the forseable future maybe. But who knows. Maybe one day they'll find a cure. For the mean time, we'll adapt.
>
> I'll be praying for you.
> dmThank you Dminor for your response I take Geodon and Trasadone but maybe they don't work because I still feel such despair
Posted by JenStar on April 26, 2005, at 17:08:38
In reply to I can't live this way, posted by liberty2004 on April 26, 2005, at 7:34:34
hi liberty,
sorry you're feeling overwhelmed! I feel the same way about taking anti-anxiety medication. It's scary knowing I'll need to be on it for a long time, possibly forever.But here's something my doctor told me, and it made me feel better: Imagine if you had high blood pressure, or diabetes, or a thyroid condition. Would you avoid medication in that case? Think of mental illness the same way. It's not your FAULT - it's just the way your body works. Don't feel bad about needing the meds.
She also told me that I'd be "surprised" if I knew really how many people in the world (or at her practice, anyway) need meds of sme kind. She said there should be no stigma, because a lot of people need it.
About the anorgasmia - that DOES go away after a few weeks (or did for me, anyway.) I had to "practice" and sort of reteach my body how to have the "big O" when I wanted one. But once I got this figured out it was good again.
Don't give up. It gets better!
good luck!
take care,
JenStar
Posted by D minor on April 26, 2005, at 17:17:15
In reply to Re: I can't..., posted by liberty2004 on April 26, 2005, at 16:54:10
Hey again,
I'm thinking you might ask your pdoc about a mood stabilizer if they really think you're bipolar. Mood stablizers I believe can often augment the effects of antidepressants.Also, if you don't have a counselor, you might look into getting one. They are good to help go through some of the non-medication side of the issues that come up. It can really help to have someone to talk to candidly about everything.
Goodluck!
dm
Posted by D minor on April 26, 2005, at 17:32:33
In reply to Re: I can't..., posted by D minor on April 26, 2005, at 17:17:15
> Hey again,
> I'm thinking you might ask your pdoc about a mood stabilizer if they really think you're bipolar. Mood stablizers I believe can often augment the effects of antidepressants.
>
> Also, if you don't have a counselor, you might look into getting one. They are good to help go through some of the non-medication side of the issues that come up. It can really help to have someone to talk to candidly about everything.
>
> Goodluck!
> dmOh, I forgot to say that everytime I go off of my mood stabilizer (Topamax) I get depressed, regardless of what antidepressant I'm taking. Most BPers need one.
dm
Posted by Phillipa on April 26, 2005, at 18:45:49
In reply to P.S., posted by D minor on April 26, 2005, at 17:32:33
I don't think I'm bipolar but just depressed with severe anxiety. I still haven't found a med combo that allows me to live the life I had before my thyroid went and I became depressed. I'll see my pdoc on Thurs and see what she suggests now. And I too, hate meds! Fondly, Phillipa
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