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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 13 of 13. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by don'ttalktome on August 15, 2012, at 8:40:32
Hi I have been recently diagnosed with bipolar after a heartbreaking manic episode that lasted the better part of a year fueled by drugs, alcohol and prescription meds. I am now trying to battle through this deep depression sobriety guilt and loss of what I did and who I hurt during my last episode, I have started Lamictal and although it's only been a week i'm wondering if it's actually going to help my bipolar depression or eventually sent me spiralling out of control like the Effexor did? I too share the obsession to research hoping that this horrible life i'm living can be cured with silly things like fish oils or hyperglycemic diets. I'm so frustrated and exhausted and so are my family and what friends I have left. I'm so worried i'm going to lose the few loved ones that remain in my life. I guess i'm just looking for someone with experience in this disaster to lead me in the right direction. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks
AJB
Posted by gadchik on August 15, 2012, at 9:31:07
In reply to desperate like most, posted by don'ttalktome on August 15, 2012, at 8:40:32
The fact that you care about the effects that youve had on the people in your life,tells me that you will find your way.Give yourself time to heal.I havent been down quite the same road as you,however,I had to do the work to heal.See pdoc,take meds,exercise,cognitive behavioral therapy,nutrition,sleep,apologize,and trust in time passing.Good luck to you.
Posted by Phillipa on August 15, 2012, at 9:52:08
In reply to Re: desperate like most, posted by gadchik on August 15, 2012, at 9:31:07
Gadchick I've missed you. I feel we all would love to experience the healing you have. Seems things continue to worsen with me. I try. Still bike riding. Phillipa
Posted by Phillipa on August 15, 2012, at 9:53:22
In reply to desperate like most, posted by don'ttalktome on August 15, 2012, at 8:40:32
You might also post this on the medication board. As some of questions are also med related. Phillipa
Posted by Tabitha on August 15, 2012, at 11:16:54
In reply to desperate like most, posted by don'ttalktome on August 15, 2012, at 8:40:32
Hi,
Lamictal is very different from Effexor. Antidepressants make my manic cycles worse too. Lamictal should not increase mania. If you want to read up a bit, this site has good articles about why not to use antidepressants for bipolar. In the article about bipolar depression, lamictal comes out as the top choice. I hope you do well with it.http://www.psycheducation.org/depression/meds/moodstabilizers.htm
Posted by gadchik on August 15, 2012, at 15:39:07
In reply to Re: desperate like most » gadchik, posted by Phillipa on August 15, 2012, at 9:52:08
Thanks for your kind words,p! Keep riding your bike,thats a very good thing you do. I have been really serious with my hiking,everyday,go for miles. I am considering the Appalachian Trail.Alot of people take to the trail for healing.That would be over 2000 miles of hiking! I have begun to work again,and consider that the last part of my healing process.I hope to never have another episode,and I will do everything in my power to keep strong.I wish the same for you.
Posted by jane d on August 15, 2012, at 16:58:25
In reply to Re: desperate like most » Phillipa, posted by gadchik on August 15, 2012, at 15:39:07
> I have been really serious with my hiking,everyday,go for miles. I am considering the Appalachian Trail.Alot of people take to the trail for healing.That would be over 2000 miles of hiking!
I did that once but not the entire 2000 miles. It really worked. I came home when I was cheerful again. I always thought I'd do it again but work always got in the way. Now I don't think I could handle it physically anymore.
Posted by gadchik on August 15, 2012, at 18:54:22
In reply to Re: AT as cure » gadchik, posted by jane d on August 15, 2012, at 16:58:25
I believe that something magical happens to people on hiking trails. There's a camaraderie there that I'd love to experience.Yet,I cant find a good time to go now,life gets in the way. I have an older friend who hikes with me and she really wants to go before she gets too old. Have you seen The Walk? That movie is about hiking,and how it transforms you. Im also reading Hiking Through, and have read Wild, both about hiking long distances.I do also worry about physically handling it, as Im headed toward menopause.
Posted by Tabitha on August 15, 2012, at 20:13:20
In reply to Re: AT as cure » jane d, posted by gadchik on August 15, 2012, at 18:54:22
just added that movie to my Netflix queue. I'm walking around my neighborhood a lot lately, as long as I can go every day. I guess it's urban hiking. It's a big help. I've always walked in my darkest moods.
Boy did we get off topic fast in this thread!
Posted by Phillipa on August 15, 2012, at 20:54:24
In reply to Re: AT as cure » jane d, posted by gadchik on August 15, 2012, at 18:54:22
Youngsters!!!! P
Posted by gadchik on August 16, 2012, at 6:24:53
In reply to Re: AT as cure » gadchik, posted by Tabitha on August 15, 2012, at 20:13:20
I know,so off topic.But I do tout hiking/walking as a help/cure for bad moods. Youll enjoy that movie! My friend just gave me "Southbounders" to watch,also movie about hiking.Ive always loved to move,to walk,run...I remember it as a child...loving to be active! Ive always been able to feel better by moving.
Posted by gadchik on August 16, 2012, at 6:27:58
In reply to Re: AT as cure » gadchik, posted by Phillipa on August 15, 2012, at 20:54:24
P,I cant seem to picture you as old!I think people are old when theyre 80. Im going to keep moving,and even with a cane or walker,I will zoom around the nursing home grounds!!!
Posted by Phillipa on August 16, 2012, at 20:26:27
In reply to Re: AT as cure » Phillipa, posted by gadchik on August 16, 2012, at 6:27:58
I can't either which is what makes it hard. I keep pushing onward on the bike. Pain gets me later. If not moving around I hate it. So you will get one of those motorized cars or use the wheelchair? How bout a walker. P
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