Bipolar Support Group

Hi, I know I'm new here and all... but there's something I've noticed. Some of you (and I couldn't name names if you put me on the rack lol) seem to feel intimidated by your doctors, or that you just do what they tell you to do and there's no dialog there, no relationship.

I'm here to witness that there's another way, a way I think is better. Be educated about bipolar and about the meds that treat it, especially any meds you are on or have been on. Keep a log of the meds you have been on and why you discontinued their use and whatever side effects they had. But most importantly: Find a doctor who is a partner. Who can suggest alternatives and discuss ramifications and YOU choose the final outcome. I've settled for nothing less, and had some great doctors. =)

Also, if you're not seeing a specialist in bipolar... get one.

I'm definitely doing that already Most books on Bipolar that I read advocate such things too and it's just good self-protection to be informed about what we have.

Yes we need to be our own advocates, we also need our families and those in our support system to be just as educated.When our support system does not completely understand the medication and therapies they are not fully able to support us.

I agree with journaling. I journal highs, lows and "normal" behaviors. I also journal what I think was the trigger for them. Medication journal is done with daily notes when I first go on or dosage is changed.I see my pdoc every 2 months now that she has me stable.

I still have high and low days and make sure I make notations of them.I am so glad to see others approach this illness the same way. I used to think of BP as a demon taking over my body, these days it's more like a disgruntaled employee who acts up once in a while.

Feel well all, we need to own our BP and unfortunately it comes with lots of work from the journals to daily list for me to insure I finish tasks.Hummmmmm lot of record keeping LOL

Keep up the great work everyone!

I too am new to this forum, but completely agree with all you have to say. My journals make doc visits easier, make me aware of trends and cycles, but most of all is my best friend to keep me on tack.

The nurse in me kicked in with BP. I had a cardiac episode and while I was in the hospital was diagnnosed with severe depression. Upon meeting with the pdoc BP was diagnosed that was 2.5 years ago. I still do not work full time, fortunately i have this luxury and finacially my wife can handle this. I journal daily and live by lists. Sunday I make a list of that weeks items. I break out a few tasks for each day. Sometimes I get more done and extra tasks other time sit is less than or qual too. Ticking them off makes me feel accomplished.

Medication, I reaearch everything like you. I have refused meds based on side effects. Of course you can not control when you are the lucky one to get a side effect which 2% of the population get. I have that issue with Seroquel It has caused hypothyroid and metabolic syndrome. It is fine what is an extra couple pills. I feel great these days and will move to 3 days a week of work from 2.

Stay healthy, sounds like you ahve a great handle on your BP.

John

I agree totally that your pdoc should be one who listens and works with you, I would change mine for another in a heartbeat if she wasn't good and she it. But we do have members who don't have that luxury. I know of at least two here who have no other pdoc nearby or cannot see another one for other reasons. In those cases all we can do is help support them cope with their symptoms.

Yes, you must feel able to communicate with your psychiatrist. It's very, very important. Mine is wonderful. He listens to me and takes my suggestions. He explains side effects. He asks me questions on how I am doing. He even asks how things are in my life and my job. He's very caring and I really like him. He only spends about 20 minutes with me, but uses that time well. He is old though and I'd hate to see him retire. I hope not time soon. I agree with Uppity about supporting the ones that aren't able to get a new psychiatrist to help them cope. They need our support very much.

UppityWoman - Thanks for the reminder of how blessed I am to live in CA, in a large city, where there are so many doctors to choose from. Everywhere I've lived in CA i've been able to shop the docs and say "You are too totalitarian" or "You are freaking nuts" and walk out and never go back, go find someone who suits me. The dearth of good doctors in some parts of this country, whether it be pdocs or OBs is tragic.

Amen to that. My psych and I were talking about how I've changed since I've been seeing her, and she said that it seemed that I had actually adopted some of her own attitude. Think about it - they're teaching you specific coping skills, etc, and taking their theoretical orientation into consideration is important. Youre in their hands at the most vulnerable times in your life. Luckily I stumbled upon the most amazing one. She and I both have twins, so she always got that w/o me having to explain it, and she and I just clicked. So I don't mind that I've got some of her in me. My psychiatrist is extremely cut to the chase and a lot of people find him very abrupt. I like that about him. He cuts through the crap and gets on with it, but still cares and does a good job. Some places dont have psychs. Period. I cant imagine how people suffer out there, I guess their GPs are the ones that prescribe them meds. My city has multiple mental hospitals, extensive county services, and a huge ton of docs to choose from. So, because I have to "break up" with my doctors by Thanksgiving when my insurance runs out, I dont know wth I will do. I guess I'll be on county services and I'll get whoever they give me. Im petrified.

I don't know about all of u but I always challenge my pdoc decisions n why she thinks that med would b better than the next. I have had the same pdoc 4 over 15 yrs. I trust her but still vigil about everything suggested. I think some of the drugs reps. have a big pull when it comes to influence drug choices. Thank goodness 4 pdoc intelligence but I feel some of them have stock in the drugs. The journal works very well with documentation of drugs taken, reactions n how long u were on it. Esp. dating them