Bipolar Type II Support Group

Hi...I am 43, have 2 great kids and hubby, but have suffered from depression that comes and goes every couple months. After trying many different ADs, I finally saw a new p-doc and he said I fall in the bipolar spectrum, definintely not bipolar I, not really all symptoms of BP 2 either. Put me on seroquel. Will I be able to continue to work part time, keep up with my kids? How many meds will I have to try before I find one(s) that work? My p-doc assured me the many patients he has seen with my symptoms do well and lead a normal life, but don't know if I believe that. Please help...I am so scared. I am barely functioning now due to depression/anxiety and am hoping and praying I won't have to go thru years and years of trying different meds to feel better. Maybe I never will???

HELP!

Hey karlie, welcome! You've come to a place where we care, share, listen and support you all the way. This is a safe space to vent, laugh, cry and ask as many questions as you like. You will get input from many members, this is a great group full of understanding and good advice.

I'm glad that you've seen a pdoc and at least know that you fall under the bipolar spectrum. To be diagnosed as BP II, you don't have to have all the symptoms. There will be some that you have but I don't and vice versa. Many members are on Seroquel and it works well for them; they should give input as they get to your post. But the main thing is that your pdoc has started you on meds. That is an important step. It sometimes takes a while to find the right mix of meds, or you may get lucky the first time. I take a whole cocktail, some take only one or two. BP is not cureable but it IS manageable with the right medication and treatment. Just be patient, you will get there.

Be encouraged by the fact that you absolutely will be able to lead a functional, balanced life. Once your meds are right you'll see a huge difference. You need meds to get well, so communicate honestly with your pdoc as to how the meds are working and how they make you feel.

It took me a while to find the "perfect" (well I hope ) mix of meds, but even during that process I was much better than when on no meds and could still cope much better. I hope that the Seroquel starts working soon and helps you. It does have a sedating effect so take it well before bedtime!

You absolutely ARE going to be ok. You're not alone, you have us now and we'll be there for you every step of the way. Take good care, good luck with the meds and please let me know how you get on.

Hugs, Bridget

Post edited by: dizzyb, at: 07/02/2010 04:33 PM

You will do just fine. It does take time, but you just need to be patient. Mine too about a year to find the right combination, but I did. You never know how you will react, everyone is different. I hope you find the right combo soon though. I function very well with life now that I'm on medication. I'm stable and enjoying life. You will get there also. We are here for you! Keep posting. Welcome again! Stay strong. Hugs

Joy,

How were the side effects when you started on Lamictal? My dr has just started me on it but I have an extreme fear of medications because I have had severe anaphalactic reactions to some antibiotics. Started me on 25 mg but (don't laugh, I know I sound like a nut but I started on 1/4 of it!!) I have to go super slow because of panic attacts resembling anaphalaxis. I have been having stomach pains and agitation but could be anxiety from the new med.

I didn't have any side effects on Lamictal. Everyone is different though. I started out on 25 mg and worked my way to 300 mg. You have to go slow because of the rash you could get. I don't think you're a nut. Better safe than sorry, but it just means it will take you longer to get to a therapeutic dose. I think your stomach pains are probably from the anxiety. If it gets troublesome, call your psychiatrist. Best of luck for you. Stay strong. Hugs

llb, I'm glad you've started on Lamictal, it's a very good mood stabiliser. I understand your fear of side effects and there can be some, but whatever you experience will go away after a while. It's worth trying it out for a while to see the full effect. The sick in the stomach/nausea is a side effect of Lamictal, I had that when my dose was increased. As soon as my body adjusted it was fine again.

The agitation is more than likely the anxiety of starting a new med so try and accept that this is a good step, breathe and let the med help you. Naturally if these symptoms persist you will need to mention them to your pdoc. Good luck with the treatment. Take care.

Hugs, Bridget

Joy and Dizzyb, Thank you so much for responding. No one understands what I go thru when I take a new medication. I can't take vitamins that you swallow because I have panic attacks. Crazy huh. I do the kids chewable!!! I increased the Lamictal to 1/2 of 25mg. I have to take baby steps!!! Thank you for your kindness. Have a good 4th.

Welcome Carlie,

We all have been down this road your going and your not alone. Many of us have had the same questions and fears.

Seroquel it a good med and hopefully it will work for you. I was diagnosed six years ago with BPII and GAD.

I live a pretty good life. I work five days a week, I have hobbies, and life goes on. I would have to say even though having BP is a pain at least I know now what I have and what to do to treat it. Before being diagnosed I was an emotional mess always on the verge of breakdown. Now life is good

Dear L, you are probably having a stomache reaction due to anxiety. Take the full pill and give it time to work. The anxiety will go away within a few weeks. Please don't think or say you sound crazy or you are a nut. You are having an emotion. Anxiety is an emotion. Stay positive, things will get better. The ups and downs are scary, but with time and the right medication you will get it under control. Hugs Xo

I dunno, sometimes you feel like a nut; sometimes you don't.