Bipolar Type II Support Group

There are literally no options left, at least not ones I am willing to explore, in the entire world of psychiatric medications. I was ready to give lithium a shot, and after two weeks of getting myself to a point where I was open to it, pdoc said she will not put me on it because of my EKG. This EKG problem also eliminates a handful of other meds I could try. So, down to the ones that are left on the list, which almost all I have tried and had negative side effects. The couple I have not tried I will not because of the sedation, weight gain, or other terrible side effects that are experienced by 99.9% of those on the med.

Some think I make up excuses to be difficult about this. I am not trying to be a pain in the ass. Why would I not want to feel better? I just want to feel better, but without feeling physically crappy as a tradeoff.

So, at the end of her rope probably, pdoc sent me on my way today with a scribbled note about fish oil. She has not totally closed the book, but I dont think she knows what to do at this point. It makes me feel terrible. It fizzles out the enthusiasm I had mustered up to commit to a med regiment.

So, who has experience with fish oil and did it help at all?

I've been checking out this site since my diagnosis, and it's quite informative. Here is the research on fish oil:

http://www.psycheducation.org/depression/meds/Omega-3.htm

Hope this helps.

I've been reading the Ultra-Mind Solution and I think I'm going to look more into this line of thinking. These side effects from my usual meds are not sitting well with me. It may not work, but I feel like it's worth a shot.

I've taken fish oil, but didn't really notice a difference. Some people do though. I'm sorry you are having such a hard time.

Have you tried the Emsam patch (selegiline transdermal system)? I couldn't use it for long though was having some success with it.

It is an monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) though its absorbed through the skin it has less dietary restriction, and side effects than traditional MAOI's.

I tried fish oil but didn't notice any difference. According to studies it does help over time.

I feel like there are going to be side effects with any psychiatric med a person takes. You just have to decide that the benefits outweigh the negatives, once you find one you can work with. I cannot imagine NOT being on medication as someone who's bipolar. There would be no stability in life. The side effects I feel are worth having a stable mind, relationships and emotions.

I am so sorry that you are going through this. There must be something out there. I have even heard that Seroquel at a very small dose and with exercise can be ok--at least that is the only way I would try it when it comes down to me having to.

I have been told to take fish oil too, it helps some people a bit.

Thinking of you and sending you hugs.

Thanks all. Just got up and went to take my morning pills, and felt like something is missing. Like there should be something else. The fact that we have to resort to natural remedies that may or may not do anything helpful makes me feel sad and hopeless. I am not ready to sign up for a med that makes me fat and bald, and I was ready for one but pdoc won't give it to me. I feel like I should be re-evaluating this whole entire bipolar thing and figuring out how to live like I am totally normal. It just leaves me feeling sad when I think about the vibe pdoc was putting out yesterday that said she was out of options and giving up on me. I have been getting myself to a point where I was ready to make some changes, and now the message I am getting is that I need to learn how to control my brain chemicals on my own. Whatever..... just feeling really discouraged this morning.

When my pdoc felt like he was running out of options he sent me to get a second opinion which really helped. Just an idea.

Is seeing another doctor for a second opinion an option?