Bipolar Type II Support Group

Im kind of in a weird spot right now. I know I should take my meds but I honestly dont want to and dont really have the energy anymore. The insurance company is making me do mail order so they had to do an override at the pharmacy so I could get a 30 day supply until my are mailed. But they never did the override and luckily I found 9 more days worth of the pills that I couldnt get. I'm just so fed up with the healthcare field right now and it seems that im cycling more then before and I'm not sure y. I know I should see my tdoc but I'm not really in the mood 2 see him either.

Dear pmensah,

I know it's a struggle sometimes just to stay afloat, but in the words of Miley Cyrus "It's the Climb" that counts. I've had a love hate relationship with my meds for over 20yrs. My diagnosis goes back to when I was 17, but lithium was the only drug for treatment back then, that or shock treatments which wasn't going to happen. Anyway, I did nothing for years until I had a major episode at age 38. Since then I've been thankful for all the new antidepressants and mood stabilizers. It's been a major struggle to find the right combination and I gave up many times ending up in the stress center multiple times. The last time I was admitted was in 2007 and since then I've stayed on my medications. I feel better than I do off the meds but still not the best, or at least what I feel is my best. I still hate the side effects and the constant struggle with my behavior problems, but as I said I'm better off on the meds than off. We should be thankful that we have insurance to help us with our meds. So many times in the Stress Center I would see these people come in who admit themselves every 6 mos. or so just to get some meds. They would actually cry begging the pdoc's to keep them longer, because they knew that they would not be able to afford their meds on the outside. Without insurance, my meds would cost around 2000.00 a month. I would probably stay off my meds to the destruction of my marriage and risk the loss of whatever would be left of me as a person. pmensah, take your meds. You'll feel better for it in the long haul, and it will be a long haul. I've suffered with this disease for over 40yrs now, and I don't see an end. Therefore as one bp to another, take care of your precious life as you are a special person with a special disease. Take head that the disease is not you and this will help you adjust your thinking which in turn will affect your behavior. Take care kiddo, I'm here for you.

If you don't have the energy to take your meds, you may be in a depressive phase right now, but all the more reason to take them! I got these special pill boxes, one for each day, A.M. and P.M., so I can see at a glance if the box is empty which means I took them. Much easier; and you could associate the pill-taking time with something else you do every day/night like brushing your teeth. Yes, sometimes I was too depressed to do that, too, but it's better than getting fillings. It's a ritual now, almost a pleasant one because I get to feel that I'm doing something good for me! If you're still depressed or get hypomanic you may need added meds - do see your Dr and get a psychiartist (or Nurse Practitioner who can prescribe) if you don't have one! They have more experience with the meds you need. It will get better, be patient to yourself. And talk to us whenever you need/want - Jeni

Post edited by: jenigood1, at: 08/30/2009 12:58 PM

I do the weekly pill box thing too. 2 of them one for my AM and PM meds. Its so much easier than trying to get 15 pills out when I am exhausted at the end of the night. I know half the time I wouldnt even take them if I didnt have those boxes.