Dr.'s Visit
 

Getting my meds straightend out.

Back to re-evaluating me for bi-polar:( For some idea the idea of low grade depression is better for me than bi-polar. But why does it matter.

So 3 more weeks of the Prozac to see how I feel and he doesn't want to change me so fast since I just had an "episode". Then I might be switched to Zoloft.

Anybody have some thoughts on bi-polar? Can you be fat and bi-polar? No one can think too much can they?

Miss Chris:?:

Chris sweetie... don't be distressed. It's so good that you're getting evaluated again. Once you find out exactly what's what, you'll be able to get all kinds of helpful info.

My DH works with a number of people who are bipolar.

This is a really excellent support link.
http://willigocrazy.org/Ch06a1.htm
In fact, I think it would be helpful for everyone! :)

love and hugs...
:grouphug:

My Favorite Miss Chris,

My bi-polar ex-boyfriend was fat.... and he was GREAT in bed, so I can only assume.. :)

I know that the label can be depressing. I mean, bi-polar sounds so much more complicated than depression. It's like being labeled obese instead of just overweight, or pudgy. Once I remember someone said I had a learning disorder and I was SO offended... until I realized they were talking about my ADD. But remember, it's just a label and that's not nearly as important as the treatment.

I have a handful of friends that are bi-polar and they're some of the most creative and talented people I know. Although I barely know you, you're one of the strongest people around and totally willing to do whatever it takes to accomplish what you want. This is just part of that process.

My two cents.

HUGS!

Chris - when they do find out what is going on with you, at least you will be able to work with it.

I just hope that things get straightened out as quickly and easily as possible for you.

sending you good vibes :goodvibes
:mouse:

I agree with all the above, dear Miss Chris. You are such a special person, whatever it takes to figure out where to go from here, it is worth it - you are worth it!

Bipolar is just a name for a certain brain chemistry that can be levelled out with the right meds...I too know bipolar people and they are wonderful, brilliant, creative loving and lovable indeed. A doctor who herself is bipolar named Kay Redfield Jamison has written 2 books about her experiences (can't remember the names just now) & I thought they were very good.

Thanks for letting us know how you are doing - we are here for you any time! And please keep us posted - love, Lidian

Ellis, That website is awesome. The hiccup cure on there is awesome. THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

and THANK YOU Lidian, Squeak, Jessica for caring and sharing your input.

I got 2 books today.
Undoing Depression by Richard O'Connor
Simple Steps 10 Weeks to Getting Control of Your Life by Lelas, McClintock, and Zingarella

Step Books maybe it will be like BFL and I will just do and not think about it. How cool is that?

Miss Chris

There is actually two kinds of Bi-polar..Bipolar II is where you really really MANIC... where the manic is you don't sleep, don't slow down, do stupid spontaneous stuff- (like buying cars and boats on the spur of the moment) and there may be depression but not too bad.

The other is..... where your up is just pretty normal, hypomania.... you aren't nutty up there just okay happy.... and the depression can be really bad or just moderately bad. This is one that is harder to diagnose because it is really just alot like major depression but you don't stay down quite as long and don't get quite as happy as with a manic episode....

I was diagnosed with Bi-polar when I was diagnosed with Bulimia... The psychiatrist put me on Lithium, another medicine called Luvox and then two other medicine for Anxiety....I stayed on these for about a year and decided that I really didn't feel or think I was bi-polar that I had suffered from depression for a long time but personally just because I had depression I didn't think I met the criteria for what all he had diagnosed me with... I weaned myself off of the medications because I hated taking them and have only had one or two episodes of depression in the last 4 or 5 years...

Here is a pretty ok web site with the diagnostic criteria for the different disorders... mood disorders are very common just take it one day at a time and when all else fails get a second opinion.

http://www.psychologynet.org/


Hugs to ya,
Amy

Hey Chris!! Just keep taking care of yourself, and come here if you want to scream, *****, moan or, for that matter, tell us how great things are going. You are a wonderful person and we all just want to see you doing well.
xxoo

Den said it all, Chris. :)

I'm really glad you like that site. It's very "up".
And yes... just do and not think about it... sounds good! :D

You are a wonderful person Chris, and very strong to go out and get those books - good for you!

You are all a terrific, wonderful group of uncommon women!

Love, Lidian

Been working on myself
 

The book Undoing Depression is helping me out. I am so not bi-polar. The things that might appear bi-polar about me are personality traits. Values of hard work and goal orientation and being driven are from childhood. The original diagnosis of dysthymic disorder fits me much better, and I am sure it has exagerated some of these personality traits that mimic bi-polar. But I got journal entries to prove my point. I write alot during blacker periods, and they are chronic, low grade, and not stopping me from being functional. The cheerleader in me wants to see the bright side of life, it a combination of chemistry and comfortable behaviors that reek havoc on me.

Any way I just wanted to tell ya'll the book is helpful and if you get a chance check it out.

Miss Chris :cool:

Hey Chris-glad the book is helping- we are all here for you if you need us :grouphug:

Hi all,
Can anyone give me some good info on biopolarity? I know I have wicked mood swings, thoughts of depression, anxiety, etc, are these symptons? I think I need to make a Dr's appointment!
Am I just going crazy?
Virginia

Virginia-Ellis posted a link earlier that looked really good. (Near top of page.)
Seeing a doctor is always a good idea. I keep saying this, but one more time won't hurt: I waited WAY longer than I should have. If you are thinking about going then DO it!! The talking sure helps, and if you need the meds, the sooner the better!!! Are you crazy? Well they say it takes one to know one, but I'd say yes and no. I think this group of women is the craziest AND the sanest group of women I know!!!

Chris-That is my diagnosis too!! Plus a moderate amount of anxiety (Self diagnosed, but there for sure!!!) My quality of life sure has improved with the meds!!! Thanks for the book suggestion...I'll check it out!!!

Yeah, I'm going to check out that book too, Chris! Thank you!

Virginia... I PM'd you...

There are a LOT of us "crazy people" out there! :lol:

I prefer to be thought of as mad, I tell you mad! :dizzy:

Thanks girls! Yes Ellis thank you for your message. I am going to look at the site now.

The book sounded interesting, and I picked it up this afternoon. Thanks for recommendation Chris!

Hi girls,
Just wanted to let you know I was to the doctor this morning and she put me on Celexa-Citalopram for depression and panic disorder. I think I have been having panic attacks, so she is trying me on this for awhile to see if it makes a difference. She also said that sometime I should think about seeing a therapist, I will give this a whirl first and see how it goes.
She was very impressed with my weight loss, and also informed me however, this med could possibly cause me to gain weight but she said where I am already doing so well there, it should not be a problem. I hope not! She was also pleased to hear I quite drinking. Now if I can get this dealt with, then I will move on to the smoking issue, but she told me to take one thing on at a time.
Well, we will see how it goes anyway. Thanks for your support!
Virginia

Virginia, I'm so glad that you went! And that it went well!! That is a HUGE hurdle you've overcome... congratulations!
:grouphug:

Virginia, that is wonderful news...glad you are being well looked after. And I know the strength it takes to go and get the help one needs - it is very hard to! Congratulations & please let us know how you are doing -- Lidian

Virginia-GOOD FOR YOU!!! My DS (#2) is on Celexa. He still gets anxious sometimes, but hasn't had a major panic attack since he went on it. Hope it works for you too!!!:)

That is great news Virginia! I'm glad that you are getting the help you need :grouphug:

That is great Viriginia! I am very impressed. You are doing an amazing job at getting yourself together!!!

wow, i just think that people who have the courage to go get taken care of are so amazing. to normal people I suppose making a Dr.'s Appt is not a big deal. But, to people like me... i dunno. The thought terrifies me. I haven't been to a gyno in 3 years, and I haven't been to a regular Dr. in about 2. I have gone in to get things taken care of like ear infections... but... emotional and physical problems ... i almost feel like if i ignore it it will go away i guess. *L*

No news it good news.

Congrats to the people who have the courage to love themselves and take care of themselves. Maybe I'll face my fear that something is wrong and take the plunge some day.


on a side note - i too played the medication game. first zoloft. then effexor. then prozac. it's so hard to find the right one. i kinda feel like i should go back on them now, but playing the medication game is risky. zoloft made me worse, and effexor made me a zombie, and prozac made me apathetic. i need something that just keeps me from having such a bad attitude, will help me be social, and not have freak outs. is that too much to ask? *LOL*

Oh Lizzi... you sound JUST like me! :( I'm taking Fluoxetine (prozac), and it's worked pretty well for me (okay, it's been my miracle drug) for several years. But I'm still getting some bad depression stuff... with greater frequency lately... so I'm going to find a good (hopefully) psychiatrist and see about changing my meds.
DON'T ignore your problems! We will kick you in the butt and MAKE you go! :grouphug:

Chickies, I have been blessed by never suffering from a major depression but have several friends who have to live with the condition. I imagine the hardest step is recognizing you need help and going and getting it.

Good for you all and a huge supportive hug.

MotheRuth

Miss Chriss,

My DH's best friend is Bi-polar. He is very overweight. He says it's due to some of his meds. They changed them and he has started to loose the weight. I don't know if it is true or not, but that is what he says. I also have a friend who is dating a man who is bi-polar and he is very fit.

Don't know if it helps or not, just thought I would put my two pennies in, lol

Bella23

Other then that, I can't be much help

I am kind of like you, Lizzi...it is hard for me to make those dr appts. I have a terrific dr but alas she herself has been ill a lot this year - so I want to wait till she is better. I really love her, and she has known me for 6 years, so I don't want to switch. But even with her, it is hard to explain what is on my mind, when it is sort of hard to describe. I don't have classic panic attacks but a lot of things make me anxious.

Hmmm...maybe I could just say that, of course!

Lidian

YOU LADIES ARE AWESOME!

WAY TO GO VIRGINIA! I am so blessed and feel so loved to know all of you. Especially Ruth since she gets to be the "normal" one! LOL!

Miss Chris

Thank the Goddess that you put it in quotes! Thousands would disagree!

Chris & Virginia - I'm so happy you both are doing something good for yourselves! I've suffered from major depression on & off since I was about 16 years old - and was on Paxil for awhile because of the major panic attacks I was having while going through a major depressive episode... seems kind of contradictory, eh? lol

And Chris, whether it's "depression" or "bi-polar" or whatever, it's nothing to mess around with!!!

Lizziness, I guess I'm not "normal" either cause going to the doctor is a huge deal to me, too (other than the dentist... cause he doesn't weigh me, lol). Don't ignore going to the doctor, pleeeeeeeease.