If you're new to our community, taking the step for the first time to post publicly to a message board can sometimes seem intimidating. Don't be afraid to jump into a discussion once you have registered with us.
We have a very supportive community that serves up heavy doses of support, encouragement and enthusiasm. We love meeting new people and being friendly. While we hope that you'll become an active participant and join in our discussions, you're welcome, of course, to simply hang out silently until you feel more comfortable posting a message.

*As a new member, you will have the ability to post under any topic in this room or another forum.
After you have made 5 posts, you will have the authorization to start a brand new topic.

You are not alone.

~Lindsay, Forum Super Adinistrator
Sheepwoman, Administrative Assistant, Senior Moderator, BiPolar
adorabelle, Moderator, Bipolar

Hello everyone. Some of you know me already, and for those that don't, I hope to get to know you along the way.

Welcome, wovenheart. Glad to have you here.
Sheepwoman

Hello everyone . Ive been lurking for awhile now . I have finally decided to start posting and see if I can leanr anything or possibly help shareing some of my experiences .
Ive finally found a Dr. that is willing to LISTEN to me and not just say take this and get out of my office sort of attitude.

Hi, tigerguy001 and welcome to the bipolar room,
Read the FAQ sheet at the start of this forum to see if any of it relates to you. What diagnoses did your new doc give you? Are you currently on any medication?

You will find that we are a sharing and caring community. We listen very well and give support.
Sheepwoman

bonscott here. just found you guys today. hoping to find a little help and whatnot. quick question though, how many posts do you have to have to play the little games?

I have been diagnosed as Bipolar or as my Dr seems to like to call it "mood disorder" I think thats mostly to make the insurance company more happy he has told me that I am Bipolar . Currently I am on zoloft and will be starting on Lamictal tomorrow they had to order the starter pack at the pharmacy . Dr didnt have any samples.
After I get started on that Im to come back and discuss options for changeing my AD since the zolft isnt helping much atleast not by itself .... I just wish I could have found a dr willing to listen many years ago . Looking back Im surprised I have made it this far I have been on and off different ad's for awhile

Thanks for the info. Having a little trouble feeling my way around. Seems like a nice site. The help files are pretty good too.

Welcome to DF, cedezi,
We are a very caring and supportive community. The "help" area is a great way to start knowing about how to get around in here. I am sure that that section will give you help in manuevering around. If you still have trouble, feel free to PM any of the moderators for additional help.
Sheepwoman

New here...just diagnosed =/

edit: my post wasnt showing up...sorry about double post

This post has been edited by jersdreams: May 5 2007, 06:49 PM

Glad that you are joining us, jersdreams. We're a good group and, believe me, we understand BP very well. Feel free to join in the New Friends thread or to start your own topic.
Sheepwoman

I'm not new but I haven't been here for awhile. I'm BP 2 and am on a lot of meds. Nothing seems to help my depression- Xanax ER. Lamical, Trileptal, Prozac, Zyprexa- ridiculous. I need help that's for sure.

Kalley

Zyprexa is an anti-psychotic and is a sort of depressant. I stopped taking it years ago because of the excessive weight gain. Because Xanax is a calmative, I think it also is a "downer". If you feel Any of your meds are not working right for you, you should discuss this with your pdoc. There are a lot of other meds on the market that he/she can try.
Sheepwoman

Kalley,

I too am bipolar 2 also, and got diagnosed in 1998. Since then I have gone through many changes in meds. I don't know how much you have read about bp but I have come to learn that it can be difficult to treat. I am currently on Lamictal for mood stabilizer but we have been playing games with my anti-depressant for 3 months. Had a good result mood wise with Mirtazipine (aka Remeron) but it made me eat like a horse and I gained 10 pounds in 2 weeks! My Pychiatrist is going to try trazedone next. (I have problems sleeping too, as well as PTSD, Generalized anxiety disorder).

All I can tell you is to be patient with the process and it will get better. I have found that exercise helps with the bp, but you have to force yourself or have a good partner to push you when your depression wants to keep you in bed. I throw all I can into dealing with this disease because it's not going anywhere and I want to be as healthy as possible for myself and my family.

It's not easy but hang in there!

This post has been edited by Cedezj: May 6 2007, 12:52 PM

Hi Tigerguy,

Welcome and I'm pretty new here too. Lamictal is some pretty good stuff. I've been on it for 7 months now and have never felt as stable on anything else. The upload is the pain in the neck and I hope that the dr or pharmacy told you about the rash you have to watch out for. In my experience, I have never known a soul to get that rash. At any rate, I still need an antidepressant. Over the years (I was diagnosed in 1998) I have had to switch meds a few times to find the right "cocktail". There are a lot of drugs out there and new ones all the time. As long as you have a good pychiatrist you should be ok.

In the meantime, learn to love yourself. I used to feel like a slave to this disease but now I just consider it a part of my life. Let your pysch know how you feel on the different meds you try. Meds poop out sometimes after a while so don't be surprised if something that works now, doesn't work 2 years from now. Don't stress over it either.

Good luck and don't give up!

I'm looking here for info on Bipolar since its one of the many terms used to describe me, by my family.