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Bipolar, post traumatic stress and anxiety disorder, addiction; what next?

By Anonymous April 21, 2010 - 2:17pm
 
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I am a 49 women and I feel like I'm losing my mind more and more every year. I was first diagnosed with bi-polar disorder in 1993 after the murder of my sister. I didn't feel this was a fair diagnosis because of the trauma I was going through at the time so I refused medication. I checked into rehab in Feb 09 for alcohol addiction and so began the very painful decline in my mental health. Truthfully, it had been declining all along, but I medicated with alcohol to cope with the mood swings. Being sober and bipolar feels worst than being drunk and being bipolar. After getting out of treatment three other doctors confirmed the diagnoses of bi-polar, plus adding post traumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorder, bulimia nervosa, shopping addiction....and on and on. I am currently taking Risperidone, Prozak and Valproic Acid and continue to live on an emotional rollercoaster. Out of curiosity I Googled 'is bi-polar progressive' and didn't like what I found. Can anyone out there relate to my situation??? I am down to working three days per week and at that find it very hard to cope. I try to take things one day at a time but am nervous for my future and that of my family. I will be entering a mood disorders clinic on April 30 so I am hoping they can help me stabilize. Any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated.

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(reply to dencat36)

I agree, Cathy, I am really glad to read your energized, practical post. I think "get out of the house and out of my head" is a wonderful mantra! I think that seeing your doctor and case worker twice a week is good -- it will keep you on track and conscious of your efforts.

Also, a pat on the back for wanting to return to AA. Has alcohol been a problem for you lately? If so, I know that making this a priority will make you feel even better. And having the support of people in the meetings will truly help you feel not so all alone.

When you find that magic pill, please be sure to send me one, too. OK? I'll look forward to your future updates!

June 3, 2010 - 9:05am
Expert HERWriter Guide Blogger

Hi dencat36 - I'm also glad you're seeing your doctor, and am sad that you're struggling with family support issues. What you're dealing with is a medical condition and if you want to be healthy then you need and deserve the best care possible. Sometimes that care is best delivered on an inpatient basis. If you had cancer and you needed care there probably would be immediate and unconditional support for your care and treatment. It may help you get more support from your family members if they had a better understanding of your situation as a medical need rather then a matter of will power. Let us know if we can help you, and best wishes to you in finding and obtaining the help that's critical for your personal health and well-being.
Take care, Pat

June 1, 2010 - 5:13pm

Hi Diane; I did talk to my doctor about voluntary admission, but I was having a really good day and it didn't seem necessary. Now that I'm having trouble again, it makes more sense. I had three good days, and now I'm on the down swing; binge eating, I drank the other night after 15 months of sobriety. I see my doctor again tomorrow so we'll see what happens. My family is not supportive of the idea. They think I can take care of any troubles I have on my own. I feel damned if I do, and damned if I don't. I guess I just need to do what I think is right for me. I'll talk with my doctor and see what that is.

Thanks for thinking of me Diane,

Cathy

May 31, 2010 - 6:16pm
(reply to dencat36)

Cathy,

I'm so sorry you're on the downward side again. It's such a difficult place to be. But it's OK that you are there. You will work your way through this, even if it takes baby steps. I am so glad you are seeing your doctor again tomorrow. You MUST trust yourself and your doctors; you can deal with the family later on. Many people who have not experienced what you are experiencing just don't know how hard it can be to find firm footing again.

Take care, and please update us again after your doctor's appointment. Be very honest while you're there about everything you've experienced in the last few days, so the doctor has the true picture of the situation, OK?

June 1, 2010 - 9:53am

I'm seeing my doctor this morning to discuss the possibility of voluntary admission to the hospital to help me stabilize. Anyone have any experience with this??? Pros/cons?

May 28, 2010 - 7:31am
(reply to dencat36)

Hi, dencat36! Fun to see you in person!

How did your appointment with your doctor go? Did you get to talk about voluntary admission to a hospital to help you stabilize? What were your doctor's thoughts?

May 31, 2010 - 12:56pm

I'm posting this just to see if I figured out how to show my pic and not be anonymous. Here we go...

May 27, 2010 - 6:32pm
(reply to dencat36)

It worked!

May 28, 2010 - 6:54am
Expert HERWriter Guide Blogger

Mixednuts? I love it! You go girls!

May 27, 2010 - 5:17pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Pat Elliott)

when you login to mixed nuts let us know your 'name' so we can look out for you. I've been really enjoying it in the short time I've tried it out. I find it very supportive.

May 27, 2010 - 6:29pm
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