My wonderful Friday

Good evening all.

I had a doctor's appointment at 7:45 AM that I almost missed because I forgot about and didn't remember until 7:15.  I think I set a worlds record for getting dressed and out the door. 

I don't recall if I've ever discussed this part of my life here or not, but you are all so wonderful that I do feel safe in doing so.  About 4 years ago, I was diagnosed with Bipolar disorder type II.  Treatment has not gone very well and I switched psychiatrists about 4 months ago.  I mentioned to him today that I had discussed my belief that bipolar wasn't the only issue, but that my previous p-doc kind of ignored it.  As it turns out, I have many symptoms that indicate not only bipolar but also adult attention deficit disorder.  Both of these conditions are things I have dealt with my entire life but were never officially diagnosed until recently.  Because of my age I have to wait for the insurance company to approve the new medication that the doctor wants me to try because typically it is prescribed only for children and adolescents.  I'm hoping to be able to start the new meds by Monday.  One of the good side effects is that it causes a drastic decrease in appetite.

My food wasn't great today, but far better than it was yesterday.  I also had a quilting class this morning so I didn't get to the gym today but I did shovel snow and that has to count for something.

I ordered a 3 month supply of vitamins today; they are all in capsule form and I don't have to chew them.  They are by Building Blocks which specializes in supplements for bariatric patients.  I'm hoping that being able to swallow them will be motivation for me to take them regularly like I'm supposed to.  Some days, the thought of chewing a piece of chalk is just too revolting and I skip the vitamins and calcium.  Not a good thing, I know and I just had a load of lab work done so I'm sure that I'll be getting chewed out by both the surgeon and my PCP.

Well that was my day today.  I don't know what tomorrow will bring, but I do think I can get a trip to the gym in there somewhere.

Have a great evening all!@

Colleen

Hi Colleen!  Thank you for sharing more of your story with us.  I am sure I am not the only one who hopes the new medication will be exactly what you need.  :)  I hope the new doctor is also going to be helpful, much more so that your other doctor. 

Hang in there!  Things definitely get better.  I rejoined Curves this week, realizing that finally I am wanting to move more and exercise more.  I think that comes with losing the weight....it's rather addictive!  LOL!!

Be well!


Guayas   :)

Colleen,
I do indeed understand the struggle with depression personally. AND I have 3 family members with bipolar disorder, so I understand that pretty well too. It is hell for the ones who have it to live with. I hope the treatment the doc is trying to give you will help you alot with both the bipolar and the ADD.
I have to be honest with you and tell you I often wonder if i do not have adult onset ADD. Some times i seem so absent minded i wonder if I am just plain semile! lol. I asked my psych about it and he said it is common to feel like that with depression present. Mine is clinical depression, which means i will always have it, just glad the meds help keep me balanced for the most part.
I like building block vitamins. Its the only kind I use. I like the fruit flavored chewables. My daughter like the capsules. I find the capsules hard to take as they are kind of large and sometimes stick on the way down.
So you didn't say...how did the appointment go with the doc today? Well I hope!
Hugs to you. Thanks for trusting us with such personal info.

Thanks for being comfortable enough to share with us.  Work out the med doses with your doc and do your best.  i am glad that you have sewing to keep you busy.  Hugs

colleen, thank  you sooooooo much for sharing with us.  you are a very brave woman.  you should be proud of yourself.  i have major, clinical, reoccurring depression.  my longest big time episode was about 8 years, i was in 3 looney bins from suicide attempts.  now i just sort of handle it. my doctor pointed out an article in the paper about a new type of treatment for patients who are non responsive to medication for depression. it involves using a magnet and stimulating the part of the brain that involves activity.  he said it might be an option if i ever get worse again since he considers me nonresponsive to medication.

it sounds like you have some hope with this new doc. isn't that wonderful?!?  i am so happy for you.  nobody knows like people like us how important it is to find someone who you trusts and gives you hope.  you hang in there lady.  love, vick

Colleen, so glad you feel able to share this with us. I hope the new doc and meds work out well for you.

I know what you mean about the vitamins, I chew mine and somedays just the thought of having to turns my stomach. I don't feel confident enough to try to swallow capsules. My doc says 1 year of chewables first and those calcium tabs are SO big I'm afraid they would get stuck! Take care -

Rhonda

Colleen - thanks for sharing.  I have Major Depressive Disorder and probably have bordered on Bipolar D/O I years ago.  I have had a lot of the symptoms in the past and still fight with the impulsive behaviors (mine is spending).  Having those two diagnosis is common in some people with Bipolar D/O.  I hope they approve your meds.  It will help tremendously.  The down side of taking meds is that some people don't like not being as "energetic."  Bipolars love the high but not the downs.  I am a therapist so if you want more info you can send me a message.