libragirl76
01-11-2007, 01:27 AM
Hello all...
I havent posted for a couple of mos. since I got out of the hospital in October and feel I am falling off track again. I went back to work and all has been going well until they started adding even more overtime but by no means am I lazy because we have worked overtime for over a year now. But they are working us like a dog 7:45 am until 7:15 p:m during the weekdays and than they added 8 hours on Saturdays. I listen to customers complain all day and than I have to sale to them so its very stressfull plus some of the managers and the way they do things really suck. I dont get to see my kids because when I leave in the morning they are just getting up and when I come home I see them for maybe 30 min. The saturdays were "OUR DAYS" in my family because the kids all play sports so its either a basketball, football or soccer game. The past two weeks I have went mentally down and this week has been the worse.(I also have found out some health issues with my mom). But I have not wanted to get out of bed and have slept for like 14 hours straight, dont really feel like doing anything but than feel guilty because I know I dont see the kids much. I have been calling in to work because the last day I went to work one of the managers told me I went over on my break and I just burst out into tears(which one I was crying in the bathroom and two I never go over on my break and if I did and the manager said that normally I wouldnt act that way.)
Today I finally dragged myself to the pdoc I am on 40mg celexa, 400mg Topamax and 200 mg Lamictal and she told me to gradually stop taking the Lamitcal and add the Apilify, which is 15 mg. I am on Weight Watchers and have lost 32 lbs and that was the first thing I asked but I know everyone is different but reading the site it seems this is one that may cause weight gain? If that is the cause I will call her tomorrow and tell her no way! Anyways I realized when I was diagnoises I accepted it but didnt make any changes. I just take my medicines and go to my appointments and continue to go with my busy stressful life like before, is it possible? My husband is supportive to an extend but he knows my income supports more than his income does and I am unable to find another job making that. So it puts a big burden on me because of our mortgage and all than there our times he will look at me like I am just plain lazy. He says he will go to a support group but when the time comes he refuses.
I am sorry this is so long. I dont have anyone to turn too. What about my job? What about the abilify? What about my husband?
I havent posted for a couple of mos. since I got out of the hospital in October and feel I am falling off track again. I went back to work and all has been going well until they started adding even more overtime but by no means am I lazy because we have worked overtime for over a year now. But they are working us like a dog 7:45 am until 7:15 p:m during the weekdays and than they added 8 hours on Saturdays. I listen to customers complain all day and than I have to sale to them so its very stressfull plus some of the managers and the way they do things really suck. I dont get to see my kids because when I leave in the morning they are just getting up and when I come home I see them for maybe 30 min. The saturdays were "OUR DAYS" in my family because the kids all play sports so its either a basketball, football or soccer game. The past two weeks I have went mentally down and this week has been the worse.(I also have found out some health issues with my mom). But I have not wanted to get out of bed and have slept for like 14 hours straight, dont really feel like doing anything but than feel guilty because I know I dont see the kids much. I have been calling in to work because the last day I went to work one of the managers told me I went over on my break and I just burst out into tears(which one I was crying in the bathroom and two I never go over on my break and if I did and the manager said that normally I wouldnt act that way.)
Today I finally dragged myself to the pdoc I am on 40mg celexa, 400mg Topamax and 200 mg Lamictal and she told me to gradually stop taking the Lamitcal and add the Apilify, which is 15 mg. I am on Weight Watchers and have lost 32 lbs and that was the first thing I asked but I know everyone is different but reading the site it seems this is one that may cause weight gain? If that is the cause I will call her tomorrow and tell her no way! Anyways I realized when I was diagnoises I accepted it but didnt make any changes. I just take my medicines and go to my appointments and continue to go with my busy stressful life like before, is it possible? My husband is supportive to an extend but he knows my income supports more than his income does and I am unable to find another job making that. So it puts a big burden on me because of our mortgage and all than there our times he will look at me like I am just plain lazy. He says he will go to a support group but when the time comes he refuses.
I am sorry this is so long. I dont have anyone to turn too. What about my job? What about the abilify? What about my husband?
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Llama
01-11-2007, 02:36 AM
Hi there. I just wanted to let you know that I did not gain any weight while on abilify (although I was barely on it for a month). Now I'm just on lamictal and am at 125mg. I really think I need another med, but my pdoc wants to wait until I get to a higher dose of the lamictal.
The one thing that you may want to be careful of (which is the reason that I had to get off of the abilify) is a side effect of restlessnes. I guess there is some kind of fancy clinical term for it. But if you do get this side effect there are meds that can stop this side effect. I don't know why but my pdoc mentioned adding one of those meds then changed her mind and said I should jsut get off of that med alltogether. I just hope the extreme anger/irritability does not return. we'll see I guess.
The one thing that you may want to be careful of (which is the reason that I had to get off of the abilify) is a side effect of restlessnes. I guess there is some kind of fancy clinical term for it. But if you do get this side effect there are meds that can stop this side effect. I don't know why but my pdoc mentioned adding one of those meds then changed her mind and said I should jsut get off of that med alltogether. I just hope the extreme anger/irritability does not return. we'll see I guess.
Llama
01-11-2007, 02:38 AM
btw, what do you think of topamax? I am thinking of asking to try that med along with the lamictal! Otherwise I was thinking geodon. I guess my pdoc will know best though for me.
libragirl76
01-11-2007, 10:42 AM
Hello Llama and thanks for your response!
I love Topomaz and that is the one med I will not let the Pdoc take me off of and ofcourse I know everyone is different. But I had terrible headaches and they are gone with this med and there was just a gradual weight loss. The one thing was that things tasted different and I could no longer dring carbonated drings for awhile. Caffenie drings had like a metal taste it was weird but eveuntually (awhile thought) it went away but it was a good thing because that maybe made me loss weight too, huh? Anyways I have had great success with it. its the only one...lol!
Now i have been on Lamictal 200 mg and my pdoc is gradual taken me completly off of it too START me ON THE apilify but reading on the site some people are taking both of these together??? That would not be because I am on Topamax right? I am also on Celexa---which I just feel something is not working and was pointing more towards the Celexa not Lamictal...Anyways I quess i am not the pdoc....
I love Topomaz and that is the one med I will not let the Pdoc take me off of and ofcourse I know everyone is different. But I had terrible headaches and they are gone with this med and there was just a gradual weight loss. The one thing was that things tasted different and I could no longer dring carbonated drings for awhile. Caffenie drings had like a metal taste it was weird but eveuntually (awhile thought) it went away but it was a good thing because that maybe made me loss weight too, huh? Anyways I have had great success with it. its the only one...lol!
Now i have been on Lamictal 200 mg and my pdoc is gradual taken me completly off of it too START me ON THE apilify but reading on the site some people are taking both of these together??? That would not be because I am on Topamax right? I am also on Celexa---which I just feel something is not working and was pointing more towards the Celexa not Lamictal...Anyways I quess i am not the pdoc....
libragirl76
01-11-2007, 10:53 AM
I love Topomaz and that is the one med I will not let the Pdoc take me off of and of course I know everyone is different. But I had terrible headaches and they are gone with this med and there was just a gradual weight loss. The one side effect I had was things tasted different and I could no longer dring carbonated drings for a long while. Caffenie drings had like a metal taste it was weird but eveuntually it went away but it was a good thing because that maybe made me loss weight too because I got used to drinking other things. Anyways I have had great success with it.
Now i have been on Lamictal 200 mg and my pdoc is gradual taken me COMPLETLY off of it too START me ON THE apilify but reading on the site some people are taking both of these together??? Would that not be in my case because I am also on Topamax? I am also on Celexa---which I just feel something is not working and was pointing more towards the Celexa not Lamictal...I TAKE ALL MY MEDS GO TO MY APPT AND WONDER AT TIMES WHAT DOES EACH ONE DO AND WHY DONT I FEEL BETTER?? WHY AM I STILL UP AND DOWN.... LOL!!!Anyways I quess i am not the pdoc.... THANKS for listening......
Now i have been on Lamictal 200 mg and my pdoc is gradual taken me COMPLETLY off of it too START me ON THE apilify but reading on the site some people are taking both of these together??? Would that not be in my case because I am also on Topamax? I am also on Celexa---which I just feel something is not working and was pointing more towards the Celexa not Lamictal...I TAKE ALL MY MEDS GO TO MY APPT AND WONDER AT TIMES WHAT DOES EACH ONE DO AND WHY DONT I FEEL BETTER?? WHY AM I STILL UP AND DOWN.... LOL!!!Anyways I quess i am not the pdoc.... THANKS for listening......
libragirl76
01-11-2007, 10:55 AM
I love Topomaz and that is the one med I will not let the Pdoc take me off of and of course I know everyone is different. But I had terrible headaches and they are gone with this med and there was just a gradual weight loss. The one side effect I had was things tasted different and I could no longer dring carbonated drings for a long while. Caffenie drings had like a metal taste it was weird but eveuntually it went away but it was a good thing because that maybe made me loss weight too because I got used to drinking other things. Anyways I have had great success with it.
Now i have been on Lamictal 200 mg and my pdoc is gradual taken me COMPLETLY off of it too START me ON THE apilify but reading on the site some people are taking both of these together??? Would that not be in my case because I am also on Topamax? I am also on Celexa---which I just feel something is not working and was pointing more towards the Celexa not Lamictal...I TAKE ALL MY MEDS GO TO MY APPT AND WONDER AT TIMES WHAT DOES EACH ONE DO AND WHY DONT I FEEL BETTER?? WHY AM I STILL UP AND DOWN.... LOL!!!Anyways I quess i am not the pdoc.... THANKS for listening......
Now i have been on Lamictal 200 mg and my pdoc is gradual taken me COMPLETLY off of it too START me ON THE apilify but reading on the site some people are taking both of these together??? Would that not be in my case because I am also on Topamax? I am also on Celexa---which I just feel something is not working and was pointing more towards the Celexa not Lamictal...I TAKE ALL MY MEDS GO TO MY APPT AND WONDER AT TIMES WHAT DOES EACH ONE DO AND WHY DONT I FEEL BETTER?? WHY AM I STILL UP AND DOWN.... LOL!!!Anyways I quess i am not the pdoc.... THANKS for listening......
goody2shuz
01-11-2007, 05:57 PM
Hi, Libragirl:wave: I think that you should reconsider going off the Lamictal especially since it takes so long to get up to a therapeutic level. Is there any chance that the doctor would consider giving you a little more of the Lamictal....I have heard that some people take up to 400mgs per day. It seems to me that what is really doing it is the amount of stress you are under....personally I think that you would be better off relieving the stress but I certainly do understand your concerns regarding your finances. I just would hate for you to get rid of a med that has been working only to find that the next doesn't. Another suggestion might be for you to perhaps consider two part time jobs that have less stress???? Would that work out??
I sense that you could use some more support from your husband. It is important for him to know and understand that in order for you to do well you must have minimal stress, good sleep, diet and exercise in addition to taking your meds. You certainly don't want to end up back in the hospital and minimizing stress is very important in keeping the stability in your life. Perhaps talking to your therapist about ways of doing that may help out as well. Sometimes it may involve having your husband take some of the load off of you at home so that you have time to relax after such a stressful day. Working together is important in keeping you healthy.
I hope things get better and that things at work slow down for you. It really sounds like alot for you to take on after recently coming out of the hospital and being diagnosed with Bipolar. Just my opinion.
Feel free to vent here or discuss any other concerns you may have.
(((HUGS))) ~ Goody:angel: :wave:
I sense that you could use some more support from your husband. It is important for him to know and understand that in order for you to do well you must have minimal stress, good sleep, diet and exercise in addition to taking your meds. You certainly don't want to end up back in the hospital and minimizing stress is very important in keeping the stability in your life. Perhaps talking to your therapist about ways of doing that may help out as well. Sometimes it may involve having your husband take some of the load off of you at home so that you have time to relax after such a stressful day. Working together is important in keeping you healthy.
I hope things get better and that things at work slow down for you. It really sounds like alot for you to take on after recently coming out of the hospital and being diagnosed with Bipolar. Just my opinion.
Feel free to vent here or discuss any other concerns you may have.
(((HUGS))) ~ Goody:angel: :wave:
SmileOften
01-12-2007, 11:40 PM
You don't need medicine, you need less stress. Any normal person would break down with your kind of stress. Is there any way you can get by on just your husband's income and you working part time? Maybe you could move into a smaller home, or refinance? I don't know your full situation, but I think that working those kinds of hours at a job you hate will cost you in the long run. It will ruin your physical and mental health.
Hope you find a solution!
Hope you find a solution!
libragirl76
01-14-2007, 02:15 AM
Hello everyone!
I have called in every day this week--I dont feel guilty about that but I feel guilty because I lied to my husband about it. I have been sleeping about 15 hours a day. The first day I figured I needed it but I really think the depression is sitting in and keeping me down. I went to talk to my counselor and we came to the conclusion that I need to start living for me instead of everyone else so I am going to make some changes in the next few monthes. I also called my psych. and l/m about my questions on the med. change and have an appt. on Monday. I agree that it took mo. to work up to the Lamitcal and lets say that is NOT the problem I would hate to get off of it, ya know? I thought I was on the max. dose of 200 mg. and didnt realize people could go up to 400 mg. Anyways, you all are great!:wave:
I have called in every day this week--I dont feel guilty about that but I feel guilty because I lied to my husband about it. I have been sleeping about 15 hours a day. The first day I figured I needed it but I really think the depression is sitting in and keeping me down. I went to talk to my counselor and we came to the conclusion that I need to start living for me instead of everyone else so I am going to make some changes in the next few monthes. I also called my psych. and l/m about my questions on the med. change and have an appt. on Monday. I agree that it took mo. to work up to the Lamitcal and lets say that is NOT the problem I would hate to get off of it, ya know? I thought I was on the max. dose of 200 mg. and didnt realize people could go up to 400 mg. Anyways, you all are great!:wave:
blauermonday
01-14-2007, 02:34 AM
You might want to give abilify a test--ask for samples. It worked really great for me for 3 weeks before the restlesses showed up. I am going to try and take it on an as needed basis. The reason I think it might be good for you is because it helps with motivation and pleasure/satisfaction feelings. Without it, I was so stuck in the paralysis of depression and too much sleep. On it, I got what I think of as a jump start and started working again. It is at least worth a shot.
I really feel for you. Keep posting. It really helps, doesn't it?
I honestly believe that someone with BP can have and do well at a job. The trick is keeping the stress level manageable, and balancing work with play and rest. It does sound like you have been pushing yourself too hard, which would of course exacerbate symptoms. Try not to be too hard on yourself for calling in; you had a legitimate reason and would have gone in if you could have. And you really are doing good to look at taking care of yourself; some things beg for priority shifts rather than more pills. For example, I needed meds for BP, but no meds in the world would fix the things wrong and hurtful in my relationship with my husband. So, I didn't need drugs to numb the pain, I needed to change the relationship or end it. I am just using it as an example; I hope your marriage is unlike mine was.
I really feel for you. Keep posting. It really helps, doesn't it?
I honestly believe that someone with BP can have and do well at a job. The trick is keeping the stress level manageable, and balancing work with play and rest. It does sound like you have been pushing yourself too hard, which would of course exacerbate symptoms. Try not to be too hard on yourself for calling in; you had a legitimate reason and would have gone in if you could have. And you really are doing good to look at taking care of yourself; some things beg for priority shifts rather than more pills. For example, I needed meds for BP, but no meds in the world would fix the things wrong and hurtful in my relationship with my husband. So, I didn't need drugs to numb the pain, I needed to change the relationship or end it. I am just using it as an example; I hope your marriage is unlike mine was.
libragirl76
01-14-2007, 09:21 PM
Thank you I may give abilify a try. But my marriage? I dont know anymore....:confused:
dryNscaly
07-22-2007, 10:07 PM
Abilify completely took away my motivation. I have a lot of trouble getting to the gym now and doing Pilates at home. I never had such a problem before taking Abilify.