Could this have been mania? - Bipolar Disorder Message Board

luv2read · 01-22-2005, 08:19 AM

I'm dx'd w/ depression-anxiety-fibromyalgia. I've been taking effexor xr , at 150 mg since about the beginning of April 04 I would say.

I'm seeing a psychologist now and she should have the results of the personality test by next appt on Thur.

At my last appt, I told her that I was reading a book on borderline pd and a book on bipolar. She said that I do not have borderline pd. But, she didn't say anything about being bipolar. I was actually standing up to leave when I mentioned this to her, so we didn't have time to talk about it.

I was wondering if this would be considered mania:

Last summer I push mowed (self-propelled) the back-the side- and the front hill of our yard. This usually takes me a few hours to do. But this day I kept going and going and going in the front yard.

We have lots of land out front and I would of kept going if the land wasn't sooo drenched with water out front. This area my husband usually mows with the tractor.

But, there I was push mowing this wide open area!! Then when I was done mowing I went and pulled weeds for 45 minutes (which I never do because of my fibro.), then I washed the car, washed the dog, did laundry, cleaned the house.....etc.

I felt very energetic even though my body was screaming to stop. I was shaky, dizzy, and just wound up.

Needless to say, this episode flared my fibro big time the next day!!!

This last time was in Dec right around x-mas time. I was wound up again. Cleaning, laundry, putting up x-mas tree, then I went to the garage and washed the car at like 11:30 at night!!

I do not go on spending sprees or anything like that.

My moods have always been up and down (mostly down) since I was little.

Even though I got lots done on these occasions, something didn't seem right. It was like I had loads of caffiene in my system or something. Then while doing these chores , my mind wouldn't stop. I just talk, talk , talk to myself inside my head.

Like, "I bet the neighbors think I'm crazy for mowing all this by hand, I better quit." " I bet the cars going by think I'm crazy out here mowing this land by hand." "oh, but I gotta do it." "and those weeds need done too." "and the car is so dirty" "and then the dog needs a bath" etc.

Any ideas?

Hedgehog No 1 · 01-22-2005, 08:48 AM

Hi there 'L2R'

It does sound a little like 'classic' mania symptoms, which are associated with amongst other things, being Bi-P. However - the UN-helpfull bit - since you are already seeing a Psy Doc, I would simple wait until your next visit and dedicate the start of the meeting to this topic. If nothing else it will open up the discussion on the possabilities of being Bi-P.

Good luck. Keep posting and let us all know how you get on.

Hedge.

luv2read · 01-22-2005, 11:22 AM

Hi Hedge,

yeah, I will bring it up on Thursday.

I know you guys can't dx someone here, but only give advice.

Thanks for the reply I appreciate it.

I was just wondering if anyone on here is dx'd w/ fibro. and bipolar and has had issues like this going on.

Thank you!!

princesspea · 01-22-2005, 12:54 PM

Hi Luv2read,

I like your name! I love to read too. I don't have fibro...one of the few things I don't have these days. I understand the other behavior though. Like you said we can't dx anybody since we aren't doctors but the behavior does sound familuar. I'm not a big spender either and that's not neccessary for you to be bp. Hedge gave you good advice to start off your next appt. with this topic. Good Luck and let us know what you find out.

Love,

Jamie

luv2read · 01-22-2005, 05:58 PM

Hi Jamie,

Oh, I love reading!! It really relaxes me and takes me to another place.

I'll let you know Thurs. what she thinks. She did tell me before that she really doesn't like putting a "label" to an illness....she's more interested in treating the symptoms. But, I still would like to know if BP is what I'm dealing with.

My mom's side of family has lots and lots of mental issues. My mom has that seasonal disorder and something else going on too (my psychologist didn't say what , but I did tell her about my mom). Knowing my mom, I'm thinking bipolar for her also.

My mom's one brother passed away last yr in a mental facility. Her dad was in a mental institute when she was a teenager. Her sister I would think is schizophrenic. Her other brother is into drugs big time and lived off of her mom till the day she died.

Where you a moody as a child growing up?

I was soooo moody!!! I still am. I feel bad for my husband because when he gets home from work, he never knows what kind of mood I'll be in!!!!

Thanks for the reply!!
Debbie