newbie - Bipolar Disorder Message Board

annray · 12-22-2006, 08:53 PM

Hello, just thought I would introduce myself, I am 21 years old and I was diagnosed with bp around 3 months ago. I also sometimes have feeling that I have OCD, but I haven't ever asked my pdoc about it because I don't know if it is just my bp or not, I'm always afraid to mention anything because I feel like I am a hypocondriac. I also have severe anxiety/panic disorders (I take Ativan when needed), asthma (which I take an inhaler for), and some symptoms of neuropathy (which I take gabapentin for). I am not making any of this up, but sometimes I feel like I'm always sick or like I'm going to catch a disease, I obsess over it. I am currently taking Abilify for by bp and so far I love it, I am on a low dosage but it really does help, if I go off of it, I can tell really quickly how bad I can get. Well, guess that's it for now, talk later.

blauermonday · 12-22-2006, 08:59 PM

Welcome! I know what you mean about always feeling sick between one thing or another: fibromyalgia, endometriosis, scar tissue, bad back from car accidents, knee operations, headaches, kidney stones... As if BP isn't enough all alone! One could spend the whole week in doctors appointments!

I am glad to hear that Abilify is helping you, too. It is my wonder drug right now, I am living again. I have noticed that when my moods are out of whack, I have OCD tendencies, like checking that I locked the front door over and over again.

Anyways, take care, and don't be shy!

goody2shuz · 12-22-2006, 09:06 PM

Hi, Annray

Just wanted to welcome you to a great place. There are so many people here who offer such wonderful support. I have a daughter who was diagnosed about 5 months ago and know that finding the right meds and having the right attitude is what is most important. I am glad to hear that the Abilify is making you feel better enough to know that without it your overall mental/emotional health is at risk.

It is important to take your meds as perscribed and to know that as if a diabetic needs insulin to regulate his blood sugar balance you will need your meds to regulate the chemical balance within your brain. And that without them you are putting yourself at risk of this disorder worstening and affecting your overall health.

I hope that you continue to feel well and find the right drug combo that will lead to stability.

(((HUGS))) ~ Goody