tsohl

Hello jen,

Welcome to the board. You will find lots of good information here, so come often with your questions and comments.

You are probably happy to have a diagnosis, or at least to know there is something physical that is wrong. There are a number of good books on the market. Look for ones that have a fairly current publishing date. I personally haven't read the one you mentioned, but Llama on this board recommends it to people. I like "Surviving Manic Depression" by E. Fuller Torrey. It is subtitled "A Manual on Bipolar Disorder for patients, families and providers." I like it because it is very complete; there are chapters on all the meds, the various types of BP, causes, symptoms, risk factors...how to choose a doctor, manage meds, overcome relapses...latest info on alcohol and drug abuse, and other problems related to BP, guide to other books, websites, and other resources, etc.

It is very important that you read and educate yourself as much as possible on your disorder and on the various medications. One of the worst things about this "illness" is that unlike other illnesses, there is not one medication for treatment. BP is a broad spectrum of symptoms and it takes some trial and error to find the right med or combination of meds that works well for you with the fewest side effects. Sometimes (actually, almost always) this process takes awhile...sometimes you have to change pdocs to find one you can work with...but hang in there, as the results are worth it.

Abilify is a newer drug that is often tried first. If it works, patients often do not need additional meds...but, not everyone can take it. It is important to give each new med a fair try though. They all have side effects and most go away, usually within a week or two. Since options are somewhat limited, you don't want to burn through them without giving them a fair chance to work!!

Also keep in mind that bipolar disorder has hereditary components to it, so you will want to keep that in the back of your mind as the children are growing and getting older. If you see problems developing, be sure to mention it to their doctor, as research is showing that early treatment keeps the disorder from becoming more severe as they age.

Stress does aggravate your symptoms so do what you can to cope with it...I know, easier said than done. Perhaps you could take up yoga in all your spare time . Well, it would be nice if you could fit it in somehow. Perhaps a bit of therapy will help you find better ways of coping, so you're not taking your mood swings out on your family.

I could go on and on, but will stop for now. Hope I helped a little. Please feel free to write with more questions. I don't know what you know and do not know about this disorder. Sounds like your Mom wasn't much help in educating you about it.

Take good care,
Tsohl