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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by D minor on April 28, 2005, at 13:52:50
I just saw my pdoc. He's cool. When I asked him what type of Bipolar I was he said most recent episode mixed probably (because I'm rapid cycling so fast). Also he said I'm Bipolar 1 because I show the classic mood volatility, ups and downs. I trust him, so this must be true, but...
I've never been manic. Or so I thought. I had a pretty bad hypomanic reaction to Cymbalta two weeks ago. It got so bad that I was just barely holding on and almost went to the hospital. So, yeah, I did try to climb a wall, but only when no one was looking. And, yes, I was hallucinating, but I had been hallucinating since I was depressed a few weeks before that. The hallucinations just continued for a while.
I'm so confused. But does it even matter what type bipolar I am? I thought maybe it would determine what meds I should be on. He said I shouldn't be on any antidepressants. OK. He also said my moods were very volatile. I'm always going up and down, not like his other patients. He's suggesting that this could be because of past trauma. But I don't have any past trauma. Could there be any other reason for this??????
Thanks,
dm
Posted by stresser on April 28, 2005, at 14:18:20
In reply to Bipolar 1? So confused!, posted by D minor on April 28, 2005, at 13:52:50
Have you taken an MMPI test? -L
Posted by D minor on April 28, 2005, at 14:32:38
In reply to Re: Bipolar 1? So confused!, posted by stresser on April 28, 2005, at 14:18:20
> Have you taken an MMPI test? -L
Yes, but that was at least a year ago. It said that had recurrent major depression with psychotic features and that I had Boarderline personality disorder.dm
Posted by banga on April 28, 2005, at 14:53:20
In reply to Re: Bipolar 1? So confused!, posted by D minor on April 28, 2005, at 14:32:38
I don't think it is very important to consider specific subtype, at least for now. Whether it is hypomania or mania in the picture, you would be best advised to take mood stabilizers and no antidepressants.
Hypomania and mania are technically only distinguished from one another by:
***severity--if it causes SIGNIFICANT impariment in occupational and social life it is mania and not hypomania; (you don't *have* to have psychosis for it to count as mania)and***duration -mania lasts at least one week, hypomania at least 4 days.
*****BUT** if it is bad enough to need hospitalization, duration criteria go out the window and it is automatically considered mania.That'š the way the current system is structured. I could imagine that more important would be to understand the pattern of ups and downs--how often you are more up, when you feel more down, or whether it is a mixed bag all the time. This may help the pdoc to decide which mood stabilizer may be best. For example, supposedly Lamictal is best for people who are for the most part depressed in their illness.
So maybe if you want to get a better grip on what is going on, start charting your moods and feelings to see the patterns and tell your pdoc about them...
Good luck!
Posted by HappyGirl on April 29, 2005, at 0:54:05
In reply to Bipolar 1? So confused!, posted by D minor on April 28, 2005, at 13:52:50
Hi:
One thing about which you need to concern is now that you're NOT able to take an anti-depressant, due to 'bad' reaction to Cymbalta. Because of this episode, ... probably your Bipolar is NOT milder form, such as Bipolar II that has mostly depressive episodes with less 'manic' episodes.When I was first dx'ed with Bipolar, it seemed to be classified 'milder' one. However, after Depakote and Lithium regimen did NOT alleviate my symptoms, my pdoc.(not current one) told me 'severe' form of Bipolar, ... but not naming which form of Biplar. Then, afterwards, I was advised to apply SSDI(or SSD, ... I can't recall which one tho') and went to 'that' route. However, I was NOT qualified to get any 'disability,' because of 'No' hospitalization and a lack of med. regimen(supposedly at least three meds. for Bp condition). Afterwards, I received a letter stating that I should apply 'med. program' sponsored by the State, as apparently they knew that I got better/functionable with a proper med. combo.
Then, most of cases, ... when giving the label/name for your Bp condition, it seems to be judged by a 'hospitalization,' 'med. response' along with med. combo. you're on. Then, probably, your pdoc. telling you that your conditon/Bp is NOT a regular form as seeing your current reaction to anti-depressant, Cymbalta, med. combo. and past hospitalization.
However, lablel/name does NOT matter as long as you're able to find a right med. combo. Also, with time your dx might change to a more classic Bp dx as the med.combo. working on you, gradually. In the meantime, try to work with your pdoc. in order to find more 'proper' med. combo. without worrying about Bp classification.
H.G.
Posted by stresser on May 1, 2005, at 19:31:53
In reply to Re: Bipolar 1? So confused! » D minor, posted by HappyGirl on April 29, 2005, at 0:54:05
I agreee with everyone! The MMPI should have beeen able to help you doctor with the medication he is giving you. I am bipolar II, and need zoloft as well as Topamax. My daughter is also the same, with BPD traits, and also takes topamax and Wellbutrin. We recenty added Adderal XR, although she is NOT ADD, and it has helped out tremendously! (A miracle pill) Don't worry about your diagnosis! Use it to guide for you to try different medications, so you can get the one that will work for you. -L
Posted by wendy0006 on May 4, 2005, at 15:06:14
In reply to Bipolar 1? So confused!, posted by D minor on April 28, 2005, at 13:52:50
> I just saw my pdoc. He's cool. When I asked him what type of Bipolar I was he said most recent episode mixed probably (because I'm rapid cycling so fast). Also he said I'm Bipolar 1 because I show the classic mood volatility, ups and downs. I trust him, so this must be true, but...
>
> I've never been manic. Or so I thought. I had a pretty bad hypomanic reaction to Cymbalta two weeks ago. It got so bad that I was just barely holding on and almost went to the hospital. So, yeah, I did try to climb a wall, but only when no one was looking. And, yes, I was hallucinating, but I had been hallucinating since I was depressed a few weeks before that. The hallucinations just continued for a while.
>
> I'm so confused. But does it even matter what type bipolar I am? I thought maybe it would determine what meds I should be on. He said I shouldn't be on any antidepressants. OK. He also said my moods were very volatile. I'm always going up and down, not like his other patients. He's suggesting that this could be because of past trauma. But I don't have any past trauma. Could there be any other reason for this??????
>
> Thanks,
> dm
They keep telling me I am Bipolar (in addition to Borderline Personality/PTSD. I WISH I would be manic sometimes - I guess if you are able to get out of bed once in a while, they call you bipolar - I distrust this diagnosis and have been on meds for 15 years. I just tried Cymbalta, too, and it made me crazy overnight - so that drug may just not be for you.
wendy
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