I've been diagnosed, misdiagnosed, re diagnosed...a billion times. It was initially Bipolar Disorder, then it was NOS, then it was Bipolar again, after my hospitalization in 2010 it's Bipolar with Borderline. I wouldn't be surprised if that changes again in the future. I started seeing psychiatrists about 13 years ago - I am now 35 - but had displayed symptoms from a child (just had a very negligent mother that never sought help). I've been to 9 different psychiatrists. It's so difficult for me to distinguish between the borderline and bipolar symptoms - I can never tell what causes what. I think it's hard for the doctors too... I suffer from extreme bouts of rage where I hurt myself and have attacked others (been SOOOO much better under medication management). Haven't had an episode in over a year and a half. Just really bad irritability when I'm about to slap the crap out of anyone in reaching distance.
Sooooo, yeah. Misdiagnosed for years and years. And I'm still not sure any of them really have a clue what's going on with me (having a hard time finding one that really cares). Not only misdiagnosed, but I think I've been on what feels like every pill out there - Depakote, Zyprexa, Wellbutrin, Effexor, Lexapro, Buspar, Seroquel XR, Paxil (which really screwed me up), Prozac, Trileptal, Klonopin, Xanax, Celexa, Lamictal (which made my hair start to fall out), Topomax...to name some.
I just joined this site because my husband and I are ready to have children and it's time to start weaning myself off all my meds. After much, much, much deliberation we are doing this without a psychiatrist. (Trust me I know none of you would ever condone or suggest this - I'm probably going to get a bunch of "gasp - you need to do this with a doctor!!!!" replies). We have created a dosing schedule similar to one they created for me last year when we attempted to go off meds for the same reason. Unfortunately we live in the middle of Kentucky and I have no transportation during the day at this time (hubby has car at work) and we only have one psychiatrist within 45 miles of us (yay Kentucky). Unfortunately, This psychiatrist and I happen to not only not like each other, but pretty much loathe each other - btw do any of you have any psychiatrists that are open during the evening or on weekends? Because there are NONE out here that are - which just doesn't seem very compassionate to me.
Anyway - sorry for my entire rant that probably made no sense whatsoever. Just really happy to be able to talk to someone about this. (We moved from CA to KY just over a year ago and I know no one in this state and don't speak to the majority of my family...so I need to vent sometimes)
Thanks :)
Current medications as of 03-28-2012
04-15-2003 - Present: |
Pantoprazole SOD DR Tabs, 40 mg. Once in the evening |
05-10-2004 - Present: |
Seroquel Tabs, 200 mg. One time at bedtime |
02-10-2010 - Present: |
Oxcarbazepine, 300 mg. One in the morning, Two at night |
03-10-2010 - Present: |
Fluoxetine HCL Caps, 20 mg. Once in the morning |
Joined: 05-27-2011