Posts Tagged ‘Doctor’

So I’m back to sad and crying today. I’m not going to spend time bitching about it because I know it will get better. My doctor said this would happen after a week or so of being on the new meds. I have an appointment with her tomorrow so I’m sure we will adjust accordingly. I’m counting down the minutes. It’s funny how we rely on a doctor and meds for our happiness. We schedule doctors appointments and shove pills down our throat all in hopes of being “normal” as normal as I can get :p I’m still a CrazyInHeels gal no matter how you look at. I view the world a little bit different, I have my own way of living and that’s how it’ll be and I’m happy with that. Still hanging on during this wild ride we call life… while being “crazy”. – XOXO CrazyInHeels

It was a little hard to get out of bed this morning but I did it anyways. As the morning progress’ I’m happy to report that my mood is significantly better than yesterday. I have more energy than the last couple of weeks. I think it makes me feel better just to go see my doctor and then know that I’m starting a new med that will make me feel better. Almost a relief that the happiness will return soon. I’m returning to a “normal” state of mind (whatever that is) without the manic depression or, unfortunately, the hypo-mania. I’m easier to talk to but not overly talkative. I’m not confined to my bed because of depression. I’m not combative and angry. I’m not overreacting and irrational. I’m coming back to me.  -CrazyInHeels

My fiance noticed a difference already this morning. I’m sure he’s jumping for joy on the inside.

I got to see my doctor today… thank God!!!! I feel better just by going there. I have no problem admitting that I’m crazy and need drugs asap! She put me on a new drug Tegretol. So I’ll be on Lamictal and Tegretol. Hopefully this starts to make me feel better. I haven’t cried and screamed as much as yesterday. I got a little combative with my fiance yesterday, I was a little irrational. I can say that now, poor guy! It takes a lot to deal with us “crazy” people (I mean that in the nicest way possible). I’m trying to take care of myself and do things that aren’t stressful and take a lot of energy. I’m going to get through this, it will pass. – XOXO CrazyInHeels

My body is tired even though I slept for ten hours last night. Just a few weeks ago I could run all day on three hours. I received an email from a friend and it made me tired just to think about my response. I’ve had three caffeinated beverages and my eyes are still half way shut. All the life has been sucked from my body. I try to go through the motions but it wears me down. All I want to do is sleep with the hope that when I wake up I’ll be back to normal, so far I’ve been let down every morning. I try to keep my positive thoughts in place. Life can be hard when you’re crazy, the all dreaded horrible mood is inevitable, but if you educate yourself and consult your therapist you will learn that there are things you can do to help yourself. For instance, I don’t have any major converstationss with my fiance that have to do with major life changes i.e. wedding decisions, where we’re going to live, financial decisions, etc. I’m fully aware that I’m crazy, sensitive, and irarional at the current moment so I’m not even going to attempt a serious conversation. I also know that I’m highly combative so if I start to get mad at someone I try to take a step back and put those feelings on hold so that I can deal with them once these “crazy” feelings subside. Since I’ve communicated to those closest to me that I’m feeling very “crazy” right now, they are more prepared to deal with me when I’m mad, sad, angry, frustrated, crying… etc. I’ve made an appointment with my doctor to review my meds, getting sleep, and taking time for my myself. These are all things that I can control to help get me back to me, I’m just going to have to hang on till I’m back to me. – XOXO CrazyInHeels

I’m trying to relax on a beautiful Saturday afternoon but my body is extremely anxious. I can’t stop my thoughts from wandering to uncomfortable feelings. I’m angry, sad, and worried. What am I worried about? Who knows, I can’t figure it out.  I feel an impending sense of doom and I don’t know where it’s coming from or why. I can’t shake the angry feelings and I have the unexplainable feeling of losing my mind. It’s almost as if there are so many anxious feelings flying around in my head that I could explode, lose it. I wish it was Monday so I could get into my doctors office right away. It makes me even more anxious that I can’t see her right away. I feel like my heart is pounding so fast that I could have a heart attack and die, my head is pounding, my hands are shaky, and I have shortness of breath. I wish I could just be normal! – XOXO CrazyInHeels

It’s extremely important that you see a doctor, take your meds, and educate yourself about being bipolar. The more you know the better off you’ll be. It’s much easier for me to deal with being “crazy” when I know what’s going on with my body and my emotions. I can watch for my triggers so I can prepare myself for whatever mood my brain decides to put me in. Talking to and reading about others that are “crazy” has also been extremely beneficial for me. It’s so very nice to know that I’m not the only one that’s “crazy”. It’s fabulous to hear about the same feelings you have, coming from someone else. Reading about others is quite entertaining and hilarious at times because you can totally relate to them no matter how crazy the situation is because you’ve done or felt the same way. You’ve got to laugh at all the “crazy” things you do, say, and think.

Here are a few tips that I’ve found helpful:

• Recognize the signs that your mood is swinging out of control so you can get help early.
• Find out as much as you can about bipolar disorder
• Find a doctor that you trust and feel comfortable with
• Avoid particularly stressful situations
• Have at least one person that you can rely on and confide in. When you are well, make sure that they understand about bipolar disorder
• Balance your life and work, leisure, and relationships
• Spend time with friends
• Take time for yourself
• Exercise for 20 minutes or so, three times a week, as this seems to improve mood
• Do things that you enjoy and that give your life meaning
• Don’t stop medication suddenly – this can trigger another mood swing.

Here are some helpful links:

Support Hotline: http://www.nami.org/template.cfm?section=Helpline

Bipolar Support:  http://helpguide.org/mental/bipolar_disorder_self_help.htm

Telling loved ones: http://www.bipolar.com.au/living/lovedones.cfm

Bipolar Support: http://www.bipolarsupport.org/

Get involved: http://www.dbsalliance.org/site/PageServer?pagename=involved_getinvolved

Immediate Help Line Thoughts of Suicide and depression:  http://www.dbsalliance.org/site/PageServer?pagename=empower_professional_referral

If you think you have a mental illness you need to contact your doctor right away. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to write down what your symptoms are so that you don’t forget while you’re there. I’ve done this many times. I usually get to the appointmen and get side tracked and forget what I wanted to say or ask. If you have it written down you won’t leave anything out.

Below are some things you can provide at your initial visit to help the doctor that are taken from www.oflikeminds.com :

• A description of your symptoms-when they started, what makes them better, how often you’ve experienced them, if you know, tell what seems to set them off.
• A list of family members who have had mental health problems. Family history provides important clues in diagnosing mood disorders.
• An overview of your past psychiatric treatment, including medications and psychotherapy. Which meds worked, which didn’t, and what side effects were troublesome.
• Medical history and any medical conditions you are currently being treated for. Tell your doctor or nurse if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.
• A list of your medications: prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbal products, and other supplements you’re taking. Don’t forget to include contraceptives. And tell the doctor if you have any allergies.
• Honest information about your diet, physical activity, smoking, alcohol or drug use, and sexual history. Withholding this information can be harmful.
• Relevant life factors, such as past or current abuse or stressful lifestyle.
• If you don’t understand something ask the doctor to explain it again.

It’s good to development a relationship with your doctor. I’ve been seeing my doctor for over 15 years and she is obviously very familair with what’s going on with me emotionally. She’s seen me at my worst and best. I laugh inside when I see that huge thick file she pulls out on me. I wonder what it says? I’m sure it has “CRAZY” written all over it. Don’t you wish you could just take a peek into all of those notes! Anyways, if you build a relationship with one doctor they will be become very familair with your moods and your personality. This will help them determine the right medication and plan of treatment for you. If you’re bouncing around from doctor to doctor you’re going to miss out on the realtionship that could potentially get you on the right track. You also need to be able to trust your doctor and talk openly. If you do not feel like you have this connection that it’s probably best if you see someone else (these are only my  opinions).

Once you’ve received your diagnosis you should be prepared to ask a few questions to help you understand what’s going on with you. The best thing you can do is ask, ask, ask! The more you know about being “crazy” the better off you’ll be! Your doctor should be more than willing to help you understand and answer every question you have.

Below are some questions you can start off with taken from www.myoptumhealth.com

• What is my actual diagnosis? Can you explain it in simple language that I can understand?
• What are the possible causes of my condition?
• What is the prescribed treatment: What are the benefits and risks?
• Is this the most successful treatment available? Are there other treatments available?
• How soon should treatment start? How long will it last?
• What are my options if this treatment fails?
• Do I need a follow-up visit?