Bi-Polar Diagnosis

[solotraveler]

Am curious about the diagnosis - I've been reading about it on another website after a friend sent a link via email.

Seems I have some of the signs (racing thoughts, extreme off balance emotions, hard time concentrating, depression, etc.)

My parents thought I was just hyper active (HDD - was the Dr. diag in the 60's)

In my readings, some people weren't diagnosed being Bi-polar, due to being able to communicate well.

Another frustration is with no insurance or money, I've tried contacting the Texas Dept. of Mental Health. 3 times calling them, 3 times being put into someones voice mail - over 2 weeks and no one has ever called me back.

Since I was young child I've always wondered why I am the way I am (parents wondered why too and told me on a consistent bases there was something wrong with me)

I'd just like to get some answers.

[justaround]

Your doctor can best answer this question, nobody else is qualified. I have learned over time that it was very unwise to try and diagnose myself going by symptoms because I thought I had everything. Just about anyone can fit in these categories. None of it should really matter unless you believe it to be a nuesense or is threatining your functioning level. Be honest with your doctor if you want to be diagnosed correctly and put on the correct medications.

[solotraveler]

How do I find a Dr?

In California went to see a couple - 1st never showed up to the appointment, another was more interested in the vacation she was planning and another (company sponsered) was more interested in protecting the company, than helping me. The last was more interested in getting or insuring they would be paid.

In Texas - I just get voice mail - the effort has seemed to rationalize - the only one that can help me is me.

I know I need to keep trying, but it's getting really frustrating. I'm reaching out for help or understanding, but there's no one there.

Thanks for the post, though.

[justaround]

You have had some really bad luck finding a doctor that's all. That or you are looking in the wrong place. I have never had any of these problems before. Look up mental health in your phone book, internet, physician, or local hospital of your location. You should find PLENTY of locations in your area. Go to the building address and they can give you a card and list of psychologists/therapists/psychiatrists. Call the secretary back and they will set up an appointment for you. Having them talk about vacation and not showing up without letting you know is liable for them getting fired. I have never heard of this before. The first appointment they will diagnose you, if you are seeing a psychiatrist they will also prescribe the meds. There is no reason to diagnose yourself because you can't get the meds and you will only worry yourself without therapy.

[wakowife]

i was diagnosed 4 years ago with bi-polar, my husband always said that there was something wrong,. i would be happy one minute and then a complete basket case the next. it wasn't until i signed myself into a hospital to detox from crack that i found out i had bi-polar and bpd. i had never heard of either of these 2 diseases before and hearing that they werre both mental illness, scared the heck out of me. i have found over the years that bi-polar can wreck havor wsith your life. especially if you dont stay on your medication. the main thing is to find a good thearpist, and to be able to fine medicationas that work. that's usualy the hard part, for me i have changed my medications so many times i lost count on what i have and have not been on. it seems that as soon as i become used to the side effects of one medication that it no longer works for me. i have been on just about everything , lithium, paxil,neurotin, trazadone, wellbutrin, effexir, seraquel,debakote,zyprexa, celexa. just to mention a few. i'm at the point where i want to just give up, and stop taking all the medications, that's when i realize that everytime i stop taking my meds the bi-polar gets worse and it goes completely out of comntrol, if you feel the medication that your on isn't working anymore don't just stop it, tell your doctor immediately. over the years i have made the mistake of just stoping my meds, it onlymakes it worse.

hang in there, there are brighter days to come

Try these numbers

Waco-McLennan County Public Health District
225 W. Waco Drive
Call (254) 750-5450

Bipolar Support Group - Support group for those individuals dealing with Bipolar Illness and their family members. Meets at 6 p.m. every Tuesday in the DePaul cafeteria. Contact: Terri Hosie, Counselor at 776-5970.

[gmike02]

For some reason you have touched my heart. My it is because I lost my daughter and I now know she was manic-depressive. PLEASE do not give up on doctors (until you get a good one) and rely completely on God's guidance. MOST OF ALL know you are not traveling solo - I'll be thinking and praying for you each day. The skies will just keep getting brighter and brighter. G.

[gmike02]

My message was to solotraveler - but all can use it too.

[wakowife]

if your still unsure where to look for a good doctor, try using a website about bi0polar disorder, Nami is a very good one, you will find a lot of very useful information there. good luch
my prayers are with you

hang tough

[gmike02]

Don't phone; write - GO TO THEM. They can't ignore you standing in front of them. Good look. Get it done and don't feel bad about yourself.

[gmike02]

Don't you dare give up girl! This is a very serious condition to be used for the rest of YOUR life. YOUR relationships; family; employees; etc. Get on this web and find a doctor willing to take you close to where you life. Good luck and I'm praying

[solotraveler]

Appreciate all the nice posts and caring help.

Hey gmike02 - I'm not female - no worries, it's hard to tell when the only contact is online.

Alot of the symptoms have decreased since I haven't been drinking, but I would like to investigate the possibility of having the disorder - may answer some questions I've always had about some things.

Texas Rehab comm. says I'm suppose to be scheduled for some sort of psych exam sometime in the future, since I'm trying to get some sort of assistance from them. - it's going to take 2 months for them to complete my application - geeze it took 5 months to get in to see them for an orientation and brief visit with a counselor.

We'll see

God bless

[2stop]

Hey(((SOLOTRAVELLER)))

I've dealt with Tx Rehab commission myself, went to college with their help. I know they are insufferably slow but hopefully they'll get to helping you soon, hope you're doing okay and all is well!!

Many hugs and hope too,
Tammie

[solotraveler]

Just got a letter from TX rehab with a scheduled psych exam for Friday 7/11 - works around work and don't have class on Fridays

The counselor said, since I stated I was a alcoholic (born that way) a psych exam is necessary - hopefully this Dr is versed in the Bi-Polar disorder - we'll see

God Bless

[wakowife]

good luck especially with the psych exam let us know how you make out, in the mean time stay sober, and try not to let everything get to you, it will all work out for you
my thoughts and prayers are with you

Bernadette