Tinkerbeau

After another terrible weekend a doctor from the crisis team came to see me and has diagnosed me with bipolar disorder. I have been on the wrong medication for almost 2 years which has been making me worse. I'm hoping this will be a turning point and i get the help i need. Today is day 1.

fini

yes; sending wishes the diagnosis will lead to more appropriate care from health teams.
way to go on day 1!

cantsleep123

Good luck with your journey. I really hope they get you on the right medication quickly and that you don't have to experiment. I really wish there was a better way of figuring out which meds are best for each person.

ScottFromWI

Glad to hear that the problem has been identified Tinkerbeau, knowing that makes getting better much more do-able.

ShiftHappens

Praying you find what works for you and gives you peace and clarity.

Just a reminder from someone whos been there, even though Im sure you know this:

Do NOT drink if you are taking medication. EVER.

Boy did I think I was "smart" and knew myself...blah blah blah...

There are no words for the mental HELL I put myself in trying to feel better.

Just take extra special care of yourself and allow the meds to work.

Tinkerbeau

Thank you all for your kindness, no i won't drink, i desperately want to get better

least

I am on meds for bipolar and they help a lot.

HeadEast

I was diagnosed with bipolar earlier this year. Congratulations on Day 1 and find a psychiatrist and find some meds that work.

Tinkerbeau

Thank you least and headeast, i feel less alone now, did taking the medication help with staying sober ?

Anna

Tinker, darn that it took so long to get the correct diagnosis. But, hopefully this will make a positive change in your life.

JScatt

Hi Tink! Glad you are getting things figured out. This comment is 100% my opinion and based on past experiences with Dr's......
I would get a second opinion on your Bipolar diagnosis, IMO sometimes Dr's, psychiatrists etc are to quick on making a diagnosis and start pumping people full of unnecessary drugs.
In my early days of sobriety I was diagnosed with everything from Bipolar to manic depression, I finally found a Dr who gave me the best advice, "sober up for a year and we'll go from there" after a year of sobriety I was living a very happy, fulfilled life without taking a single pill.

ShiftHappens

I tend to agree with you.

I had a diagnosis of anxiety, ptsd, BEFORE I ever started drinking.

I dont believe an accurate diagnosis can be made UNTIL one is off alcohol for a year.

This is an individual decision I suppose, and since everyone is different...

Whatever they give you if you feel better mentally and it helps you stop drinking its a good thing.

If you are the same or worse in three months, Id run and get another opinion

Tinkerbeau

I'm just willing to try anything to get better, as i cant go on this way.

ShiftHappens

Thats where I was too. Thank God it worked.

Praying this does the trick for you.

I know I couldnt go one more day the way I was.

DriGuy

I'm happy to hear this reason for new hope.

least

Taking meds for bipolar didn't help my recovery but it did help my bipolar.

Dee74

I'm glad you have the correct diagnosis now TB.
A lot of people it seems have both BPD and alcoholism.

I too hope this will be a turning point for you with both things

D

Tinkerbeau

Thanks everyone end of day 2 and feeling ready for this new start, scared but also hopeful that coming to terms with this and learning to look after myself properly with begin the changes i need

hopeful4

Tink, I actually think this is excellent news. Many people with bipolar are misdiagnosed. It's important to know what you are dealing with so you can effectively move forward with treatment. Keep at it!!!

ThatWasTheOldMe

Bipolar and substance abuse disorders often go hand in hand and even feed off one another.

This is excellent news for your future, Tinkerbeau.