Hello WorryWort76,

Congratulations! You are taking positive steps to take good care of you! I've been bipolar all of my 57 years. I have some advice to offer you.

First, try to keep the worrying to a minimum. If you are bipolar, there's not any way it's going to change between now and your appointment. Also, if you passed it on to your kids, there is no better time in history for them to be diagnosed and treated because of the high quality medications out there and the high quality therapies available for both you and them. When I was first diagnosed, I was misdiagnosed and mis-medicated for years. It was only 6 years ago that my diagnosis was corrected and my life came together. Today, I am living the best quality of life I've ever known. And you can, too.

Second, don't overload yourself with information and get more worried. Wait until the doctor tells you his opinion about what kind of bipolar you might have. There are different kinds and some are treated with different medications than others. It's ok to read up on the different kinds but don't assume you have ALL of them or will have to take a whole gammit of medications.

I know you are scared right now but try to stay calm and don't overwhelm yourself with the "what if's". Wait until you get the doctor's opinion. We are all here to help, too. All of us here have been through it all so there are great resources here at PC.

Keep us informed and lots of hugs for you.