Welcome sburn. I was put on medical leave for 8months from my job when I was first diagnosed. This had a lot to do with me letting my symptoms get really bad before I sought help (I was committed after a suicide attempt). My experience was it did take time for the meds to start working and level me out, but I'm now back to the same position that I was in prior to my leave (Inspector with the Gaming and Liquor Commission). I remember thinking that I'd never be able to go back to my job. I've been back since 2008 and haven't been on any leave since then.

It's taken a lot of work on my part. I go to therapy, take my meds as prescribed, workout, eat properly, no alcohol, therapy etc. etc. You may have to scale back what you expect from yourself, but it's more important to have a balanced life. This is for anyone diagnosed with bipolar or not.