I was diagnosed about 3 months ago and just got started with a pdoc about a month ago (I live in a very rural area and it was tough to find one);I'm glad you found one you liked- I got lucky on my first try as well...there are just so many horror stories and I guess we are the lucky ones.
I am on lamictal- she started me like you are starting, 25mg for 14 days etc. Tomorrow will start my next step up to 75mg. I was worried sick about the rash! But I have not broken out into anything and more than likely I would've by now from what I understand. I was manic for about 2 weeks and now I am headed down, down, down.....
Good luck to you...as you have read from previous posts, this is a good site. It's always nice to read that you are not alone.