Quote:
Originally Posted by BipolaRNurse
Sometimes it's just knowing that something is being done for us that gets us through those early days and weeks on a new medication. 
You know how it is when you've had bronchitis for a couple of days and you finally decide to see a doctor, then start feeling better as you're waiting in the exam room? I think that's the effect you're seeing now, as I did when I first started Lamictal. Looking back, it wasn't until I hit 125, then 150, and finally 200 mg/day that I really made major strides, but at the low doses I felt that it was doing something for me, so I was disappointed whenever I had an up-and-down day or series of days.
I tell you this because it's so easy to be fooled into thinking things are so much better, when in reality you've still got a ways to go. There's nothing wrong with being optimistic; you just need to understand that you haven't reached a therapeutic dose yet and there'll be some bumps in the road to navigate before you get there. |
Thank you for this. Today was a hard day. Bad headaches and dizziness. I told my husband I need a "magic" feather like Dumbo the elephant had that made him believe he could fly. I need something, anything to hold on to with extreme optimism so I can convince myself that I am okay. I want so badly to believe this will be that, but it's probably good for me to be reminded that this is a journey and there is road left in front of me to go.
I have a melancholy personality, but somewhere deep inside there is a little optimist. People who know me would be shocked if they knew that Pollyanna is one of my favorite books. The older I get, the greater appreciation I have for people who can play their own little "glad game" and find something to be happy about, even in lousy circumstances. So I guess today I will be happy that I'm only on day 6, and be happy that there is still good potential for positive changes in the weeks ahead. And also for people like you who have "been there, done that" who gently offer encouragement about how to weather these ups and downs. ++