Our family manages fairly well without medication but we don't have to rely on our “crisis” plan more often. Through meds and therapy we're learning the lines between supportive and when outside help is needed. My current psychiatrist told me to give him 6 month and if I still see my bipolar as worse or not improving then we'll drop meds but I have to tell him the complete truth and keep a chart. I'll also have to take into account what my therapists and husband says at the 6 month mark. So if you want to try medication there is no reason why you can't stop the medication if you want. If you are going to give it a chance give it a real chance, tell the full truth

My first therapist (14) thought I was just a brat and told me so when I suggested medication. She passed me off to a different therapist (15-16) who tried to convince my parents that they are risking my life not having me see a psychiatrist when I am pushing for it. He saw my bipolar. I change to an alternative school and given two therapist both concentrated on my eating disorder but was very concerned about me mood swings but there hands were tied. I interviewed a couple of more but nothing came of it. My current therapist seems to believe that unmedicated I can very fast become a threat to myself and others but will work with me if I choose not to be on medication because no matter what. My psychiatrist is willing to continue working with me too if unmedicated. I understand therapists that are not willing to take clients that refuse medication but they should have a list of therapists that are willing to take unmedicated clients.

The first 2 years were ****. My psychiatrist was horrid and seemed to have something personally against me. Come to find out my mental issues conflicted with her personal issues. She tore me on and off medication and threatening hospitalization monthly getting upset at my non-compliance not listening to my reasoning. I asked my husband after being on every med combo possible if I could just stop medication because it was making things worse he agreed. Yes there was a reason why these choices were deferred to my husband.

Two years later I went to a different psychiatrist so that I could see a therapist. He has been the most caring and persuasive doctor I have ever met. With him I learned that I hire him, I have full say in what I take and how I take it (as long as I inform him first), that the reasons why I don't take the medication is more important then if the medication helps and I decide what I take. He is okay with me taking “as needed” medication, and temporary medications. I have on the same mood stablizers for 2 year with some adjustments but the antidepressants have been hard as the throw me into a psycotic mania. It's been such a better experience and more like hanging out venting to a friend. I'm scared to move next year because of this.

Exercise- I have CP and my sister had surgery on both of her knees because her ligaments tore while kicking a goal in soccer and she collapsed. She was finally released with a no more sports order but she started play again and the first game her other knee tore. I know neither are the same as your issue but we are both medically cleared to swim (non-competitively) and low impact water aerobics. So you may want to see if your cleared for swimming as it is similar to running.

_____
I'm sorry it took so long for me to write I just wanted to write a proper response but haven't until today been able to put my full attention to this post.