Thanks, fern! I have also noticed the rumblings relating to diarrhea this morning. It's not that bad, though. If it turns into "accidents" or very uncomfortable feelings, that would be something else.

My current med mix is the best I have ever been on, and my 600 mg Seroquel XR really seems here to stay. Thank you for recognizing my efforts to watch my eating. Sometimes, however, it's a lot harder than I might let on. At lower doses of Seroquel I do make some positive progress, but the lower dose periods are fleeting and regaining losses is usual for me. I do give myself credit for not gaining massive amounts, but my blood work is a real stubborn issue for me.

I don't quite have the right words to describe how hard it can be to take up a regular exercise regimen for me. In my younger years, it was an easy part of my life. Fern, I am on disability for a reason. There are a number of things I used to be able to do that I haven't been capable of for years. And no, it's not all the medications' fault. Why some people diagnosed with bipolar disorder can be stereotypically high functioning and others not is a bit of a mystery to me. Again, I used to be somewhat stereotypically high functioning in most ways up until about 31 years old. Then it became increasingly difficult. That's even before I took any meds. [And I, too, rarely even took a Tylenol.] On the right meds, I am much more functional in ways that I wasn't for quite a while. I feel that I am a significantly better person now than ever. I'm going to say that knowing my situation well, a med-free life just isn't in the cards for me... perhaps forever. Again, it's hard to explain why I know that. My statements are not cop outs. They are realistic thinking.

I know how much you suffered because of your severe psychotic episode. Imagine multiplying that by 20 or more. Frankly I really can't come up with a true count. Again, it's hard to describe why trying something like Metformin is so welcome right now for me. It's hard to give detailed answers why some people can achieve goals without "unnatural" crutches. There are times when not taking advantage of such tools, but rather saying "This is the 'right way' or only 'proper way'" is a set up for potential constant failure. A fool's errand. It's similar to many people saying "I can fight bipolar myself without meds" or "I can cut down on drinking on my own" when it can never be true. For some possible? Yes. But not all. No amount of praying to God will do it for me. As Einstein said "Doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results is insanity."

I'm trying something new here. Will it work out? I don't know, but I am giving it a try. If it doesn't work, I'll try something else.