[Bigs]

So here it is, my wife of 14 years has Bi-polar 1 (mixed), Borderline personality disorder, OCD, Panic Attacts etc... 90 days ago she had a major relapse including, multiple suicide attempts and 6 different hospitals / treatment programs. At the end of the treatment, she decided that she did not want to come home and preferred to concentrate on herself. My daughter and I were at a lose. I have been a mess and have had major depression with some manic episodes. I was not sleeping for days, was not eating and my OCD (touch) which was minor, was starting to get worse. I starting therapy as my friends became very concerned. I also started zoloft and seroquel (for sleep). Things seemed to get a little better. I recently went for a second evaluation (referral from friend), and I was informed that I have Bi Polar (mixed) as well. The doctor is highly recommended. He took me off seroquel and added Depakote and Trazodone. I am really concerned. I believe that my current status is situational. I was very in control and happy just 90 days ago. I am no expert but I really don't want to start Depakote (which has several side effects that concern me) unless I really have to. I think that an anti depressant, something for sleep, and time and therapy may be all I need. I'm not sure what to do. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

[ouroboros]

I felt the same way when I started Depakote.... for me though, Lithium was just not cutting it. I was having mixed episodes and rapid-cycling that were very painful, and I needed something more effective. Depakote by itself however, was rather sedating. After taking Tegretol during my later teen years, I went back on Depakote and halved both dosages - the Depakote being more of a downer mood-stabilizer, and the Tegretol being more of an upper mood-stabilizer. Most Bipolars end up going on "cocktails" of medications to reduce side-affects and moderate extremes.
Something to keep in mind... Best of luck!

[Berries]

I'd say stick with a good therapist, try the meds offered if you are in a great deal of pain. You can always stop the meds (under doc's care) if you don't like the side effects or they aren't helping.

Talking over everything, including meds on a regular basis with a good therapist is your best bet, in my opinion.

[VickiesPath]

Have you ever before had any inkling of an idea that you might be bipolar? When things were normal in your life, or fairly normal, did you have any question that you were bipolar?

The reason I'm asking is I am bipolar but, although I was diagnosed very late in life, I am very sure I've had it for a very long time and was misdiagnosed for 20 years.

Also, please take this with a grain of salt, bipolar has become the new designer diagnosis. Seriously.

Having said all of this, taking Depakote is not all that bad. But why take something you don't need? I might get another opinion. Just my opinion.

Best of luck in such a tough time as this.

[Berries]

IF you do get a second opinion i would suggest NOT telling the second doctor what the first doctor said, or even that you've seen a doctor previously.

I've heard (from a pdoc) that pdocs and Ts do not like to second guess eachother and almost always go with whatever the first doctor said.

Sad, huh?

[Bigs]

Thank you very much for the responses. I've been really stressing about this. After several days, I really think my current behavior is due to my situation. I know I have issues and that I am really depressed. I'm going for a second opionion later this week before I start taking the new meds. Berries has a good point, I will let them form their own opinion. Thanks again.

[ouroboros]

Originally Posted by Vickie in Phoenix

Have you ever before had any inkling of an idea that you might be bipolar? When things were normal in your life, or fairly normal, did you have any question that you were bipolar?

The reason I'm asking is I am bipolar but, although I was diagnosed very late in life, I am very sure I've had it for a very long time and was misdiagnosed for 20 years.

Also, please take this with a grain of salt, bipolar has become the new designer diagnosis. Seriously.

Having said all of this, taking Depakote is not all that bad. But why take something you don't need? I might get another opinion. Just my opinion.

Best of luck in such a tough time as this.

Pretty much all mood-stabilizing medications require regular blood tests - especially early on. There is a whole host of side-affects that affect anything from the liver to your blood count. It can be difficult.

[Bigs]

Thanks for all of the responses. I am going to get a second opinion before I start the new meds. Although I have been all over the place lately, I really don't agree with the DX. I hate the thought that if I stick with the current doc. that I would have to convince him that he is wrong. Hopefully the second opinion will take into consideration my current life situation and will take it a little slower before saying that I am BP 1. Who knows. Maybe I am.