In the interest of total honesty...

I've been doing some research the last couple of days because my diagnosis of BP has seemed a little, well, ummmm, not quite on target.

Out of my extensive research and much thought and reflection...I believe myself to be misdiagnosed after all this time. I don't feel I've wasted my time here...in fact, the new diagnosis is not ALL that different than BP.

My couselor...who is not the same as my medication doctor...is very accommadating in that, she allows me to call her whenever I feel I need her. My research has led me to believe that my diagnonis is in fact, Borderline Personality Disorder. After spending a few minutes on the phone with her...she's felt this to be true for quite some time now, but left the diagnosis to the "experts". She was very pleased at my motivtion to research and question my symptoms, lack of feeling not quite diagnosed properly and will help to see if this is in fact true. While I do have my highs and lows...they are not of the same symptoms of BP, although very close. Not an uncommon mistake. I will find out later this week if my "hunch" is correct with the presence of my councelor to validate my behaviors, symptoms and her own suspicions of me displaying more appropriate symptions of Borderline Personality Disorder.
So, needless to say, I'm once again "back to the beginning".
At this point I intend to continue posting here in the BP forum as I have done extensive research and have had the belief for so long that I've been correctly diagnosed at Bipolar. I'll keep you updated as I find out what the "experts" have to say about this issue.
TgrsPurr, xo.

It happens so often in a field that is not an exact science that someone is misdianosed. I admire your determination and motivation to wade through all of the information to find that you may not have this illness. Now you can recieve the specific help that you need for your specific illness. You are a wealth of information and I am glad you have decided to stay on this part of the forum at least for the time being. Take care and good luck on your continued well being.

Hullo Tgrs,
This is actually the second time this has happened to someone I "know" virtually. A person who was a close friend on another mental illness site was reassessed and found to have borderline personality disorder rather than the bipolar disorder that she had been told she had for years. She took the idea of "starting all over again" with a new Rx very, very badly, and sadly, dropped out of sight. I've never been able to contact her since that time. I'm glad to see that you're taking a more measured approach and applaud you for it. I was diagnosed as having depression for years, but the antidepressants kept failing after a short period of effectiveness. I was finally rediagnosed as being bipolar II after a hospitalization. My reaction was more akin to yours initially, although I still cannot find an effective med cocktail that I can tolerate. It's bloody well frustrating to get a new Rx so late in the game (I was eight years in), but better late than never, I suppose. Best of luck with this new take on your condition, and I hope it allows for more effective treatment. Ta. Cheshire Cat

tgrs, i was mis-diagnosed for 30+ years. i tried so hard to get someone, anyone to help me. thank goodness for your T. my med cocktail is working pretty well and i am comfortable with it. keep me updated. xoxox pat

Thank you my friends for your concerns and words of encouragement.

As I understand Borderline Personality Disorder in my rather extensive personal research thus far...I have no doubts of misdiagnosis of BiPolar Disorder.

My research has taught me that BPD is often misdiagnosed at BP as they are rather similar in behavior, attitude, moods and are often treated with some of the same meds.

I have made my choice that Bipolar Forum will remain my "home" as I am comfortable here and the familiarity of my friends and others here is important to me.

At the risk of being disrespectful to the "personality forum". I have checked it out and am not seeing or receiving the support and closeness I find here. As I said, the diagnosis is similar and I believe that we can still be just as supportive and helpful to one other here. I assure you that I will remain true to whatever the diagnosis turns out to be. There may be some med adjustments...amongst other things and I'm counting on you to continue to be my friends...offering the same support we've given each other all along. Besides...there's always the "educational" aspect of it too, for all of us.

I'm not going anywhere.

TgrsPurr, xo.

Cat...You can't get rid of me that easy, lol.
TgrsPurr, xo.

The comfort of having the correct diagnosis and med cocktail is just what I want for myself too. I'm truly happy for you that you finally found what has worked for you after all that time. I'll be right there with you soon.
TgrsPurr, xo.

Bipolar Bear, I can't thank you enough for your kind words and support of my research. We can never give each other too much encouragement, right?
I'm here for you too.
TgrsPurr, xo.

i had known for years and years that i was "different". remember when it was called "manic depression?" the Jimi Hendrix song? yup...that long ago. it's such a relief to be validated and get the meds. it will happen for you...and Cat....i know that. just keep researching and holding on.....xoxox pat

Strewth, luv! That wasn't what I intended to say at all. Who in his right mind would want to get rid of you? I've always found you to be a great source of comfort, and I was only trying to return the favour. PM me anytime you want to talk, big striped kitty. I was just pleasantly surprised that you were handling this new Rx with such aplomb rather than letting the thought of starting from point A all over again leave you feeling gobsmacked. I think that takes a lot of courage. Ta. Cheshire Cat