[learningtoaccept]

I met with a nurse yesterday for a consult in preparation to see a psychiatrist for their recommendations about my treatment. The nurse immediately told me after reviewing my files she believes that I do not have bipolar disorder. She feels I was misdiagnosed and have borderline personality disorder. It does sound VERY much like me. And I don't have highs where I feel really good constantly so she said it doesn't sound like I experience mania.

I am a little upset about the new disorder and worried it's going to mean more changes. I feel that the lithium is starting to help even though it's only been a few days. I feel more relaxed, less strung out and angry, anxious. I really would like the diagnosis for sure from the psychiatrist, but now I am worried they will try to change my medication. I think my doctor will listen to me over the psychiatrist, at least I hope, if they want to change the medications again and I let her know that I feel this is working and want to keep trying it. I need mood stabilization, regardless of what my diagnosis is.

[roads]

Hmm. Was this a nurse-practioner? My pdoc would be more than a tad upset if his nurse started diagnosing in the intake interview.

Your sound quite competent to advocate for yourself. I'd wait to see what pdoc says, but I'd hope s/he wouldn't prescribe for you based on anything but his/her own diagnosis. If your prescription is changed you can question & challenge it, if you feel the med you're on is working.

Unless you're in hospital, YOU are part of your medical team. Good pdocs & tdocs recognize & appreciate that, in my experience.

Roadrunner

[learningtoaccept]

I could believe I have BPD. I just don't want it to change things because I am quite happy with the plan we had to get me to a therapeutic level of lithium and use that as my one medication. I am worried that the psychiatrist will say since it's more commonly prescribed for bipolar they want to recommend something else. And whatever they decide will be filled out as a recommendation and sent to my family doctor so she can continue my care(I am on the waitlist for an ongoing psychiatrist).

Now.. the doctor I've seen the last few appointments was really nice, understanding and helped me figure out the options and what to do. So, I am hoping that even if the psychiatrist recommends something different, she will listen to me and continue the lithium. I know it's the #1 choice for bipolar disorder, but it is used to stabilize moods in ways that can be helpful for either disorder.. So I really hope this doesn't take me back to not being heard like I was at the beginning of getting treatment..

I really feel like lithium is the best choice right now, regardless of what my diagnosis is.. I am going to tell the psychiatrist that too.. But I have never met them so I don't know if they will be open to listening to me..

[kaliope]

i agree with roadrunner, a nurse has no business diagnosing you. on top of that, i feel they are way to quick to diagnose people with borderline personality disorder which shares several symptoms of not only bipolar but ptsd as well. so it is often misdiagnosed.

the important thing to stress when you do get in to see the psychiatrist is that you feel the lithium is working. pdocs are pretty good about leaving people on a med if it is working.