[BipolaRNurse]

......I'm on the right combination of meds. I feel so normal---just like an everyday person. There's no hypo/mania, no depression, no anxiety......I simply feel marvelously, splendidly NORMAL.

It got a little scary at my pdoc appointment yesterday, though, because if I can't get my weight and blood sugars down I'm going to have to change meds again. It's all due to new state requirements that patients on second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) be given education on and monitored for diabetes, metabolic syndrome, high blood fats etc.

Well, hell---I've already got 'em all, and we both thought the "education" piece was absurd since we're both licensed healthcare professionals and this stuff is written for a 7th-grade literacy level. But we had to do what we had to do, the bottom line being I have to keep working at weight and blood-sugar management if I don't want to be switched over to Geodon. And I don't want to change meds, not when I've finally gotten to where I need and want to be.

I've lost 7 pounds in two weeks by virtue of changing part of my diet to include more fruits instead of sweets and eat fewer simple carbohydrates. It's like a $5 discount on a Lexus, but I had to start somewhere. Two weeks ago I reached a weight that was higher than I'd ever been, and I went "oh HELL no" and threw the process into reverse.

Now I've got to get the exercise component in there somewhere........dunno how I'm going to do it because I HATE formal exercise with a pink and purple passion. But the fact that I'm even considering it shows how very far I've come in these past six months, and I'll do what I have to in order to maintain it. I don't even feel bipolar anymore.....of course, I know that it's because of the meds and I've promised myself that I won't stop taking them, even if I go for years without another mood episode.

Yes, this is what life can be like with controlled BP, and I'm loving it I know better than to think I'm cured, but this remission couldn't have come at a better time. Thank You, Lord!!

[hamster-bamster]

I am so happy for you. I have a piece of advice, if you do not mind. It comes fresh from a yesterday email from my endocrinologist, so trust it.

Do not eat fruit alone. I love fruit more than sweets and I eat it alone - I can buy a sack of cherries and eat it all, and that is a problem. Fruit alone causes blood sugar spikes, which in turn predisposes to fat storage. To blunt the blood sugar spike, eat fruit with protein or fat. Her example was a half apple with cheese or peanut butter as a snack. I am going to heed her advice.

But back on topic, I am so happy for you!

[BipolaRNurse]

You are spot on, Hamster, and thank you for the reminder! I do enjoy apples with peanut butter, peaches with cottage cheese and so forth......I know from experience that pure carbohydrate without some protein and/or fat is a disaster that causes those blood sugar spikes and crashes. Sure love my summer fruit, but it's good to be reminded not to just sit there gnawing on a quarter of a watermelon, LOL!

[eloquentdisaster]

I'm sorry, this has nothing to do with the content of your post, but EVERY TIME I see the title of this thread, I keep singing the song of the same name.

Also, I'm happy your meds seem to be working for you

[BipolaRNurse]

Originally Posted by eloquentdisaster

I'm sorry, this has nothing to do with the content of your post, but EVERY TIME I see the title of this thread, I keep singing the song of the same name.

Me too. It's one of my favorites.

[~Christina]

Woooooooo Hooooooooo! So happy yoou are in a good place !!!!!!!!!!!

[Blue Poppy]

I am happy that you are doing well on your meds! Keep up the good work with diet and soon to be exercise.........

[Yoda]

Yay for the right meds!!!!!!

It took me several years to get the right combo for me but it was worth it!

[Trippin2.0]

so happy for you that you found your magic combo!

[vjdragonfly]

That is so wonderful. I hope you are able to do what you need to stay on your current med combo.

[BuggsBunny]

WhooHoo!! The right med combo! Congratulations, and my prayers that you get to stay here for a very long time!