[TempestMaster]

Hey, I'm John.

24 years old, Army vet, college student, and master of sarcasm.

I live a pretty normal live here in Missouri - Just going through the motions like everyone else - My only difference being that I have Bipolar1 disorder. I was diagnosed a little over a year ago after years of dealing with PTSD, mood swings, severe alcoholism, and substance abuse. I am since clean of all drugs/alcohol and have been for a year (pretty damn proud of that). BP is something that I constantly work on and can't always control. I still have swings despite my meds (I know thats normal). Currently, I am in a bit of a depressive funk, but things always change so who knows!

My meds: 900mg Lithium, 300 mg Lamital, 6 mg Xanax ER (3TPR), 100 mg Welbutrin, and 300 MG of Seroquel XR.

The stuff worked for a really long time, but it is starting to fizzle out. I really can't hande the high dose of Seroquel anymore, and at my next appointment I will be asking for a reduction to 150mg.

I have a lot of trouble sleeping and dreaming, and this is not bipolar related, but more Army related. I taking trazodone or Restoril sometimes, but mostly just deal with it.

Actually, one substance I do take is Hydrocodone, as needed, for an injury in the LOD. I don't like the stuff, but when I am hurting it works.

I am 2nd year Psychology student and I have a pet dog that is neurotic enough to be on Seinfeld.

Well that's me! Glad to be here!

[OutlawedSpirit]

Welcome. I think you'll find a lot of support here as well as people who understand. So again, welcome.

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[Travelinglady]

Hey, TempestMaster, and welcome to Psych Central and to the Bipolar forum!

Congrats on being drug free!

I take Hydocodone, too. I also take Tramadol and Tylenol. Hey, I have to get through the day and night. My doc tells me that pain makes depression worse--and of course, depression makes pain worse. Great! (I like sarcasm, too.)

I majored in psych and even went on to get the highest degree. I love it! (Never thought I'd be a case for the Abnormal Psych chapter, though.)

Since I am a liaison, I want to ask if you have found our military-related social group. Just think you might be interested. Here is the link: http://forums.psychcentral.com/group...illnesses.html. You can join social groups after you get five posts approved.

Great to have you aboard!

[BioAdoptMom3]

Welcome to the group! Congratulations on getting sober and staying that way! That is awesome!

We have a 14 y/o DD who was just diagnosed with BP about 2 months ago. It was hard to hear, but at the same time we were relieved to finally after 3 long years, have a diagnosis and know there is treatment! She is on 900 mg. of Lithium, 2.5 mg. of Abilify and 20 mg. of Propanolol, plus 5 mg. of Melatonin for sleep.

Nancy

[lil_better_everyday]

Hi friend,

31, Marine Corps veteran, recovering alcoholic, PTSD/BPII (or somewhere in between (or somewhere completely outside)). Seems we have a lot in common.

Do you go through the VA to get your meds? Every clinic, and every Dr is different, but my pdoc won't give me xanax since rehab. I don't have insurance so the VA is my only option. Hate my pdoc. He doesn't listen for ****. But my current regime seems to be working (enough), so whatever. My 'counselor' from the vet center is pretty good though, but I missed our last meeting and haven't been back in a couple months. Tough for me to get back into that rhythm once I'm out of it.

Anyway, keep fighting the good fight (as best you can)! And finish school! My biggest regret is using up all my GI bill money without having that piece of paper to show for it.

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[TempestMaster]

Originally Posted by lil_better_everyday

Hi friend,

31, Marine Corps veteran, recovering alcoholic, PTSD/BPII (or somewhere in between (or somewhere completely outside)). Seems we have a lot in common.

Do you go through the VA to get your meds? Every clinic, and every Dr is different, but my pdoc won't give me xanax since rehab. I don't have insurance so the VA is my only option. Hate my pdoc. He doesn't listen for ****. But my current regime seems to be working (enough), so whatever. My 'counselor' from the vet center is pretty good though, but I missed our last meeting and haven't been back in a couple months. Tough for me to get back into that rhythm once I'm out of it.

Anyway, keep fighting the good fight (as best you can)! And finish school! My biggest regret is using up all my GI bill money without having that piece of paper to show for it.

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I avoid the VA at all costs. I use UHC health care and it is awesome..Tracking on the PSTD. It gets sometimes.

[Talanic]

Welcome! I'm kind of new here as well and have found this place to be quite nice Everyone is very accepting and understanding. Part of the reason why I like it so much.

Congrats about being drug free! It's quite a challenge. I used to self medicate with drugs before I was diagnosed. Nothing too hard though. I'd drink a decent amount, smoke DMT, smoke weed, you know... stuff like that. But had to stop when I started meds and haven't done anything for almost 4 years now!

I'm a student as well! (Taking a break because I still need to fully stabilize) I was thinking of Psychology too for the longest time. It's a really cool subject! But then I discovered my love for chemistry haha.

I could never really handle the high doses of Seroquel as well. Lower doses didn't seem to help much, the higher doses helped a little but it was hard to live when on the higher dosage. So I can understand that. But I hope that you are able to get your meds in order. If you need someone to talk to my door is always open

[moremi]

Welcome

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[lil_better_everyday]

Originally Posted by TempestMaster

I avoid the VA at all costs. I use UHC health care and it is awesome..Tracking on the PSTD. It gets sometimes.

Well, I've had decent care overall, don't hesitate to use the VA if you find yourself in a tough spot when you get out. Sure, it isn't perfect, but the price is right. The problem with the mental health aspect is that theres one doc for something like a 75 square mile radius, so I'm kinda stuck.

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