[HALLIEBETH87]

I was told by my Dr this week she is pretty sure I have rapid cycling BP. She can count 4-5 episodes in last 7 months without reviewing my records. Apparently you only need 4 to be considered rapid cycling.

Anyone else out there got this? What is your experience like? For me its like I never feel sane for long. Im on then BAM Im depressed or whatever. Its miserable and I have friends who think its just I don't try to do what Im supposed to.

[TheatreKid]

Technically I've been diagnosed with rapid cycling. I have about 4 episodes a year. It doesn't feel very rapid, because the episodes can last for months.

[HALLIEBETH87]

I don't really always notice something is off until it gets bad. But I do know something is happening with me *most* of the time. Like.....this last week Ive been WEIRD and my Dr said it was mixed episode....hypersexual, anxiety and panic, suicidal thoughts but didn't wanna die...etc etc. Now I feel a lot better. But sometimes it stays for a looooooong time and I act on impulse more often than not and end up in ER or hospital.

I have been lucky not to end up in hospital so far this yr..only crisis unit and it was awful there!

So yeah...it makes sense to me that she says that.

[~Christina]

Mixed are the worst ! Yup more that 4 episode a year and you get tagged as a rapid cycle.

I hope your able to find the right combo of meds that will even you out so you can get back to base line ..

*hugs*

Mixed state rapid-cycling - that's me. It is hell.

[BipolaRNurse]

Rapid cycler here, too. The episodes are definitely shorter and less severe than they used to be, though. Partly because of meds, and partly because I'm getting better at calling my pdoc before I go into full-blown mania or depression.

[HALLIEBETH87]

So have yall had those symptoms together?

[~Christina]

Yes .. I have them all when I am in a Mixed episode .. It isnt fun at all

[HALLIEBETH87]

I was still kind of in doubt about it. I was so confused how I was feeling and doing weird things that didn't match up.

[~Christina]

Mixed episodes never "make sense" Just hang in there you will cycle out of it .. Just use your coping skills to the max to get through this rough spot.

[HALLIEBETH87]

Strangely...I think I already am. I feel ok and Im not as easily ticked off or hypersexual...etc Just kinda lazy to be honest...

[BeachLyfe]

Mixed state rapid cycler here, too. I didn't believe my diagnosis at first, because I didn't understand what mixed states were. Once my brain wrapped itself around it, it all made sense.

Well, mostly. You know how it is.

[HALLIEBETH87]

Until I feel better then Im all like "oh I was just in a weird funk."
"Im fine."
"Im not really bipolar."
"Maybe I just fake these feelings."
"Im too sensitive...life isn't really messed up like it feels to me"
"People don't like me because Im dramatic."
"Im attention seeking...I don't *really* feel that out of control..."

Then:

"If I could Id go straight to his house and have sex with him right now!"-not even in a relationship with this guy friend

"I need to watch porn because Im going crazy. Its all I think about."

"Im so anxious that I cant stand it!"

"I need to save my lithium and OD. I don't want to die but I need to cause I feel like this."

"I feel great...why was I like that earlier today? Im back to normal"...until a couple hours later.

"I want to die. Im going to research lithium and see how dangerous it is."

Annnd theeeeeeeeeeeeeeeen like a week later....I feel fine! Im good!!

All of that and so much more. All of it goes through my mind randomly.

[TheatreKid]

Could it be your bipolar and BPD intersecting? I can imagine having two conditions with mood swings isn't a lot of fun.

I researched lithium a few years ago. It's pretty dangerous, and I told my pdoc I'd done it and she said it would be a very painful way to go.

[HALLIEBETH87]

Probably. My dr said its a mixed episode but we also talked about the BPD and how I don't see it and she said that there are times where maybe its not evident as much as others but shes sees both. So like right now and in other bipolar moments lol that the BPD shines through too.