[Disorder7]

I guess I really am bipolar. I was in denial and went to a new pdoc today, who said the same thing as the first.

The new one wants to change me from Abilify to Lamictal. Of course, I was all freaked out because of the rash thing. He convinced me that the rash is really rare as long as doses are increased slowly.

He said statistically, there's a greater chance of me dying by suicide, or being killed in one of my euphoric rage episodes, than getting the rash. I suppose he's right.

It is, what it is.

[Moose72]

I went on topomax instead of lamictal because of the rash side effect.

[buzz bee]

Dont you feel better though. I knew I was bipolar with the first doctor, but three doctors later, I just feel better know exactly what it is.

Now breathe. Focus on what you can do to help yourself. Start to educate yourself (you will always learn something new about this disease).

[Disorder7]

Thanks Moose, I will have to look into topomax.

And yes, Buzz Bee, it's a relief to finally know and accept it.

[pawn78]

The "bad" rash is very rare. Look how many people here are on Lamictal!

[~Christina]

Just focus on living your life. Bipolar makes life difficult at times.. sure it does because Bipolar sucks! But really its possible to have a wonderful life

[cat2992]

I think when I'm stable I feel so ashamed at the things I've done during my manic phases that it pushes me toward depression if I let the 'tapes' in my head keep playing. I found that my meds (effexor and klonopin) keep me pretty stable but so does actively planning things for the future, even if it's just a couple days in advance. It gives me something to look forward to other than sitting in my house waiting to go to work (2nd shift).