[gloamingone]

Today I'm going to bring up to my new T the suspicion that I have bipolar II. I took a self-test online and printed it out for her. Lately my depression has disappeared, but in place of it is a wound-up, hyper version of myself. It's uncomfortable because I know something isn't right. I'm so hyped up I'm shaking all over. This happens quite frequently. My pdoc doesn't like to hear ideas that aren't her own, so I'm hoping my T has something useful to recommend.

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[Victoria'smom]

good luck, tell us what happens.

[Curious651]

be careful with some of those on line tests. They can really set you up. Hope it goes well.

[gloamingone]

My T agreed it's a definite possibility based on what I've been feeling, and she urged me to bring it up to my pdoc at my appointment on Monday. I hope my pdoc listens!

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[hamster-bamster]

Originally Posted by Curious651

be careful with some of those on line tests. They can really set you up. Hope it goes well.

I agree, and the pdoc might feel this way, too.

Based on what other people have reported, pdocs in general trust mood charts more than online tests and quizzes. Partly this might be because a mood chart reflects changes over time, and bipolar is an episodic illness, so how it plays out over time is vital to know. An online quiz captures what you think at a given moment - not that there is something wrong with it, but it simply does not give that overall picture of mood fluctuations. Plus, the setup, too - the way questions are phrased affects how you respond.

I am not saying that you are wrong in your observations - your suspicion seems to be spot on, because it does sound bipolar, the way you went from depression to being wound up. I am just saying that you need to be prepared that the pdoc might be a bit dismissive of the online quiz. Be prepared...

[gloamingone]

I'll probably not bring the quiz in and instead show her the mood journal I've been keeping. Thanks for the heads up!

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[hamster-bamster]

I think that is the best approach. It also shows your tenacity and commitment to getting better - hopefully the pdoc will be inspired to help.

[gloamingone]

Yay! Pdoc listened to me. She wrote me a prescription for Lamictal to try. :-)

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[Crazy Hitch]

Great news! Nothing like a good pdoc who listens.

[Victoria'smom]

I'm glad she listened hopefully it works.

[~Christina]

I'm glad your concerns were listened to.. Make sure you take Lamictal exactly as prescribed as to avoid/lesson the possible of SJS rash.

[Polibeth]

Great News with the pdoc listening to you. I'm on Lamictal and it really helps so I hope it helps you too. As the above poster said - make sure you take exactly as prescribed.

[gloamingone]

I was just reading about the rash. Sounds scary!

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[hamster-bamster]

Originally Posted by gloamingone

I was just reading about the rash. Sounds scary!

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Yes. But it is rare. Make sure you do not try any new products - soap, detergent, shampoo, etc. - while you are titrating up. This way if there is a rash, you would not be guessing what caused it.