[cmc3663]

So I saw my family doctor and my OB-GYN this week and they both refuse to prescribe me medication for my Bipolar issues because I am pregnant. I have an appointment with a psychiatrist on March 4th and they want me to wait. I told hem both that I have been having my typical rapid cycling and I am hypo manic Friday- Saturday and depressed and suicidal the rest of the week. They said to go to the ER if I need to. Problem is I live in a really small town where the hospital is terrible, so I would have to drive 1.5 hours to go to the ER. Fine but whatever.

I was feeling really awful yesterday but woke up hypo manic again this morning and there's no ****ing way I'm going to the hospital now. I work Saturday and Sunday at a new job and I don't want to miss for fear of getting fired. My husband is fine with me waiting until Monday but says he will do involuntary commitment if he has too. Is it lame to wait until Monday? I'm sure I'll be feeling terrible again by then as usual. What if they turn me away? Will anyone in this ****ing God awful state prescribe me meds? Just because I'm pregnant I have to wait? Why can't I get help without being in crisis?

[Keegan2015]

I understand why you want meds but I'm sure the doctors must have a very good reason not to put you on anything while you're pregnant. Birth defects caused by medications would be just horrible

Can you find a therapist in the mean time who can help you cope without drugs? Proper therapy has been shown to be equally as effective as medication, If I remember correctly.

[Alone & confused]

That is a tough situation. Keegan has a good point about the risks of complications and birth defects, but if you're equally at risk of doing harm to yourself during an episode......I don't know. I think both should be taken into consideration. How likely are you to act on your sui tendencies? If it's severe enough that you think you might act on it, be sure to tell your Dr and get the best help that you can.

[cmc3663]

What am I supposed to do? Suffer for 6 more months? I told them that I was suicidal and they didn't care at all. There are some medications that are safer during pregnancy especially now that I'm in my second trimester. I see a psychologist weekly and it helps some but it doesn't keep me from being depressed and hypo manic.

[cashart10]

When I became pregnant with my 3rd child, I was already seeing a psychiatrist. I was very, very unwell at the time. He insisted that I stay on my meds. I even sought a 2nd opinion from a pdoc who specialized in pregnancy and postpartum. I was again advised I needed to continue on my meds (she did tweak things a bit).

I would get to a pdoc as soon as you are able. There are plenty of meds that fall under "c" category. I even had to take a "d" catergory drug later in pregnancy when it mattered little. My baby is two years old and is well. If you have any other questions please feel free to pm me.

[B2008]

Try looking for a high risk obgyn. Your primary or t might be able to refer you. I had to take a med for rls catagory c during my last pregnancy. There's actually a lot of monitoring they can do throughout. I have 4. Lots of experience. It just depends on your ob and what they believe and have experience with. While you might not find complete coverage for your bipolar you might be able to take something you just have to find the right ob. Having the BD symptoms can be just as harmful to babe as any drug you take. Good luck. Congratulations!

No matter how small, a positive change deserves to be celebrated!

[cmc3663]

I would like to find a new OB-GYN. I hate mine with a passion. My appointment with a pdoc is still 5 weeks away. I don't know how I will make it that long.