[Jester's Rags]

The flip switched. How can I go from a mixed episode and my head tearing apart to feeling this awesome. 2 days ago, out of nowhere it turned on and I feel like I can do anything. Talking fast. Making people laugh. Kicking as$ at work. Wife and daughter let me know that I’m acting a bit strange. Odd associations. Off the wall jokes. Less sleep than normal. I know what this all means, but I haven’t felt this well in quite a while. Occasionally hearing things. Music and muted conversations. Increased lithium a couple of days back, but I would think that would have the opposite effect. Maybe it’s just the pattern of things. My wife always says the hyper and annoying me usually follows the hopeless, angry, pained me. Who knows. I wish this disease was more like a menstrual cycle. At least I’d have some idea when to expect this. Or the other. Maybe that’s a bad analogy coming from a man.

[Jester's Rags]

Switch Flipped too

I suggest telling your pdoc ASAP so you catch and reign this in before it turns ugly. Wishing you well

[*Beth*]

I understand! I had 4 days of miserable depression and anxiety earlier this month; I was planning to tell my pdoc that this was IT - I need ECT. I cannot live with such depression and anxiety. I walked into the grocery store feeling like that.

Did my shopping wondering how I would make it through the remainder of the day. I left the store and, as I was walking to my car, a switch flipped. I mean that was exactly what I felt in my mind. Within a few seconds the depression lifted, the anxiety lessened.

[~Christina]

This isn’t anything you want to just let run loose. Think of your family , strive for stability , increase coping skills contact your Pdoc and T if you have one.

[bpcyclist]

You really gotta stay all over this. This stuff can get out of hand in a hurry. Please don't do any shopping until you figure this out. I once bought 6 expensive guitars in 3 days when I was cycling up. My partner was like, "Why do these new guitars keep getting delivered to the house? You already have, like four. Where did they come from?"

I did not remember buying any of them.

I know a guy well who was wealthy. He bought a $600,000 sailboat over the phone from NJ when he was manic (boat was in Hilton Head). He had never seen it and knew nothing about sailing. His wife called me at 2 in the morning, freaking. After he bought the boat, he chartered a jet, flew to SC to look at his new purchase, got drunk, and assaulted a police officer. All this in 2 days!!! Not good.

So, yeah. Be careful. Be very careful

[Jester's Rags]

I called my Pdoc this morning. He wants me to continue on the higher dose of lithium. He is mailing me a script for bloodwork and fit me in on Jan 28 (instead of late March). I’ll get the bloodwork next week after I e hade the higher dose in me for a bit. I asked my wife to keep an eye on me and let me know when she notices me acting odd.

[Jester's Rags]

FWIW, i’m Having many periods where I’m just a passenger in myself. Mid conversation I realize I’m having a conversation. Similar things like that.

[MickeyCheeky]

It seems like you're taking ALL the necessary precautions. Good for you! Let us know when things get better for you! We are here for you if you need support. Stay safe and stay out of trouble as much as you possibly can! Sending many safe, warm hugs to BOTH you, @Jester's Rags, your Family, your Friends, and ALL of your Loved Ones! Keep fighting and keep rocking as much as you possibly can NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS, OK?!

[Jester's Rags]

1. Lithium level came in at a solid 0.8 (at 1200mg)
2. I think it was 0.5 or 0.6 on the lower dose. (900mg)
3. Appointment with Pdoc on Monday and I have a lot to talk about with him.
4. I made a list of my symptoms, duration, and mood to share with him. Some of it taken from things I've posted here. Too often, I intend to mention something, but forget.

[bpcyclist]

Yeah, I just took my laptop last time. I had made a bunch of notes, so I could describe things better for him.

[Jester's Rags]

I had my Pdoc appointment today. I brought my list of symptoms and timeline. He spent a full hour with me. He was concerned for me and asked a lot of questions.

We discussed the extra lithium and I’m sure it’s helping, but I’m still having symptoms.

He suggested we do one if two things; increase the lithium again to get the level close to 1 .0(I think that’s what he said). Or we could add an antipsychotic. After some questions and discussion, I decided to opt for Risperdal.

I got another script for a Li level next week. Dx on there is F31.12

I also made an appointment for therapy while I was there. It will be my first time doing that in years.