[bpcyclist]

Originally Posted by Scooter9

It has been a while since I last checked in.

I'm still depressed but life goes on.

I finished and published my book and it's getting good reviews.

I learned a whole bunch of new stuff so I have a really good skill set related to my hobby. It's not worth any money, just the satisfaction of being good at something. When I get in the zone, I get some short term relief from the depression.

I'm looking for another job. I think I've reached the end of the line in my current job even though I really liked it. There's someone with more experience than me and they don't need everyone on the team so I'm making a move before the job market slows down by December and January.

I also taught my kids some new skills related to fixing things around the house. It's nice to see that they're interested.

Congratulations on the book! Yay!

[bpcyclist]

Originally Posted by jmariah001

I haven't been on much lately. My laptop is acting up. It is extremely slow. I might have a virus on it. No virus protection on it right now. It expired and I don't have the money to renew it. Well anyways. Things have been up and down. A lot of bad dreams lately. Persistent cough for over a month. I think it's drainage from my sinuses. It started with a cold then turned into a sinus infection. Not fun. At least I hope it was a cold. Mentally I've been all over the place. I see my pdoc next Monday. Good thing. Anyways that's s my check in.

Thanks for checking in. Hang in there!

[bpcyclist]

Originally Posted by daladico

Day 6 complete med change:
Feel like I might be going a bit “up.”
Everything is perfect in the world 😃
Super productive, lots of energy, super happy
Loving every moment of it 🤩

It is good that you are in touch with how you may be rising up. What about recording your mood level on a piece of paper every two hours or so? Just as a way to keep an eye on yourself?

[Moose72]

I should continue reading my book. I've changed CDs to Paul Esswood, countertenor, singing selections by Henry Purcell- 1600's. I gotta do something. Maybe clean- I said I was going to clean the tub, but all I really did was pull hair out of the drain/stopper. I'm so glad that thing is there and hope that hair isn't getting down inside the drain. Not right now, though, because I'm waiting for my phone call.

@daladico I agree with @bpcyclist You sound like you're going up.

[*Beth*]

Mentally, emotionally, I'm feeling good. Physically feeling rotten. I believe I'm having some physical withdrawal symptoms from the reduction in my Lamictal dose. I need to walk to the library 2 blocks away to pick up 2 books, but don't know if I can manage the walk. My legs are really shakey and every step feels unsafe. I despise this feeling...like having the flu, in a certain way.

Hugs all around

[Moose72]

I just finished my interview for the bipolar study. I'm kind of glad it was on the phone because it was just a million questions about how I"ve been feeling the last however long. But I get paid for it so that should come within a week or week and a half. After all that mental probing, she sure got off the phone quickly! lol

[Nammu]

I was asked to participate in the Mayo Clinic bipolar study but my special phone hadn’t been connected yet and mum told them to contact me though the portal. Never heard from them again.

[Moose72]

Originally Posted by Nammu

I was asked to participate in the Mayo Clinic bipolar study but my special phone hadn’t been connected yet and mum told them to contact me though the portal. Never heard from them again.

That's too bad that they dropped the ball. I've been in this study for more than 10 years- maybe 12?- and it is long during the interviews but I get paid so that's enough for me to still participate.

[~Christina]

We are getting a HUGE treat when it comes to weather. Beautiful days for over 4 weeks , We have not had to run the AC at all.. Electric bill came today 59.00 We are also saving money with the new tankless water heater. So super YAY !

I'm back on my meds . I have zero idea why I got totally lost for over a week... Strange for sure. I am so grateful I didn't fall, I was virtually unable to walk a straight line, it was really bad.

Steve is still doing well,, hes learned to pace himself which is HUGE , He's the type that if he starts anything ( Mowing , Bush hogging , spraying fence lines etc ) He feels like he needs to do everything same day.

Hes now working on he's old RC planes ( they are huge) and he has his dads , They use to go Flying all the time, Bringing back lots of fantastic memories for him, Tears here and there but its a great thing for him.

Hope everyone is doing well

[Soupe du jour]

What a day!

Starting now and working backwards, I just twisted my ankle falling down my stairs. Yes, I fell down stairs a little over a month ago, but then injured my back, shoulder, arm, and elbow. Luckily that injury has since healed. My ankle? It is currently elevated on pillows with a bag of frozen peas wrapped around it, with me lying in bed. Not the greatest timing since the carpet installers are coming tomorrow to recarpet all of our bedrooms, upstairs hallway, and staircase. We only found this out yesterday, so are unprepared. We did pack a lot of stuff and move it to the basement/garage (or sell/donate), but there's still more. My husband's friend just arrived to help move some remaining stuff. [God bless him.] The biggest stuff will be moved by the carpet installers. Of course I planned to also be working hard at this now, but instead can't do a thing. Hopefully tomorrow I can do a little, but I barely even made it back upstairs, hopping with my husband's help. Thank goodness our new home in Czech Republic has a ground floor bedroom! I already told Hubby that that will be our bedroom. The upstairs ones will be for guests. I am only 49 years old, but have to plan a room choice as if I was an old hobbling lady with a walker. Fact is, I injure myself a lot. Partly because of my Tegretol (I think), and in the middle of the night, likely because of Seroquel sedation. My husband has a horrible habit of putting his crap in my walkway (i.e. his shoes, a laundry basket, or pants he took off the night before). It pisses me off and I do remind him of it. I am not the only one in the world that gets a powerful thirst or need to pee at 3 am. I simply need the safest route to/fro my bedroom to satisfy these needs! Not around an obstacle course or down a flight of wooden stairs.

Earlier this afternoon, we bought a new car. I wasn't totally surprised, but didn't know we would have to bring it home today. We traded in our old Subaru, for very little discount, understandably. It had a mess in it! Photography stuff and countless other things. My husband is a bit of a clutterer in his private space. It was his car. My car was sold a couple of weeks back. So when we made the switch, we had to clear stuff out, quickly. The salesman said we could just leave the garbage in it. Our brand new car is now full of crap. It sort of takes some of the excitement away from it. In case anyone is wondering, we will have this car shipped to Czech Republic with our other stuff. It is cheaper to buy in the US than Europe. It's a plug in hybrid so gas expenses will be minimized. They don't yet have this car on the market in Czech Republic, but will soon. I certainly hope nothing happens to it before then! Pretty please, fingers crossed, with a cherry on top!

I got numerous calls today, before and during the time at the car dealership. And made a few, too. Stuff is coming together, but it's a whirlwind. I was so overwhelmed at one point that when I was writing a check, I felt unsure if I was to sign it in the usual place. Hubby screwed up a couple of things for the same reason.

Thank goodness the other flooring (downstairs) won't be installed until Monday. That gives us some time to tackle that, too. But tomorrow our realtor comes with the painter/handyman who abandoned our project prematurely and was a no-show yesterday. I confess I did complain. She even asked if we wanted another person to finish up and redo the stuff that was inadequate. Hubby said no. I told Hubby that he is now managing the handyman. I have had enough with him, and wonder if the developing mania I have had perhaps affected the outcome. [I know that the behavior of some hypomanic/manic people can scare some people off. Do people know what I mean? A degree of perfectionism doesn't help. I generally don't demand it of other people unless imperfection directly affects me, or the value of my house.] We have been shelling out huge amounts of money that we don't really yet have. Getting good money for our house is crucial for this and our future.

I'm trying. I'm trying. I'm working as hard, as possible!

[Moose72]

Must pick up N3 and S at the movies around 9 or 930. I'll be tired when I get back! I did get a shower so I feel refreshed.

[bpcyclist]

Originally Posted by BethRags

Mentally, emotionally, I'm feeling good. Physically feeling rotten. I believe I'm having some physical withdrawal symptoms from the reduction in my Lamictal dose. I need to walk to the library 2 blocks away to pick up 2 books, but don't know if I can manage the walk. My legs are really shakey and every step feels unsafe. I despise this feeling...like having the flu, in a certain way.

Hugs all around

I am so sorry, Beth. I had no idea Lamictal could be so problematic. Do you think it is worth all the trouble?

Hugs and love!

[bpcyclist]

Originally Posted by Soupe du jour

What a day!

Starting now and working backwards, I just twisted my ankle falling down my stairs. Yes, I fell down stairs a little over a month ago, but then injured my back, shoulder, arm, and elbow. Luckily that injury has since healed. My ankle? It is currently elevated on pillows with a bag of frozen peas wrapped around it, with me lying in bed. Not the greatest timing since the carpet installers are coming tomorrow to recarpet all of our bedrooms, upstairs hallway, and staircase. We only found this out yesterday, so are unprepared. We did pack a lot of stuff and move it to the basement/garage (or sell/donate), but there's still more. My husband's friend just arrived to help move some remaining stuff. [God bless him.] The biggest stuff will be moved by the carpet installers. Of course I planned to also be working hard at this now, but instead can't do a thing. Hopefully tomorrow I can do a little, but I barely even made it back upstairs, hopping with my husband's help. Thank goodness our new home in Czech Republic has a ground floor bedroom! I already told Hubby that that will be our bedroom. The upstairs ones will be for guests. I am only 49 years old, but have to plan a room choice as if I was an old hobbling lady with a walker. Fact is, I injure myself a lot. Partly because of my Tegretol (I think), and in the middle of the night, likely because of Seroquel sedation. My husband has a horrible habit of putting his crap in my walkway (i.e. his shoes, a laundry basket, or pants he took off the night before). It pisses me off and I do remind him of it. I am not the only one in the world that gets a powerful thirst or need to pee at 3 am. I simply need the safest route to/fro my bedroom to satisfy these needs! Not around an obstacle course or down a flight of wooden stairs.

Earlier this afternoon, we bought a new car. I wasn't totally surprised, but didn't know we would have to bring it home today. We traded in our old Subaru, for very little discount, understandably. It had a mess in it! Photography stuff and countless other things. My husband is a bit of a clutterer in his private space. It was his car. My car was sold a couple of weeks back. So when we made the switch, we had to clear stuff out, quickly. The salesman said we could just leave the garbage in it. Our brand new car is now full of crap. It sort of takes some of the excitement away from it. In case anyone is wondering, we will have this car shipped to Czech Republic with our other stuff. It is cheaper to buy in the US than Europe. It's a plug in hybrid so gas expenses will be minimized. They don't yet have this car on the market in Czech Republic, but will soon. I certainly hope nothing happens to it before then! Pretty please, fingers crossed, with a cherry on top!

I got numerous calls today, before and during the time at the car dealership. And made a few, too. Stuff is coming together, but it's a whirlwind. I was so overwhelmed at one point that when I was writing a check, I felt unsure if I was to sign it in the usual place. Hubby screwed up a couple of things for the same reason.

Thank goodness the other flooring (downstairs) won't be installed until Monday. That gives us some time to tackle that, too. But tomorrow our realtor comes with the painter/handyman who abandoned our project prematurely and was a no-show yesterday. I confess I did complain. She even asked if we wanted another person to finish up and redo the stuff that was inadequate. Hubby said no. I told Hubby that he is now managing the handyman. I have had enough with him, and wonder if the developing mania I have had perhaps affected the outcome. [I know that the behavior of some hypomanic/manic people can scare some people off. Do people know what I mean? A degree of perfectionism doesn't help. I generally don't demand it of other people unless imperfection directly affects me, or the value of my house.] We have been shelling out huge amounts of money that we don't really yet have. Getting good money for our house is crucial for this and
our future.

I'm trying. I'm trying. I'm working as hard, as possible!

Soupe, dear, you are sorta still sounding quite revved up. What is the immediate anti-mania med plan for the next 24 hrs?

Hugs! Support! Love!

[yellow_fleurs]

Hi everyone, thanks for the warm welcome back. I am not sure what is going on since starting this Wellbutrin. I felt quite good for about a week and a half there. Like my depression had lifted, more energy, more interest in things. Of course my anxiety and intrusive thoughts were a bit worse, but I kind of expected that. Well, starting yesterday I started feeling more tired and now I feel like I am back at square one with depression. Can't concentrate, no interest in anything, feel flat, really tired and hopeless. I couldn't even bring myself to take out the trash. It's like emotional whiplash. I know I increased the dose less than a week ago so maybe I am getting used to it still. Or maybe this is a placebo effect thing, but I tend to have effects from meds pretty quickly. My psychiatrist said to call if I feel off so maybe I will.

On a positive note, while feeling better I took a lovely hike and saw some autumn leaves and pretty lake. Also caught up with a friend from a distance and carved pumpkins.

Hope you are all doing well. I'll try to catch up soon.

[Sunflower123]

Checking in. Doing well tonight. Had a great therapy session yesterday. Still plodding along with Ambien which isn’t 100% working. Nothing really wild going on but I did find the back door unlocked a few mornings and patio furniture moved. Thanks bpcyclist for giving me a heads up.

My daughter is coming down November 3rd to vote! What a pleasant surprise!

Hugs to all!

[bpcyclist]

Originally Posted by yellow_fleurs

Hi everyone, thanks for the warm welcome back. I am not sure what is going on since starting this Wellbutrin. I felt quite good for about a week and a half there. Like my depression had lifted, more energy, more interest in things. Of course my anxiety and intrusive thoughts were a bit worse, but I kind of expected that. Well, starting yesterday I started feeling more tired and now I feel like I am back at square one with depression. Can't concentrate, no interest in anything, feel flat, really tired and hopeless. I couldn't even bring myself to take out the trash. It's like emotional whiplash. I know I increased the dose less than a week ago so maybe I am getting used to it still. Or maybe this is a placebo effect thing, but I tend to have effects from meds pretty quickly. My psychiatrist said to call if I feel off so maybe I will.

On a positive note, while feeling better I took a lovely hike and saw some autumn leaves and pretty lake. Also caught up with a friend from a distance and carved pumpkins.

Hope you are all doing well. I'll try to catch up soon.

Hey, YF. Been on Wellbutrin mostly since 2007. I have never experienced what you describe. Might want to check in with that pdoc maybe.

It was virtual Scrabble club night in my city. I made a serious effort to chat and try and have a good time. It was a success! I had several laughs and got closer to the one woman who i seem to hit it off with. I feel healthier and more confident and optimistic.

In the daytime i had some low-grade anxiety about the form my doctor has to fill out for my disability income. I don't want to bug them, but i really needed some news. So i phoned and it's still not done but he did get my message last week and will have it done by the deadline of October 30th. I also made arrangements for them to send me a copy thru the portal. The receptionist was pleasant and i felt better after i called. Darn it, but i just hate anxiety!

@Soupe du jour: Sorry to hear you hurt your ankle. I read this thread over more closely and saw that you had already come up with my suggestion re lying low. You had even discussed it with Fern. Don't know how i missed it, but sorry for being careless.

@yellow_fleurs: Your hike sounds wonderful. Seeing the lake must have been fantastic. I'm really missing out this Fall. I haven't made an effort to enjoy it and it's going to be over soon. My Scrabble friend is a nature photographer so i've been enjoying it thru her eyes in the photos she posts on Facebook, but it's not the same.

Hugs to all who struggle!

[Moose72]

Originally Posted by Moose72

Must pick up N3 and S at the movies around 9 or 930. I'll be tired when I get back! I did get a shower so I feel refreshed.

I didn't pick them up until 9:45 and I didn't get home until 10:30 after dropping them off. I'm tired but I'm not ready to go to sleep. I don't want to sit on this couch anymore, but there's nothing to do online on my phone. I'd read, but then my light would be on and I'd have to get up and turn it off! Maybe I can move the light. I really need some end tables for my bedroom. I'm just feeling cheap. I don't want to spend all my extra money. Maybe I just need to give it up and go to sleep....

[Soupe du jour]

Whatever2013, thanks. Laying low is best for me. I also asked Hubby to take over some of the calls and management of services. I am not the best person to talk to.

Bpcyclist, I might add another Seroquel PRN. I woke up at midnight in a sweat with the feeling that my heart was racing. I took my blood pressure and it was an amazing 102/66 with 77 bpm. I know you're a little skeptical about home blood pressure monitors, but mine hadn't been that low for years. Is it because I just woke up at midnight? Or could that blood pressure medication really be helping so quickly? Or other? I'd think that if it was mostly related to what's in my head, it would be higher not lower. Weird!

I need my PRN on my bedside table, but it's not. I don't feel up to getting up and walking to the hallway. My ankle is still not so good. Hubby is not here. He is somewhere else in the house clearing stuff out. [I heard the garage door opening.] If I call loudly, he'll think there is an emergency, which there isn't. I need water, too. Maybe I will try to do a relaxation technique.

[bpcyclist]

Originally Posted by whatever2013

It was virtual Scrabble club night in my city. I made a serious effort to chat and try and have a good time. It was a success! I had several laughs and got closer to the one woman who i seem to hit it off with. I feel healthier and more confident and optimistic.

In the daytime i had some low-grade anxiety about the form my doctor has to fill out for my disability income. I don't want to bug them, but i really needed some news. So i phoned and it's still not done but he did get my message last week and will have it done by the deadline of October 30th. I also made arrangements for them to send me a copy thru the portal. The receptionist was pleasant and i felt better after i called. Darn it, but i just hate anxiety!

@Soupe du jour: Sorry to hear you hurt your ankle. I read this thread over more closely and saw that you had already come up with my suggestion re lying low. You had even discussed it with Fern. Don't know how i missed it, but sorry for being careless.

@yellow_fleurs: Your hike sounds wonderful. Seeing the lake must have been fantastic. I'm really missing out this Fall. I haven't made an effort to enjoy it and it's going to be over soon. My Scrabble friend is a nature photographer so i've been enjoying it thru her eyes in the photos she posts on Facebook, but it's not the same.

Hugs to all who struggle!

I am so happy to hear Scrabble went well, Whatever. That put a big smile on my face. Yay!

[bpcyclist]

Originally Posted by Soupe du jour

Whatever2013, thanks. Laying low is best for me. I also asked Hubby to take over some of the calls and management of services. I am not the best person to talk to.

Bpcyclist, I might add another Seroquel PRN. I woke up at midnight in a sweat with the feeling that my heart was racing. I took my blood pressure and it was an amazing 102/66 with 77 bpm. I know you're a little skeptical about home blood pressure monitors, but mine hadn't been that low for years. Is it because I just woke up at midnight? Or could that blood pressure medication really be helping so quickly? Or other? I'd think that if it was mostly related to what's in my head, it would be higher not lower. Weird!

I need my PRN on my bedside table, but it's not. I don't feel up to getting up and walking to the hallway. My ankle is still not so good. Hubby is not here. He is somewhere else in the house clearing stuff out. [I heard the garage door opening.] If I call loudly, he'll think there is an emergency, which there isn't. I need water, too. Maybe I will try to do a relaxation technique.

Yeah.. Okay. You are doing a great job, Soupe. Proud of you. Here for you always and forever.

Pressures fall over night, usually. Also, that med could definitely be helping a bit. I do totally relate to that bp fear when I am racing and manic that I must be hypertensive, but that is not always the case.

I do like the extra Seroquel idea. I do think you prolly need it to shut the lid on this thing now. Today. Right now. We just cannot have you going IP right now.

We have all been there, Soupe. I was totally manic just last week. You are bravely and responsibly facing your illness. You are my hero. Hugs! Be careful. No major decisions. Seroquel. K?

Check with you later.

[daladico]

Day 7 complete med change:

Pdoc increased my new antipsychotic yesterday (actually doubled the dosage), and I can totally tell it’s working! Crazy how fast it can kick in! Feeling good but no longer super amped up like yesterday 😂

Andddd I’ve lost 5lb since decreasing my prior antipsychotic a week ago 😱🙌 the old antipsychotic made me feel hungry ALL the FREAKIN time... it’s wonderful to not have that right now!

Feeling really hopeful that this new combo will continue keeping me more stable (/not constantly cycle) with less side effects ✨

Thinking about you guys & sending out good thoughts to you 💛

[*Beth*]

Originally Posted by bpcyclist

I am so sorry, Beth. I had no idea Lamictal could be so problematic. Do you think it is worth all the trouble?

Hugs and love!

I've have to get through the withdrawal because I was having dystonia and tremor of my jaw and arms. A super drag. Both have improved since decreasing Lamictal. Maybe my body will have adjusted to the lower dose by today.
x fingers crossed X
Hugs and love to you, too

[Soupe du jour]

I'm having great difficulty walking because of my ankle. I was mostly useless this morning and last night with final preparations for the carpet installers. They are here now. Hubby had to run a long errand. I don't like being home alone. I don't mean that I'm afraid of the carpet installers, just unhappy that I may have to manage something at some point and just ill at ease because of the noise. Apparently they are just throwing the old carpet out of our windows, from the second floor. I don't know why workers do this. Laziness? It can easily damage stuff (windows, roofing, gutters, siding). I also gave one of the guys a firm warning that our neighbor's 4 year old daughter often walks around in our front area, unattended. Her frequent curiosity may inspire that even more. It would be HORRIBLE or even tragic if they hurt her!

Update: I just hobbled to the front door and saw that they put a whole bunch of old carpeting and padding on our neighbor's side of the garden (even on flowers) that we share with them. I had to ask them to move it from there and not put any more there. I showed the property line. I also warned the other worker about the little girl. Good grief! I'm sort of transitioning to the point where I almost want to cry.

I just heard the little girl and rushed (to my best ability) to tell her to stay far away. That it is dangerous.

[bpcyclist]

Originally Posted by daladico

Day 7 complete med change:

Pdoc increased my new antipsychotic yesterday (actually doubled the dosage), and I can totally tell it’s working! Crazy how fast it can kick in! Feeling good but no longer super amped up like yesterday 😂

Andddd I’ve lost 5lb since decreasing my prior antipsychotic a week ago 😱🙌 the old antipsychotic made me feel hungry ALL the FREAKIN time... it’s wonderful to not have that right now!

Feeling really hopeful that this new combo will continue keeping me more stable (/not constantly cycle) with less side effects ✨

Thinking about you guys & sending out good thoughts to you 💛

Have you ever kept a mood chart? Might be a decent idea for yiu to help keep an eye on your lability stuff. I do it every day. Keep notes. I think it helps me. Hugs.