Having symptoms...
 

I think, I'm having symptoms again. I post both here, and, on the Schizophrenia forum because, I have Schizoaffective disorder.It is a combination of both Bipolar, and, Schizophrenia. I was advised by my psychiatrist to not take the appetite suppressants that my other dr. had prescribed for me. I went behind his back though, and, got them anyway. I have been taking them for about a month and a half. I quit taking them yesterday though. I also read, that appetite suppressants can be a trigger for people with Bipolar, and , other mental illnesses. I have begun experiencing some symptoms again. At least, this time, I realize it though. I'm going to call my psychiatrist today. My next appt. with him is not untill the 24th of this month. I need to speak with him though. And, admit this, and, see what he says. I hope, that, just by stopping taking them, that, things will return to normal, and, I will stop having symptoms. I don't know. My mind is so confused now. I feel really depressed too. I am not going to be working at least for awhile. I don't really feel up to it right now. I really do enjoy my work, but, I can't do a very good job in this condition. It's a good thing that my employer is so understanding on this matter. The only thing that makes me feel good right now, is going to the tanning salon. The ultraviolet rays are supposed to be really bad for you, but, the heat just relaxes my muscles so much, and, I can lay there for 15 min. uninterrupted, and, I come out feeling like all of my stress just melted away. I only started taking the appetite suppressants again, because, I gained 20 lbs. back of the 70 that I had lost. And, my clothes were starting not to fit anymore. I was really down about that. If, I can not work though, I can stay focused on weight loss, and, actually implement this wellness program from my psychiatrist. Well, that's all for now everybody. Hope this was interesting enough to read.

Peace, and, Love
Cgirl

hi there columbiangirl.
I am sorry that you are having these symptoms.
yes the diet pills are usually a problem for us, anything that speeds up our metabolism is really a no no. ginseng is a stimulant to me, drank some "sport" tea and an hour later I am feeling surreal.
In my opinion...even caffeine can be an antagonist to us if we are running too high...hypomanic etc.
Learning how to trust our doctors takes time and much energy.
thanks for checking in and how are you coping with all of this?
(((HUGS)))
bizi:hug:

Hi,
The wellness program from your pyschiatrist sounds like a good idea. Does it include stuff like exercise and sleep and healthful foods?

That's great that you have found that tanning booths work for you.
Have you also tried a hot tubs, saunas, or steam rooms like they have at gyms? These might be cheaper. And they might work for you too.

How did it go when you called your psychiatrist yesterday?

Stay away from those diet pills. For us kind of people, the heartache they cause is way worse than the help that they may provide. Or if you do try for weight loss, ask the psychaitrist. A few meds can help people -- like Wellbutrin helps a little, Topamax (if you can stand the side effects) helps a lot and so forth for some people. It depends on what drugs you need.

Or, you can push the pyschiatrist hard and ask him/her to give you meds that are relatively "weight neutral." Again this depends on your symptoms and the side effects of the meds.

I hope that you start feeling better each day that you are off the diet pills.

Mari

Cgirl,

Let us know how you feel today.

befuddled2

I'm feeling much better today...
 

Still slightly confused, but better none the less. As far as Topamax, my dr. mentioned it, but refuses to give it to me solely for weightloss. He won't switch my meds to something "weight neutral" untill I try this wellness program first. I guess, he has me cornered. The wellness program does include the things you mentioned, Mari. I'm really hopeing it works. I just signed-up for it yesterday. We'll see what happens. I'm just so sick of being sick. I was put on Zyprexa in the end of 1999, and, gained 160 lbs. in the 18 months I was on it. I never had a weight problem, at any point in my life untill the Zyprexa. Now, it is so difficult for me to lose the weight. I figure, if I can keep from working for awhile, I can focus on doing it, and, be successful. I just don't really have the means, financially, to do this. My boyfriend has 2 jobs, but, doesn't work many hours at either one of them. I have been supporting the household for quite some time with my job, and, my disability. I just wish, I could get a break. Literally. Anyway, thanks for your responses.

Peace, and, Love
Cgirl:winky:

Hi - Welcome........


How are you doing today?


Nikko:hug:

Hi,
I've never been on zyprexa but I hear that folks can gain a lot of weight and do so in a hurry. It is probably scarry to watch that happen to your body while you know that the med is helping your head.

I did not mean to suggest a med change. And I would not recommend Topamax to anyone. I was on it a couple of months and miserable every day with EVERY side effect (it seemed that way according to my memory.) And not everyone looses weight on it and not every one gets any head benefits from being on it.
I guess I was just suggesting that your talk to your pdoc more about your weight and let him know that weight is a huge issue for you. Better to make it an issue for him than go off by yourself and take diet pills.

Darn. I really wish that diet pills worked. Or that we bipolar people could experiment with them without fear of loosing our stability.
I am going to try my weight loss hpynosis CD and see my hypno-therapist again soon (I pay her out of pocket so I don't see her often.) Maybe the hypnosis and some of her techniques will help me think more about wellness than I have been.

Job stress is connected to weight for me. When I have times of low stress I can focus on my own needs.


Good luck with your plans.
Feel better soon.
M.

I have been considering hypno-therapy myself...
 

The first consultation is free. I'm going this Friday for that. I just went out today, and, bought a bunch of exercise equipment. I'm trying pilates now. I really liked the video I did today. I'm feeling better. All around today. Just trying to muddle through though. But, at least, my mood has stabilized. I did nothing but cry for the past 2 days. And, not just a few tears. I was sobbing so badly for the last 2 days, that, my eyes looked like they had welts under them. Glad that's over!! I'll never take those stupid diet pills again. I don't think I'll go back to that dr. either. He doesn't seem to be very well informed, if he's giving someone with an acute mental illness, diet pills. I'm just lucky that I caught it in time this time, before I completely spiraled out of control, and, ended up back in the hospital. That's the most scary thing. And, you never know where you'll end up. It's not like you have a choice. You just have to go wherever they have a bed available. Thanks guys, for your responses. I'll keep you updated.

Peace, and, Love
Cgirl:winky:

thanks for the update...
it is awful how this md suggested you take diet pills knowing your history...
ugh!

I m so sorry that you have been sobbing for days but am relieved to know that you are feeling a bit better.
Watch for yo yoing.....
((((HUGS))))
bizi