My meds/machine combo
 

Nothing seems to be working with my meds. I see my pdoc on Friday to go over them. I asked for an emergency appointment today because I've been doing something again and I need to get something out but it was canceled at the last moment. My meds right now include:

1200 lithium (have been everywhere from 900 to 1800, depending on mood)
75 Lamictal and going up
Klonopin.5 for a long time but I felt it was making me more depressed
I can't take antidepressants because they make me manic.

I have the VNS implanted for TRD, but it's off right now. There are a lot of side effects, I have to use a CPAP machine when it's on and I feel like the mask is suffocating me. I have GERD and it makes it 10 times worse. I went through all that and it's doing nothing.

I'm just stuck in more ways than one and can't seem to find a way out.

Hi, I am kinda new here and don't really have any wise words. Just wanted to throw you a hug :hug: and tell ya I am sorry you are having such an awful time.

I know how you feel.

Hope things get better for you soon.

Sorry about that, BJ. Too bad your pdoc canceled just when you really needed him/her. :(

I use a CPAP too -- nose and mouth. I have a love/hate relationship with it. I just have to remind myself that at least I'll keep breathing all night and sending oxygen to my poor brain cells. :o

Good luck to you. Hurry up Friday! Be kind to yourself!

Dear BJ,

Have you had a lithium blood level lately?

The Lamictal will take a few more weeks of titrating before you start to benefit.

I don't have any ideas right now. I hope that someone else does.

Did you try other mood stabilzers besides Lithium. I hated Lithium because I was depressed on it. But some people apparently find a bit of an anti-depressant effect from it.

It is good for you to keep asking questions and to keep looking for solutions.
Can the pdoc see you tomorrow/Tuesday? I hope so.

Mari

I am so happy they started you on lamictal!!!!!
I know that you have to titrate up slowly and the reccomended dose is 200mg, you should be there in a few more weeks.
It has antidepressant qualites...this should help you!
yes the klonipin can make you depressed, it is tranquilizer.
HOw long have you been using the cpap?
Pammy can help you with that she uses it as well.
Thank you for checking in with us....
You are a brave woman and I admire you for this.
are you back to work?
How is hooper?:hug:
bizi

I've tried Depokae (sp?) before but it made me depressed. My pdoc thinks that Lithium is the one for me. I had my Lithium check in May I think that's when I had to start taking Synthroid for my thryoid which I'll probably be on the rest of my life.

I started with the CPAP after I had the VNS implanted. The VNS has done absolutely nothing for me and I asked if they could just take it out. She said they won't unless it's an absolute emergency because it's wrapped around some artery. She still wants me to give it another try once I get more stable.

I was disappointed that my pdoc canceled on me but I understand. Someone was in crisis and she had to go to the hospital. I'm going to see again if she can squeeze me in today if not I'll have to wait until Friday and try to hang on. I need to try to get some things out in the open, I'm going to try anyway.

Dear BJ,

It's possible you need a thryoid check. You might need the synthroid adjusted.

Are you on any other meds? Med that could be interfering with the bipolar meds????

Let us know when you get in to see the pdoc and talk. I'll feel better knowing that your pdoc knows what is going on.

In the meantime, find a safe way to get through the time it takes for the Lamictal to start working for you. Get your pdoc to help you find a new tdoc and maybe someone to teach you some coping skills and so on. You need more help than you are getting right now.
And good people really can help you.

Mari

Sorry, Quote, is stuck.

But I am really glad your giving lamictal a try. Its one that my Derrick is on.
And its good for him. I hope you can do 200mg and it work at that.

I have been missing and not up on your story. So I will let it go at I am sending you hugs.

Donna

I'm going to see her this afternoon at 3. I didn't tell her how bad I was feeling until this morning. I haven't slept at all and can't stop the thoughts. I finally told her I was cutting and that I needed to see her.

I'm not taking any other meds Mari, just Nexium for GERD. I guess she'll know about the thyroid and it needs to be checked. I'm not even sure when I had it checked last. I hope that's all it is. And I told her I have something I have to get off my mind. I'm taking the complaint I typed and the pictures I took. I just have to get my nerve up to show her them.

Dear BJ,
That' great that you are prepared to speak up and be heard.
I'm happy for you.

Ask her to get you a support group or a new tdoc.

M