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Bipolar Disorder/Bipolar2 and meds
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Question
I have recently been diagnosed with Bipolar2 (within the last three months) I have always known that something was wrong since I was 17. I have been fighting getting help for 9 years. But with my last episode with depression, my fiancee convinced me that I had a problem. I have been in therapy for two and a half months now, and they are wanting to place me on Abilify. I am scared to do this for two reasons.
A: I am a diabetic and am afraid of my blood sugar spiking which is possible with Abilify. I already have problems controlling my BGL due to other meds that I take for COPD
B: I have talked with other people from my therapy that have told me that Abilify has the potential to basically make you into a zombie (for lack of a better explanation)
I know that I need help to stabilize my mood! Please advise!
I would advise you seek a second opinion if the only option for medication that you are being given is abilify. And while abilify can affect some people with the feeling of being "out of it" or disconnected from having feelings in general, there are many different problems that abilify has the potential to cause.
If you are not being told that abilify is the only medication that they want you on, ask them what are the other options and see if you can't talk out why you worry about abilify affecting the other health problems you already have.
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Answers by Expert:
Jennifer
Expertise
I am available to answer questions of a general nature about bipolar disorder, provide online resources that address bipolar disorder in a more in-depth manner and sources to serve as a starting point for those looking for substantial information on the illness from a healthcare professional approach. I am not a doctor or a psychiatrist, my background is based in personal experience and extensive reading in my own process of understanding my diagnosis. I can also take questions that deal with the social issues surrounding bipolar disorder such as relationships; coping for family, friends, and the patient; marriage, choosing to start a family and related. Answers to questions of a legal nature will provide general information but anyone with a serious legal problem should consult an attorney licensed to practice in their jurisdiction.
Experience
I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder type II in 2000; as a SSI beneficiary, have experience and knowledge of the limitations and processes involved with the program; I understand the moods, the feelings, the worries, the doubts, and a lot more that there's not enough room to express - from the personal experiences of being bipolar. I have first-hand experience with the challenges of returning to college following hospitalizations and various combinations of medications that were tried before my doctor and I finally arrived at the most effective medication program for my treatment. My family and I have learned so much about each other in the process of dealing with the highs and lows that followed my diagnosis. I've had relationships with someone who also is bipolar and someone that is not - romantic relationships are no easier on either side! I feel that many of the ideas and beliefs that people have regarding bipolar disorder and those who have the condition promote the continuation of social stigmas associated with mental illness in general, and after learning from others with bipolar disorder, hope to guide others who may be trying to navigate the government health care system,& share information on other possible means of obtaining assistance with the cost of medications and/or mental health services and limited financial assistance programs for meeting basic living expenses for qualified individuals, dealing with problems from or with family & loved ones, co-occurring substance abuse problems, medications and side-effects (and when it feels like nothing will work, or why it's not helping the situation to ask whether or not a patient has taken their 'meds' when they seem hostile or moody to those around them).
Education/Credentials
I have a B.A. in Liberal Arts and will earn my J.D. upon completion of the Spring 2011 term after which I will be preparing to take the multi-state bar exam.
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