How do we,who need to take medications daily,stay compliant,(take them as prescribed) and why do we go off them, knowing the results if we do.

KBC

Nope days are still a little short and snowy lately(and that -22 degrees stuff),but I am really doing well for this time of year(surprisingly enough)Meetings and friends in need keep me going daily,now if only the winter were over and (warm) fresh air was coming through the barn...hmmm wishfull thinking I guess.

TTYL,

Ken

KBC

Well since my last post I have had a loss of consciousness due to ?.(not sure)

My Depakote level has been increased another 500 mg. (now at 2500 mg daily) and I am swelling up like a balloon, I love food and feel ravenous while on this medication, slowly but surely I am trying to ween myself from eating for comfort.

I have had increased 'diabetic' feelings(the need for sugar, food necessity to stave off dizzy headedness, etc.)

My last episode was a few weeks ago so I am thinking this was an isolated time, not a repeat of many years ago(thank God)

The med Dr. questioned the loss of consciousness as a seizure as I am on anti seizure medications for mood stabilization! (but who knows) All meds don't work all the time for their purposes right?

Hope all are well, busy and content in life, and hope to hear from my friends soon,

KBC

J_9

Ken,

I am so sorry to hear you are going through all this trouble lately. I am left wondering if you are not experiencing side effects from the combination of meds rather than one med alone or the lack thereof. But I am sure your med Doc as considered that.

KBC

Combinations? possibly but who knows.

The daily headaches are troublesome and until I have my Depakote level tested(this week) I'll not be able to discuss the over medication issue with much authority.

Thanks for the heads up on the idea of too much J

Ken

HelenAg

Sounds like you need a trip to the doctor no matter how far you have to go. I agree with the one post that says this sounds like a mixed episode. Bipolar disorder is nothing to take lightly. I'd get to the doctor the sooner the better.

KBC

Thank you HelenAg for your response.

I can see the med Dr.about once every 2-3 months(sounds barbaric but it is the way of the system out here in the sticks. ) and the regular Dr. has me seeing a Dr. of Neurology tomorrow for the seizure episode.

KBC

KBC

OK, I am still on the meds as prescribed,not the ATARAX though, that was an 'as needed' med,although a few manic highs are to be expected, a new seizure is worse than a lack of sleep!!

The EEG results are coming back soon and an MRI test tomorrow will be the next step in the process.

Thank You J for the info on the ATARAX, that will be coming up in the next chat with neurologist and med dr.

KBC

asking

Hi Ken,
I have been off here for a long time. I had to force myself to get some writing work done and I was finding myself spending too much time here. But i finished the chapter I was writing, so am allowing myself to visit. Very sorry to hear that you are having troubles. I hope the neurologist was able to help some. What did the MRI and EEG indicate? I don't know anything about your meds, but you have my sympathy and I agree with all who say to find out what caused you to lose consciousness. I know how easy it is to let things go when they just happen once or it's hard to get a doctor's attention. Often they tell you it's NOT something but they don't tell you what it IS. And you are left wondering.

Take care,
Asking

debbie4

hi I am new so I hope I am doing it right. About saying on your medications, I am on a lot of medications right now, but I am thinking about going off some of them. I have found out that a lot of times my body will let me know if it is helping or if get is hurting me more. One thing I do know that in the U.S.A went you go to doctor's office that you are going to walk out with a prescribed medication slip. I am also a person on pain medications, and I hate it, but without it I can not do a thing for myself or family. Right how i have my nurse wanting me to go to all kinds of doctors. I do not want to do this but if I do not she will take me off the pain medications. I have been going to her for about 9 month or more, but she has told me not to come back until I have done what she told me to do. She has done this 3 times ( Not we doing about not follow what she tell me to do.) One of them was about money I own he she knows I am having A hard time paying but keeps having me do blood work done and boy I can not afford it, but know if I do know do it I will be told again not to come in. I am so mad about being on the medications in the first place Like one of you her office is 30 mile away from me. Sorry I have to go right how I am hurting so i hope I made sent. Debbie

asking

Hi Debbie, I too am on pain medications and formerly was on a lot more drugs. I have been able to get off several of them, with difficulty. But I am still on two Fentanyl and methadone. They help a lot but also are problematic since it doesn't take much to go into withdrawal and not be able to think clearly. This week, for example, I broke up with my boyfriend and forgot to replace a fentanyl patch, leading to major withdrawal and inability to function.

I don't understand why you are seeing a nurse for your medical care instead of a doctor. Is this a free service? Ask her to help you figure out the financial end of things. Do you have someone to help you with any of this? to help make plans and carry them out? it can be very hard when you are either coping with intense pain, or slightly fuzzy from the pain meds. I know! good luck.
Asking