Thanks so much for your messages - this is really helpful.
Just a few updates - she is calmer now and not openly mentioning suicidal thoughts - but unsure if she still has some.
I spoke to two private doctors last week to see if anyone understands my sister's cycling symptoms.
1. One mentioned that she has treated patients similar to my sister, where they developed mood cycling symptoms (around once a month) as their body wants the period to return. When their hormones stabilise then this usually ends (very hopeful). She recommended lithium, ect and maybe later progesterone.
2. Another doctor is convinced she has rapid cycling bi polar symptoms and this could worsen when she gets her period. He recommends she removes the antidepressant she is on (Venlafaxine) and only then consider ECT. He says to not add lithium. He said progesterone could help.
I am sorry that your sister is struggling so much. It is so difficult to make choices when such contradicting responses via health professionals occur.
Here are quite a few mums on this forum, who have been diagnosed with BP1 after Post Partum Psychosis. Our experiences in receiving support are diverse.
It maybe worthwhile to connect with the Bipolar. Uk website as there are some experts reflecting our type of BP. Obviously your sister's case will have to be closely monitored as hormones play a huge part throughout the recovery.
My mood swings were recorded with Worcester University and it was rapid cycling for many years. I believe mine was interlinked to my menstrual cycle and still is during menopausal stage. I get poorly when triggered, and the highs and lows are several times throughout the month. It is very difficult to cope with stressors.
Professor Ian Jones from Cardiff University suggested mood stabiliser and/or Lithium. I decided against all drugs as I suffered tremendously with traditional drugs and side effects when suffering Psychosis. In 2018 I started taking CBD on a daily basis and after 6 months I recovered from Insomnia (after more than 7 yrs after PPP) and anxiety is more reduced over the years. I lead a very therapeutic life, that means I am very strict with exercising, diet, yoga, meditation, marshal art, painting etc...and volunteering...
Nevertheless this has been my recovery and for your sister it is early days yet. All women I know take meds when receiving a diagnosis with BP1.
I go into UK BP now and try to find appropriate links...there is a forum and you can ask for further help. I am sure some of our volunteers with BP will respond in due course. We are all managing our chronical condition differently.
That’s so confusing. I’m so sorry you are going through all of this still… although it’s good to hear your sister seems a bit more stable.
Strange that one doctor recommended Lithium and the other didn’t. I’ve heard that lithium is very helpful to people with bipolar and they stay on for years. But I don’t know for sure. (I myself have not been diagnosed BD).
What do doctors at the hospital she is currently in advise? Do they have a tie-breaker opinion? Perhaps reaching out to Cardiff university will be helpful?
Rapid cycling can mean going from high to low several times a day, being unstable before a period at its worst can cause menstrual psychosis you mentioned your sister had PMDD so she already had a propensity to develop PPP If your sister does have progesterone make sure it is natural bio identical and not a progestin
This must feel ever so overwhelming at the moment, hearing different advice from different sources that it is difficult to know where to turn to.
Unfortunately, treatment in many cases goes through a trial and error process and doctors are quite cautious in looking too far ahead and prefer to course correct with time. Your sister is now, although sadly under section, in a safe place, so changes in her brought up by the treatment will be picked up quicker with close supervision.
Have you mentioned the second opinion service to the team looking after her at the moment? It is designed to be a support for both the professionals and the patient, and it is of no extra cost to the trust that is making the referral.
I am glad that your sister is showing some signs of improvement, modest at the moment, but it is like that at the beginning. Is she getting some sleep and eating well? Those small basic things can make a big difference.
I am thinking of you. Do look after yourself as well, and rely and confide in those close to you because it is quite a difficult time for everyone
Hi,I had 4 lots of ect 11 yrs ago after suffering with pp. I think I can safely say, it saved my life. If you have any further questions please shout. Wishing you the best of luck.
Good to hear that your sister was calmer when you posted. I’m sorry you didn’t receive a definitive answer from the doctors you spoke to about your sister’s cycling symptoms.
It must be very difficult for you watching your sister struggling. I hope if ect is the chosen treatment you will notice a difference over time. Take care of yourself too as weighing up the options must be very stressful 🌻
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