Bi polar

[Jaxs050783]

Hi all,

I’ve just been diagnosed with Bipolar 2.

Pchs believe its down to brain damage and long term use of meds.

Has anyone else been diagnosed with this?

Tony

[cat3]

My best friend's partner was diagnosed with Bipolar disorder and, though she tried her best to help him find appropriate treatment, she eventually had to call his parents for support as his behaviour became more & more disturbing.

It came to a head when she found herself walking the streets at night before phoning me to pick her up and let her stay with me. I spoke to him alone the following day, as on other occasions, telling him how fearful she was and he agreed to return to his parent's home.

But it was really upsetting how impotent we'd been in helping this kind, lovely man who's periods of unpredictability & volatility had become unmanageable, and how difficult it has been to pin him down to accepting treatment.

This was 20 years ago and I can only hope that a) your condition isn't so severe as my example and b) you're accessing the help you need. I know that CBT is used as well as mood stabilisers but imagine it's a fine balance considering the manic nature of the condition.

How've you been coping Tony ?

Cat x

[Jaxs050783 in reply to cat3]

Thankyou Cat, been struggling for years but it was put down to switching meds.

Finally I can see what’s happening so ye got help.

It hasn’t helped that I’ve been waiting to see a neuro psychiatrist for a year.

[cat3 in reply to Jaxs050783]

The waiting to see specialists doesn't get any easier does it ? Hope it's sooner rather then later Tony...… Good luck. Cat x

[steve55]

jax i waited 3 years to see a neuro, but that was quick, my wife kept phoning up, i was seeing a psychiatrist though.

dont let them put you on epilim, my weight ballooned.

[Jaxs050783 in reply to steve55]

Your wife cares for u not mine.

She resents me, calls me all sorts of names even though I’ve suffered a TBI.

I brought all the money into the house from compensation yet she is adamant she is getting half.

I have several dis one includes stroke to optical lobe so have hemianopia plus cant plan or organise.

She told me if She divorces me I’ll have to walk to shops.

Another one was if I bought my medical past into the divorce she wouldn’t let me see me kids- oh and cause I’m partially sighted I can’t have them anyway cause I can’t take them places??

All along with being bipolar things r going splendid

[steve55 in reply to Jaxs050783]

sorry to hear that jax

[Guinea-fwrog]

Oh, I'm so sorry for you mate. You must be really struggling with it all.

My hubby had a stroke in occipital lobe last year, lost half his vision & drivers license. And some cognitive abilities. Doctors have messed about with his anxiety meds and he has been struggling with agressive behaviour that just comes out of no where. To the point where our 4kids age 8-13 aren't safe around him - He has had to move out.

As a wife and a mother I have really struggled to understand and I know I've said some hurtful things to him. But deep down I love him, I know it's not his fault.

I am being helped to understand him, his needs and our relationship by attending a headway carers meeting. Maybe you could go together or suggest that she takes some time out to get some support for herself?

I hope the docs can help to regulate you. Take care of yourself.

[steve55 in reply to Guinea-fwrog]

without being rude you will never understand because you havent got a bi.

thankyou for going to headway with him and learning about the problems we face on a daily basis. i dont know about my mood swings or the fact im being rude until my wife tells me. however she has a way of keeping me calm, she strokes my arm, which seems to work.

im on carbamazapine as my behaviour meds, although the psychiatrist said it wouldnt matter what he gave me, it wouldnt work ( i blow when my wife isnt with me ).

[Jaxs050783 in reply to Guinea-fwrog]

Your partner has identical damage to me in that I had an infarction to my right optical lobe due to a brain injury.

I also have hemianopia but lucky in that I have a large macular soaring so I can still see to the left but not fully.

I lost my driving licence at 21 as my vision doesn’t meet the required angle.

I can’t relate to the aggressive behaviour but I know how it feels to lose alot.

[Cj-195]

Hi Jax050...., my partner have bipolar. I looked after him for 34yr. It's scary sometimes. My family help me but his family close the door and when he's better they open they door again. I still love him. He worked in caring now. He so cares man who helped anyone. I'm a caring and strong Lady. His on medicine he's been university after. You have to worry about yourself just now and still be strong. Xxxxxxx