PenelopeAnn's Profile
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PenelopeAnn
What I wouldn't give to change the weather around you - This Perfect Dress
About Me: Female, 39, Gallatin - MO, member since Aug 2008
Was an RN, worked with cancer patients, but my bipolar disorder keeps me from doing that anymore. I am on disability, but things have been pretty good so I am looking into getting back into the workforce- on hold, rapid cycling has come my way. I live with my mom and st
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ep-dad out of financial necessity- I get my medical insurance through my step-dad and have to live with them to get it. I have my own space and pay room and board. I'm not a free loader, but I still have shame issues with not being able to work.
On a more positive note, I collect records, make YouTube videos and write short stories. I love animals and living in this rural community, but it is difficult to make friends here. It is isolated, I'm gay, and my social anxiety is working against me.
I was originally diagnosed with depression at 15 years old. It wasn't until I was about 26 years old that it became apparent that something more than depression was going on. I was still functional and was given a diagnosis of bipolar II. I was unable to take Lithium due to extreme side effects and I spent years on trying every mood stabilizing drug on this Earth. None really helped. In the meantime, my diagnosis changed to bipolar I when my manic episodes became my primary problem and was producing very dangerous delusions. I also have experienced mixed episodes in two different forms. Either three days of intense mania followed by three days of intense depression over and over, or having the symptoms of mania but with depressing content. I was able to take Lithobid and the addition of Seroquel became the combination that works for me.
Sleep is my biggest trigger. I do everything I can to take care of myself. I don't drink, do drugs. I take my meds and go to my appointments. I am educated on my disorder and monitor my moods and what is going on in my life. But even that sometimes isn't enoguh.
Gradually, Depakote, Remeron, and depression made me fat. I recently lost over 60lbs and am at the right weight for my height. I seem to be able to maintain this weight so far.
I also have IBS and take Amitiza. It works, but makes me feel tired and hyper at the same time. Also, trigeminal neuralgia which I had microvascular decompression performed. Lasted for about 10 years. Now I take a low dose of Neurontin and Zonisamide with good results. I have some disordered eating, eating disorder issues, whatever you what to call it. Mostly too much exercise and too little food. Mine didn't start until adulthood, after meds and depression made me gain weight. [Less]
On a more positive note, I collect records, make YouTube videos and write short stories. I love animals and living in this rural community, but it is difficult to make friends here. It is isolated, I'm gay, and my social anxiety is working against me.
I was originally diagnosed with depression at 15 years old. It wasn't until I was about 26 years old that it became apparent that something more than depression was going on. I was still functional and was given a diagnosis of bipolar II. I was unable to take Lithium due to extreme side effects and I spent years on trying every mood stabilizing drug on this Earth. None really helped. In the meantime, my diagnosis changed to bipolar I when my manic episodes became my primary problem and was producing very dangerous delusions. I also have experienced mixed episodes in two different forms. Either three days of intense mania followed by three days of intense depression over and over, or having the symptoms of mania but with depressing content. I was able to take Lithobid and the addition of Seroquel became the combination that works for me.
Sleep is my biggest trigger. I do everything I can to take care of myself. I don't drink, do drugs. I take my meds and go to my appointments. I am educated on my disorder and monitor my moods and what is going on in my life. But even that sometimes isn't enoguh.
Gradually, Depakote, Remeron, and depression made me fat. I recently lost over 60lbs and am at the right weight for my height. I seem to be able to maintain this weight so far.
I also have IBS and take Amitiza. It works, but makes me feel tired and hyper at the same time. Also, trigeminal neuralgia which I had microvascular decompression performed. Lasted for about 10 years. Now I take a low dose of Neurontin and Zonisamide with good results. I have some disordered eating, eating disorder issues, whatever you what to call it. Mostly too much exercise and too little food. Mine didn't start until adulthood, after meds and depression made me gain weight. [Less]
Nov 10, 2009 02:02PM in the
Bipolar Disorder Community
Aug 25, 2009 10:42PM in the
Bipolar Disorder Community
Aug 25, 2009 05:03PM in the
Bipolar Disorder Community
Then plummeted
usual symptoms, talkative, physically restless, trouble falling asleep
Anxiety and worry about getting fat
Oct 07
Hey there, just wanted to reach out... I hope things will get really good for you soon! I admire your strength - you're coping with a LOT and doing a great job! With hugs from a fellow BP...
Jul 13
Go for it Penelope! Anything that gets you outdoors & mixing is probably a very good thing. All's well for me. Am just about to go for usual run, weather's on the turn & I'll get well soaked. Skin's waterproof & I'm only gone for an hour & a half. It's better than Benzos to keep me calm. Never regretted any run. Hope your mood stabilises & that you then enjoy your life as much as I'm doing at present.Take care & feel well. Best wishes, George
Sleep Tracker Stats
Weekends:
7.5 hours
Weeknights:
7.2 hours
| Hours of sleep | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 7d | 30d | 90d | |
| Avg | 7.3 | ||
| Min | 0.2 | ||
| Max | 11.2 | ||
No Tickers
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