I just want consistency

[bernie40]

Ok, so after a few relatively good days I dared to make some plans, what a big mistake, today I feel awful.  I feel like I have been runover by a bus!  Thick headed, sensitive eyes and sensitive to noise, it feels like everyone else is going at a faster pace than me and I just can't keep up.  I'm not feeling depressed for which I'm thankful just so fed-up of these mood changes.  Its always worse following a period of relative normality.  The ability to organise anything has flown out the window and I have a number of things to get done today but I can't seem to sort it all out in my head.

I've been on the tegratol for nearly a fortnight now and I really thought it was making a difference, the disappointment at realising that it hasn't really hits hard.  So I guess they will be upping the dose.

My question really is, do you have to be turned into a zombie like state in order to stop these mood swings?  So far the only time my mood swings have stopped for a decent period is when I've been comletely spaced out on some med or other and I don't want to be a zombie.

[bernie40]

Hi, No you didn't bore me, lol!  I have to admit to being a bit lazy when it comes to exercise to - I loathe it.  I try and stick to the same bedtime every night and I'm being good at sticking to my meal times and eating 3 meals a day, which is a struggle because I'm not a breakfast person and can easily go till the evening with not eating anything,

I shall be patient with the tegratol - another virtue I am missing!

Its good to hear from someone else on this med.  Oh, and welcome!

Helen

[Jordan1980]

Hi Bulldozer

I am on tegretol to stabilise my mood and an anti-depressant as well which is escitolapram or Lexapro. They both work really well together for me - the tegretol does take a while to kick in so be patient.

Doctors are very cautious when prescribing anti depressants with us BP suffers because if they over shoot the mark it can bring on mixed states of emotions which can be dangerous

I am "relatively stable" on most occasions except if I miss a tablet or meal or have a late night. but I guess thats part of Bi Polar right?

I find it really helpful to get some exercise. i hate it actually but it really works i sometimes go for a walk early in the morning but I'm usually to lazy. If i sleep in abit i try and put on music and shadow box for half an hour which is great at gettin the blood going and the endorphins and all that ****. I also have a very set routine with meals and what time i go to sleep.

I hope I've been able to help in some way and that i haven't bored you too much with stuff you already knew. I'm sorry I'm really excited to have contact with other BP suffers and I maybe a bit maniac. Stick with the Tegretol it really is great.

Sincerly Geordon

[bernie40]

Hi, I do try and stick to a healthy diet, I am celiac so have to watch what I eat anyway.  My sleep isn't the best and I take sleeping tablets but I very rarely get a full nights sleep.  

I do realise that it is normal to have good and not so good days,once stabilized. I am not expecting to feel fantastic every day of the week.  I just don't want the vileness.  I'm not talking about "not so good" days, I'm talking about days where I can't function.

I was told that tegratol is a pretty instant drug, not like SSRI's which take 4-6 weeks.

I'm interested in what you said about having a combination of drugs.  My pdoc won't put me back on an anti-depressant because I'm not depressed so apart from the sleeping tablet I just take the Tegratol.

I think yesterday was just me feeling disappointed to be having a bad day, - one of those days that reminds you that you have bipolar if you know what I mean.

I do try and stay positive though, take the rough with the smooth, If I could get to the stage where my moods only fluctuate slightly that would be great and I know that eventually that will happen.

Sorry you've had a rough 2 weeks also, I hope things are getting better.

Love Helen

[Venora Moonwind]

No you dont have to turn into a zombie to stop the mood swings.
I have found that it takes a combo of things to beat bi polar.
healthy diet,exercise,regular sleep pattern meds and therapy.
For the meds to really work you need an nati depressant as well as a mood stabilizer.
One without the other will tip you in the opposite direction.
Therapy will give you the tools you need to learn how to deal with the bi polar.

I am sorry you are having a bad day.I have had a stressful 2 weeks myself at work.
Even on meds you will have good days and bad days.Its part of life.
Dont be too hard on yourself. You havent been on the tegritol very long.It can take anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks to get the full effect of the med.
If you still continue to have the extreme mood swings on the med then it will be time to talk to you doc and tell what you have told here
Love Venora

[skram]

morning hun
sorry you are having a bad day again!!! i just wanted to send lots of love and let you know i am thinking of you.
take care, and we'll catch up soon
Sarah x