My doctor is an idiot

1. 61

   janesixposted 10 years ago

   She won't put me on a mood stablizer until my current condition is "stabilized" HTF do you think someone with bipoar/scizoeffective is going to become stabilized when she(I) keeps going into manic moods due to NOT having a mood stabilizer such as Lithium?
   
   Am I missing something here? Where's the logic?

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      Silverspeederposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      It took my sister 3 years to get on a stabiliser, not until her husband jumped of a high bridge did the doctor start to take any notice of her condition.
      
      In the UK doctors are reluctant to prescribe anything that may cost more than the cost of the prescription (£8.05)
      My doctor (which happened to be the same as my sister at the time) prescribed me ibuprofen which at the time cost £7.40 (prescription), when I got to the pharmacy the pharmacist directed me to an off the shelf alternative at £1.75.

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2. 61

   janesixposted 10 years ago

   I am just frustrated. And I can't sleep. I don't want to take any more valium, because then I might get worse. I won't be able to stay alert. I took a half a dose, but it made me feel tired but my mind is still not shutting down at all. I can't even type right anymore. I make a mistake every few words.
   
   I apologize if I have been rude to anyone today.

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3. 0

   Motown2Chitownposted 10 years ago

   That's ridiculous!!!!
   
   Perhaps she is just resistant to something like lithium.  Ask maybe about anticonvulsants used as mood stabilizers-something like Depakote or Tegretol.  They can start you on very low doses and titrate up if necessary.  Also, in some cases, antidepressants alone will exacerbate mania.  Are you taking an antidepressant?

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4. 83

   psycheskinnerposted 10 years ago

   Lithium is extremely dangerous and only given in hospital generally.    I would suggest going to a psychiatrist who knows how to get the stabilization required using fast acting medications, these create the plateau for the chronic medications to take effect.

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      Motown2Chitownposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      That's helpful to know, psyche, thank you! I've never been on lithium.  My expression of incredulity was more or less that the doctor seems not to want to give anything until the moods even out. I'm with Jane...it won't happen with nothing.  At least to my knowledge and in my experience.

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   2. 61

      janesixposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I didn't know that. It's the only med she mentioned by name.
      
      I also take Valium for sleep/anxiety and Invega as an antipsychotic. No antidepressants.
      
      I can't change doctors at the moment, she's the only one in my are who takes my insurance.

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         Motown2Chitownposted 10 years agoin reply to this

         I've heard a lot of conflicting information regarding Bipolar and antidepressants.  For me, they are a must, as I'm more prone to devastating depression than full blown mania.  I've had episodes of both, though, so mood stabilizers are a must.  There are just so many options out there.  Be persistent in finding what works, and don't be disheartened if you can't find the magic bullet right away.
         
         It's taken nine years for me to get comfortable with my meds.

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         1. 61

            janesixposted 10 years agoin reply to this

            Nine years? That's disheartening. I'm glad you found something that worked for you finally, though (I think that's what you mean?)
            
            I don't have much problem with the depression side, mine is more the mania side. I do have depression, but it is generally mild for me. I usually just read a lot of books and lay around on the couch for a couple months.

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               Motown2Chitownposted 10 years agoin reply to this

               Nine years to find what works just right.  I had treatment along the way that was good.  Lots of trial and error though.  Just don't give up!!

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5. 83

   psycheskinnerposted 10 years ago

   It is unfortunate you are stuck with that doctor, would he/she be able to refer you to a specialist and stay within the insurance? Or would you perhaps be able to see someone through another mechanism like an emergency room?  Because competence of the doctor is pretty important when it comes to using psychoactives. There are a lot of options for bipolar ( http://bipolar.about.com/cs/menu_meds/l/bl_medsAZ.htm ) and being on the right or wrong one can mean a huge difference in both effects and side-effects. It is great that you are really trying to get the condition managed and I wish your doctor was being more on your side in finding the best way to do this.
   
   It seems many places are more free with lithium, but where I am we avoid it because of the small window of effect and toxicity issues. That is just our approach. So I don't want to second guess if a good doctor decides it is right for your specific situation.

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   1. 61

      janesixposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for the link, and trying to help. I think what I will do is really study the meds before I agree to take anything else (like concerning the Lithium).

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6. 67

   awareposted 10 years ago

   Sighs. Well id better preface this by saying I'm not a doctor .
   But a mood I am fully aware of. I am rarely in a stable one.
   I strongly feel that we need to find a better way to find our footing in life . Then to take a pill.

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   1. 61

      janesixposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I choose to take pills to keep sane.
      
      It's the responsible thing to do. It's probably dangerous not to. Do you really want an insane person running around without being medicated?

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         A Troubled Manposted 10 years agoin reply to this

         These forums have several.

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         1. 61

            janesixposted 10 years agoin reply to this

            Yeah, I know. And I know why too:)
            
            I was one of them, and have first hand experience..lol:)

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      Motown2Chitownposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      It's important to understand that drug therapy for Bipolar Disorder isn't about taking happy pills.  No uppers/downers.  We take meds to help regulate our moods, not to artificially improve them.

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      1. 61

         janesixposted 10 years agoin reply to this

         I WISH we had a happy pill:)
         
         No, really, I don't think that would be good. We have to find true happiness on our own.

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   3. 83

      psycheskinnerposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I strongly feel what is right for each person is different and their choice.  And I take a psychoactive medication based on an informed choice relating to my many options and their consequences.

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7. 83

   psycheskinnerposted 10 years ago

   The closest thing I have to a happy pill is my dog, and he doesn't quite work all the time : )

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      Motown2Chitownposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I always tell people that if they're feeling down, all they have to do is walk in my front door.  Five minutes with my dogs will convince anyone that they are the most loved and valued person in the world. 

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8. 78

   Mighty Momposted 10 years ago

   I am in no way defending your doctor, who sounds like s/he has had a break with reality.
   How is your condition supposed to stabilize without a mood stabilizer?
   The caution may be that you are already on Invega.
   Adding a mood stabilizer on top of that may be contraindicated and s/he knows that.
   However, there are many other options which might be considered. Here's a good overview of what's used for what.
   Lithium is apparently prevalent.
   Anticonvulsants are good -- for some people.
   
   If your doctor won't address the mood stabilization CRISIS you are in, can you at least insist on something more appropriate to help you sleep???
   Valium is obviously not cutting it. You are not sleeping!
   Ambien is a good one. Don't know much about Lunesta.
   Seroquel works as a sleep aid, but may not be a good idea with Invega.
   Bottom line -- as many people here have suggested,
   treating psychiatric conditions is above the pay grade of internists/family practitioners. Would your doctor perform heart surgery on you if you needed it?
   Brain chemistry is frigging complicated. Mood disorders are manageable but not by willpower.
   
   I will make one more comment. Not sure what your insurance situation is. But under the ACA (aka the dread Obamacare) there is something called Mental Health parity. There may be a mental health practitioner in your area that you are not aware of that does take your insurance NOW.
   Not optimistic of that, but in theory that's what's supposed to be happening. Mental health treated the same as physical health.
   Good luck to you.
   MM
   
   http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publicat … ndex.shtml

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   1. 61

      janesixposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Yes, the Invega is supposed to stabilize mood. She wants to give it one more week to kick in. Hopefully, it will.
      
      Edit: It's possible I misunderstood the first time around.

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9. 61

   janesixposted 10 years ago

   Can I change the title to "My doctor's patient is an idiot" ?

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10. 78

    Mighty Momposted 10 years ago

    How long is it supposed to take to kick in?
    Days or weeks?
    Gosh I hope you get relief soon -- or determine Invega is not the right tonic for you.
    Still strongly suggest requesting a better sleep med!!
    MM
    P.S. You are not an idiot. I have not read the forum rules in many moons, but I'm pretty sure calling a third party who is not present an idiot is acceptable (and often therapeutic).
    However, it's NOT ok to call anyone here on the forums an idiot. That would include oneself, right?
    

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    1. 0

       Motown2Chitownposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Agreed, MM.  Jane, you're just trying to find what works.  Don't give up on yourself.  We certainly won't give up on you!

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