I had a discussion with the wife the other day. It was, at least for me, a pretty serious discussion.Since I started treatment for bipolar disorder, I have noticed a marked decrease in...
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Anonymous
Monday, May 14, 2007 at 12:11 PM
Be confident that you will continue to function well. I'm 63 and my complaint is my energy level. Several of my meds., other than the ones for my mood disorder, tend to make me drowsy. When I take zanax, it interferes with my memory, but that is a common side affect. I'd rather forget something, than have a full blown panic attack. Regarding the vertigo. My Doc came up with a magic potion for me, = zanax and compazine = works every time.
We do slow down as we get older, but that doesn't mean we are any less than we were before. I've learned to be satisfied with what I accomplish, even if my 'to do' list still has things on it.
Remember what John always tells us, we need to take care of ourselves, and sometimes that's a nap, or saying no. We don't need to keep the same pace as we did when we were younger.
Margaret
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G.J. Gregory (Related) Monday, May 14, 2007 at 3:05 PM
Margaret - thanks so much for taking the time to comment. It's encouraging, and I appreciate that you share your experiences.
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jaiane
Tuesday, May 15, 2007 at 12:33 PM
How are you doing? I read your blog, and found it very interesting, as I am having some of the same experiences that you are having. I have experienced some memory loss, and that disturbs me a lot. I thought maybe that it was a medication issue, but I don't know for sure. I am going to see my psychiatrist this week so I am going to share my feelings with him, and see if I can get any insight. You are very fortunate to have a spouse that is suppotive, and understanding. I have not been able to have any " normal" relationship with anyone much, relationships are difficult for me, and I still have mood swings and not much motivation, it seems to be something that does not have much relavance to me anymore. I pray that something in my life will get better. Don't get me wrong, I am not trying to be a negative person, I do have a lot of supportive family, at least certain members of my family. The others just don't understand why I can't do what I use to. I just plain don' care anymore, I don't believe they ever will. I also do understand things that went on with my mom that I didn't understand when she was living. I did not see the symptoms at that time, and I so wish I had of, there would have been things that maybe I could have helped her with. She kept a lot of her feelings to herself, and was never diagnosed with bipolar, but I do think that was very much the case. Anyway, I am concerned with things that are happening to you. I do not the future holds for me either, and it is scary for me, as well. I have gone"downhill" for the last two years especially. And there are other things that I am concerned about as far as my physical well- beig is concerned. Thank you for sharing. Sincerely, Anita
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MamaMia (Related) Wednesday, May 16, 2007 at 9:21 PM
Get all your thyroid levels checked. If nothing shows up in you TSH levels and no improvements occur, go to an endocrinologist and discuss your symptoms. Some recent studies (and more ensue) have linked the onset of hypothyroidism with the increase and/or development of Bipolar symptoms. I say this because 6 years ago I gained 90 lbs in 9 months (prior to this I had been very thin, active, etc.) and the doc said I had bipolar. I thought she was nuts. Over the next years my short-term memory became noticably impaired. Finding the correct words to describe things...meanwhile nothing showed up in testing the thyroid.
As it went on, I developed diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol level of 400. Finally it showed up. Here's the key for me: It didn't even occur to me to seek bipolar treatment until the symptoms had increased to the point where my day-to-day life was significantly disrupted. I was recently in a seminar on aging and bipolar (I'm a nursing facility administrator) and learned that people can actually DEVELOP disorders on the bipolar spectrum, even when there was no prior presence of this. Thyroid is a key factor in this. Is it possible that you sought treatment for bipolar at some time after a thyroid condition has begun (without your knowledge) and that now the thyroid issue is progressing untreated, even while your bipolar is being treated? This may sound wierd, or it may make you worry (sorry!) but if it could help you avoid the trap I fell into, it's worth all this typing to try and help.
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G.J. Gregory (Related) Wednesday, May 16, 2007 at 10:33 PM
Anita - thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. In life I've screwed up a lot, but finding and keeping my wife is the best thing I've ever done. That she puts up with me is a miracle. Other relationships, friendships, and so forth are difficult for me to maintain, and my motivation comes and goes. It sounds like you are cognizant of your emotions and moods - for me life gets much easier the more I understand. Keep chasing that understanding, and the stability that can follow!
MamaMia - It sounds like you've endured a lot. Thanks for your input, and for sharing your experiences.
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Magic
Saturday, May 19, 2007 at 2:46 PM
Dear G.J.,
I've had bipolar illness for over 30 years. I developed thyroid disease about 2 years ago. Apparently, there is a connection between the two; also thyroid disease itself can lead to depression and and sluggishness. Hypothroidism is easily
brought under control.
I really do understand about the memory loss: it can be almost debilitating. I'm not sure, but I think throughout the years, of all the meds. I've taken, lithium is the culprit. Still, one must acknowledge that severe depression also slows us down and makes us "stupid." Ask your doctor to ensure that you're on the lowest effective dose of lithium.
Thank you so much for your article. 'Hope you are content and well.
Sincerely, **E
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Marc Joseph
Wednesday, May 23, 2007 at 9:41 PM
G.J., have you considered metal toxicity as potentially playing a role in your conditions?
Marc Joseph, M.Sc.
http://www.MarcJosephNutrition.com
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G.J. Gregory (Related) Friday, May 25, 2007 at 9:54 AM
Magic - thanks for taking the time to comment.
I am on Lamictal as my maintenance med, and it's supposed to be neutral for memory issues. But they also know very little about how and why it works. The doc is cutting my dosage back. I don't think depression's at play, I'm actually in a hypomania, and memory issues are getting even worse.
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment!
Marc - a concrete reason for this issue? Can you explain more? I'm hopeful...
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