24 hours post diagnosis.
This morning I had grand plans of waking up early and really getting into today.
I had a late start (Well, early for me. 8:30 am wake up). Not to be deterred from my original goal, I took charge and began getting ready for the day.
I am supposed to avoid a lot of caffeine. Not an easy task for a guy that drinks a LARGE iced coffee with 2 shots of espresso in it. I ordered my coffee sans the shots.
The 2 medications I have been prescribed are Lamictal (Bipolar 2) and Vyvanse (ADD). I was informed it could take a few weeks for everything to start working.
WRONG!
My resting heart rate for the last 5 years has been 66-72 bpm. An hour after taking the meds, my heart rate was at 102bmp. I am experiencing clarity in my thought process and I am very excited by this. I am also in less control of my emotions as I am very regretful for not doing this sooner. I keep getting goosebumps when I start and FINISH chores. I believe I am on a pink cloud and this will fade eventually. Although, I must admit, it feels damn good being, “normal!”
I have begun monitoring my heart rate every hour. It has kept me on task for finishing chores around the house. I think this will be one of my coping mechanisms as it seems to keep me busy enough to keep going on my list
I have also noticed I am a bit more forgetful and have a slight problem spelling (That has been the most interesting part). I am more aware of my appearance and this is something that I would not have thought would happen.
My thoughts? This is the best birthday present I could have given myself.
With the encouraging comments I received on my last ADD post, I wish to thank you all for your support. YOU have helped me immensely! My family has also stepped up and they have really helped me. I never knew how much my family cared until I, “broke” this news too them. I am in AWE!
Filed under: Uncategorized, ADD, ADHD, adult add, Bipolar, Bipolar 2, hyperactivity, hyperative, lamictal, PTSD, ritalin, vyvanse
Wow – I am both very happy for you and so jealous at the same time. I too have been suffering from the same ADD problems and only recently found out it was ADD (through a work colleague who has alot of exposure to it). I wish I could get a formal diagnosis so that I could somehow get a proper grip on my life. Whoops – turning this into me instead of you. Well done with it all and I hope it all goes from strength to strength.
U.
Umidude,
I was VERY reluctant to even consider getting diagnosed. I had such a terrible experience as a child with the tests and doctors that I did not want to even accept the facts as they were presented to me. I can only suggest that IF you do get diagnosed, read everything you can on the subject and then make an informed decision.
For me, this was a tough nut to crack, but now that I have…
I am BEYOND excited by it so far!
Thank you for your comment and please let me know if I can do anything to help you if you want information!
—Fred
glad to hear you are feeling better. i myself suffer from depression/anxiety/codependency. shit sucks but i cope.
Mattyti,
Thank you…
I coped as well, for 26 years. I was not a fan of meds. The medical field has made so many advances, even in the last 5 years that I could not just turn a blind eye.
Family and friends (both online and live) have made this an easy thing to deal with.
—Fred
the pink cloud thing will fade over time as your body acclimates. i am so proud of you for taking the steps. i know they weren’t easy. also proud of you for sharing the journey. *awesome*
tifferny,
Thank you VERY much!
I have been keeping very in depth notes and will update my progress shortly. I do hope I can stretch out the pink cloud for awhile (it is kind of nice).
—Fred
http://crazymedz.org/
This is one of my favorite sites on psych meds. The people that run it have diagnoses similar to yours. It helped me realize I was having one of the more exotic side effects when I was on Zoloft: frequent sleepwalking.
Congratulations on seeking treatment and that it is working for you. I hope you have been told that you can’t suddenly stop mood stabilizers/bipolar meds because it puts a person at risk for seizures. Even if you’ve never had one before. Not to be a bummer, but I had this friend…..