[FONT="Comic Sans MS"]I probably didn't word that very well - in amongst that 5 years I have had lots of long periods of being fairly stable, but now and again have had to change meds - some things made my tinnitus worse - I would choose meds over the way I used to be any time! I also see a psychologist weekly, fortnightly or monthly, depending on how well I am going. I find that helps heaps too. I can now see my early warning signs of a high or a low and start the action plan before things get out of control. In the old days before my medications - this past week of cycling would probably have lasted months for me, instead of just the week.
I can understand you being nervous though, I was too. But for me personally it was the best decision I ever made. It also calmed my mind down enough for the appointments with the psychologist to be of help to me. I have been seeing her for the past 2 years.
If you can't take lithium, there are plenty of others out there. I have tried lithium, tegratol, sodium valproate (called epilum here in Australia) and lamictal. I really liked the Lamictal but it is too expensive here and is not on the PBS unless it is prescribed for epilepsy.
At the moment I am taking Epilum for mood stabilising, antidepressant Edronax, and Zyprexa has helped me to get thru this past horrible week. I also take clonazepam for anxiety sometimes and temazepam for sleep sometimes.
Hey, you don't have to thank me for my time - it is great chatting to you.
Only thing is that it is 12.40am here and I have to work tomorrow so I really need to try get some sleep tonight. No sleep for me can trigger ups or downs and also cause lupus flare ups which aren't fun either.
What time is it there? [/FONT]