The past year I've had some of the best moments of my life. It's the little moments I cherish. Like when my baby (who turned 1 two weeks ago) runs over to me and hugs me. Or when she gives me a kiss. She is an amazing little girl and as cliche as it is, she is the light of my life.
Unfortunately 2008 has also brought some not so happy moments. After years of stability I've been struggling off and on since my daughter's birth in Dec. 07. I never thought that it would last this long. There have been days when I didn't want to get out of bed and days I was flying high with hypomania. There were also days in the last month of rapid cycling between depression, hypomania and extreme irritability. I have recently added Abilify to the Lamictal and Ativan and hope that it will get me back on track.
So my New Year's Resolution is to find my mood stability! I know that medicine is only half the battle the other part is up to me with exercise, good nutrition, supplements and maintaining a good attitude.
I have been blessed to have virtually "met" many wonderful people through this blog. I wish all of you success in your pregnancies.
Best wishes for a Happy and HEALTHY 2009,
Rachael
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9 comments:
happy new year! :) i just found your blog, and my husband & i have been thinking about having a baby since i was recently re-diagnosed with mixed bipolar disorder. i'd like to have a baby *before* i start medication/treatment because i'm afraid of coming off of it, really. so i can't wait to read through more posts & see how everything went for you! this should be interesting!
I'm bipolar and planning to have a child. I take Abilify and I'm still totally lost. Any sugestion please???
I stumbled across your blog this evening, and all I can say is thank you! My husband and I have decided to try to have a baby, and I am filled with fear. I was diagnosed bipolar three years ago, and have had many struggles since then. It's nice to read, that although it has its challenges, it's a wonderful time in your life.
Thank you for being open, it gives me hope...
Georgia
I've had bipolar disorder since 1995 and I've struggled for years to find a balence. I've been very stable for the last 3 years and I'm afraid to go off the meds if when I get pregnant. I'm getting married May 23 and We want to have kids right away because we are already in our 30's. I'm on 5 different meds and I was wondering if any of them are safe to be on. Can you suggest any... Kari
Fabiana,
I'm not sure if Abilify is safe to take during pregnancy. Before becoming pregnant I recommend talking to both your psychiatrist and your OB/GYN to see what medicines they recommend.
I also think it is helpful see a therapist to discuss strategies for dealing with stress and the normal emotional ups and downs of pregnancy.
Georgia,
I'm glad that my blog has helped. If you have any questions feel free to email me at bipolarpregnancy @ gmail.com
Kare Bear,
There are a handful of medicines that are used during pregnancy for bipolar disorder. I would make an appointment with your doctors to see what they recommend prior to becoming pregnant. That way if you need to get off of one of the ones you are currently on, you can make an action plan for coming off of it instead of suddenly stopping.
Taking medicines during pregnancy comes with some risks, so you'll just have to evaluate each one with your doctors.
I am glad I stubled upon your blog. The plan was that I would potentially start preganancy while on Lithium, but my therapist said she just heard about Lamictal. Were you on any meds while pregnant?
Hoping that this year will allow you to get back on track.
Anon,
I was on Lamictal during my second and third trimester. I also had a prescription for but took very rarely Ambien & Ativan.
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