Some questions about bipolar

[r***@yahoo.com]

Greetings all,

A doctor recently diagnosed my wife as being bipolar. I was surprised
with the diagnosis because she does not fit the bill of what I have
always understood bipolar to mean. What I mean is, her mood swings do
not seem extreme to some of the stories I have read and heard about.
Her mood swings always seem to coincide with a good or bad experience.
It was a relatively new primary care who made the diagnosis. She has
an appointment to see a psychiatrist in the next few weeks. Do you
think she should get a second opinion from the psychiatrist?

She has been put on Seroquel and while I have noticed some difference
in her I'm starting to wonder in bipolar was the correct diagnosis.
In hindsight in regards to mood her highs weren't really that high
and her lows weren't really that low. Is there such a thing as mild
bipolar? I know of a person who is bipolar and when that person is on
a low they cannot function almost literally. I mean, they can't even
get out of bed and will stay there for a few days. This individual
does not take medication for it regularly so I have seen the extreme
highs that seem to be typical in a lot of people and the extreme lows.
My wife has never been to that point. Part of the reason why I was
wondering if bipolar is the correct diagnosis is that a few days ago
she was down and depressed about herself. I found it curious she was
feeling this way considering she has been on Seroquel for almost two
months. While taking medication like the ones you need to take for
bipolar do any of you have relapses in moods?

I currently do not have health insurance and in the state that I live
in I cannot get coverage for my wife because of her diagnosed bipolar
condition. Have any of you felt discriminated against for having a
medical condition you had no control over? It's very frustrating to
try to get care for my wife and the costs to get that care are
astronomical. Actually, it's not so much the doctor visits but the
cost of medications that are outrageous!

Has anyone had any success with alternative medications that don't
cost as much as Seroquel? Has anyone had any success in using Omega 3
as a natural supplement to control bipolar?

I do not have health insurance because I recently started work as a
consultant. I opted out of the group plan for the employer I work
under because I thought their costs were too much and thought I could
get insurance cheaper. Turns out that I would be able to get insurance
cheaper but in Florida it is against the law for insurance companies to
write policies for anyone if they or their dependents have a
pre-existing condition like bipolar. I'm sure there is a list of
other pre-existing conditions but bipolar is one of them. It's a
shame that my wife who I love and care about is discriminated against
in this manner. I really feel bad for anyone who has to go through
this to get the care they need.

Anyway, any insight to bipolar and to my questions would be greatly
appreciated. There is a lot of information on the web but I was hoping
to hear from people who experience it on a daily basis.

[Maggie]

Post by r***@yahoo.com
Greetings all,
A doctor recently diagnosed my wife as being bipolar. I was surprised
with the diagnosis because she does not fit the bill of what I have
always understood bipolar to mean. What I mean is, her mood swings do
not seem extreme to some of the stories I have read and heard about.
Her mood swings always seem to coincide with a good or bad experience.
It was a relatively new primary care who made the diagnosis. She has
an appointment to see a psychiatrist in the next few weeks. Do you
think she should get a second opinion from the psychiatrist?
She has been put on Seroquel.

Please excuse how much this upsets me.

It is my ipression that a GP is not qualified to make a diagnosis of
Bipolar Affective Disorder and an this can oly be done by a
Psychiatrist (MD).

Second, Re; Seroquil:

http://aolsvc.health.webmd.aol.com/drugs/drug-4718-Seroquel%20Oral.aspx?drugid=4718&drugname=Seroquel%20Oral&src=AOLDrugWidget

it is my impression that this is an antipsychotic and if your wife has
ever been pshychotic it would have been obvious from 60 paces.

Most importantly.....standard first protocal in treating BP is the use
of a mood stablizer medication such as Lithium, Lamictal, etc.

It is my impression that if this diagnosis was made by other than a
psychiatrist and she has been put on anything without a mood
stabloizer, since the diagnnosos will efectively make it difficult or
impossible to otain medical insurance......

you have the makings of a first rate medical malpractice
suit...tort....including money damages.

i'd call the head of the medical center where this was done, raise
these issues and begin a meaningful discussion.

i'll post a link to the best non-profit in the field of BP that will
help you both educate yourself on this disorder.

I'm not an attorney....and if anyone can clarify this issue, please
post.

so many people lose years of their lices due to isdiagnosis and lack of
proper treatment.

This is a very expensive disorder. the meds are extreemlly expensive
and hospitalizations are often required.

it may e to your advantage to seek and maintain employment with a major
firm or government institution with excellent group medical benifits.
These employers have coverage that does not exclude preexisiting
conditions.

The diagnosis by a psychiatrist will not be a "2nd" diagnosis.

Maggie

[r***@yahoo.com]

Post by Maggie

Post by r***@yahoo.com
Greetings all,
A doctor recently diagnosed my wife as being bipolar. I was surprised
with the diagnosis because she does not fit the bill of what I have
always understood bipolar to mean. What I mean is, her mood swings do
not seem extreme to some of the stories I have read and heard about.
Her mood swings always seem to coincide with a good or bad experience.
It was a relatively new primary care who made the diagnosis. She has
an appointment to see a psychiatrist in the next few weeks. Do you
think she should get a second opinion from the psychiatrist?
She has been put on Seroquel.

Please excuse how much this upsets me.

Hi Maggie,
Thank you for your response. Consider yourself excused. :o)

Post by Maggie
It is my ipression that a GP is not qualified to make a diagnosis of
Bipolar Affective Disorder and an this can oly be done by a
Psychiatrist (MD).

I agree with you on this. I believe how she was "diagnosed" was
through a questionnaire. I don't know this for sure. General practice
doctors certainly have their place in the medical field, but I just
don't think that diagnosing a medical condition of bipolar falls within
their realm of expertise.

I have a friend that works for the company that makes Seroquel and he
was telling me that more and more general practitioners are feeling
more comfortable in making a diagnosis like bipolar. He sees this
trend in the younger doctor's and I would certainly consider my wife's
doctor's as young. I have not met the doctor personally but my wife
tells me he is relatively young. Probably early 30's. I wonder if
these younger, relatively inexperienced doctor's are falling for the
sales pitch of the pharmaceutical representatives. Now that I think of
it, it really doesn't make too much sense to me that a sales rep is
spending time in general practitioners offices pushing a drug like
Seroquel. I take that back....it does make sense because they are
looking to get doctor's to write prescriptions for it so the sales will
go up.

Post by Maggie
http://aolsvc.health.webmd.aol.com/drugs/drug-4718-Seroquel%20Oral.aspx?drugid=4718&drugname=Seroquel%20Oral&src=AOLDrugWidget
it is my impression that this is an antipsychotic and if your wife has
ever been pshychotic it would have been obvious from 60 paces.

That's just it...I know you are not a doctor but I know of a person who
is also diagnosed as bipolar and I have read and heard other stories.
If what you are saying is true about a person who is psychotic I just
don't think my wife falls in that category. I really don't think I'm
in denial. I'm willing to accept and help my wife if she is bipolar
but based on what I read there are things that don't *seem* to add up.

By the way, please understand when I use the word psychotic or psycho I
do not mean that disparagingly.

Post by Maggie
Most importantly.....standard first protocal in treating BP is the use
of a mood stablizer medication such as Lithium, Lamictal, etc.
It is my impression that if this diagnosis was made by other than a
psychiatrist and she has been put on anything without a mood
stabloizer, since the diagnnosos will efectively make it difficult or
impossible to otain medical insurance......

I have already noticed this.

Post by Maggie
you have the makings of a first rate medical malpractice
suit...tort....including money damages.

Would I have a case based on the misdiagnosis and the fact that I may
not be able to get health insurance as a result? I will see how this
whole thing with insurance and this diagnosis plays itself out after
the visit with the psychiatrist. I am very hesitant on going that
route simply because I'd hate to put a black eye on a career but care
for my family, including health coverage, has to come first.

Post by Maggie
i'd call the head of the medical center where this was done, raise
these issues and begin a meaningful discussion.
i'll post a link to the best non-profit in the field of BP that will
help you both educate yourself on this disorder.
I'm not an attorney....and if anyone can clarify this issue, please
post.
so many people lose years of their lices due to isdiagnosis and lack of
proper treatment.
This is a very expensive disorder. the meds are extreemlly expensive
and hospitalizations are often required.
it may e to your advantage to seek and maintain employment with a major
firm or government institution with excellent group medical benifits.
These employers have coverage that does not exclude preexisiting
conditions.

When I had gone into contracting I did not know of the laws surrounding
insurance and pre-existing conditions. I just may look to follow your
advice when my current contract is expired simply because the group
plans cannot discriminate.

Post by Maggie
The diagnosis by a psychiatrist will not be a "2nd" diagnosis.
Maggie

Thanks so much Maggie.

[Maggie]

Post by r***@yahoo.com
Would I have a case based on the misdiagnosis and the fact that I may
not be able to get health insurance as a result? I will see how this
whole thing with insurance and this diagnosis plays itself out after
the visit with the psychiatrist. I am very hesitant on going that
route simply

#########

because I'd hate to put a black eye on a career

#########

i would urge you in the strongest possible terms to file a comp0lqaint
with your State's reguloatory board that handles medical lisences.
First because this is a serious, very serious case of
misdiagnosis....with potential financil reprocussions and most
importantly, the prescribed medicine is not appropriate to the
diagnosis and the first protacal of that iagnosis was overlooked. Mood
stabllizer.

Get the complaint filed even if nothing comes of it. first, it will
get his full atenetion, and most importantly it is increibly unlikely
thst this i an isolated, one time only event where this guy has made a
diagnosis he is not qualoified to give and prescribed an inapropriate
remedy..overlooking the obviou remedy.

The fact that you are unwiling to "put a black eye" on his career is
EXACTLY what allows this type of thing to continue and cuae harm to
many. no one files, so the "first case" usually something dramatic
incuding by not limite to wrongful death is thought to be the first and
only isolate incident.

it's my understanding that General practitioners, internists, etc are
there to handle routine clearly standar diagnosis and treatment stuff
an to request test that will help to discover whether or not a serious
condition exists....at which point they usualy refer to a specialist.

As to a law suit...Torts.....you wil have to establish that the act was
in incident of incompetance on the reasonable standars guie lines ant
it seems that this is definately the case.

However......you will have to extabloish that damages have been
done....the cash value of the actual damages and then calculate the
punitive "pain and suffering" damage that have ben done through
incopetence and/or indifference.

You will probably find it very, very har to obtain representation
because this has not had tome to play out to the part where potetional
damages by the action/inaction have had time to have been established.

And then.....the kicker....proving that the damages done cannot be
exploained by prior amaged before your wife arrived in his office for
the first visit. the old....this would have happene even if I had
never exist4e/she was that waywhen Ifound her scenario.

File the complaint with the medical board.

Maggie
not an attorney

[r***@yahoo.com]

Post by Maggie

Post by r***@yahoo.com
Greetings all,
A doctor recently diagnosed my wife as being bipolar. I was surprised
with the diagnosis because she does not fit the bill of what I have
always understood bipolar to mean. What I mean is, her mood swings do
not seem extreme to some of the stories I have read and heard about.
Her mood swings always seem to coincide with a good or bad experience.
It was a relatively new primary care who made the diagnosis. She has
an appointment to see a psychiatrist in the next few weeks. Do you
think she should get a second opinion from the psychiatrist?
She has been put on Seroquel.

Please excuse how much this upsets me.

Hi Maggie,
Thank you for your response. Consider yourself excused. :o)

Post by Maggie
It is my ipression that a GP is not qualified to make a diagnosis of
Bipolar Affective Disorder and an this can oly be done by a
Psychiatrist (MD).

I agree with you on this. I believe how she was "diagnosed" was
through a questionnaire. I don't know this for sure. General practice
doctors certainly have their place in the medical field, but I just
don't think that diagnosing a medical condition of bipolar falls within
their realm of expertise.

I have a friend that works for the company that makes Seroquel and he
was telling me that more and more general practitioners are feeling
more comfortable in making a diagnosis like bipolar. He sees this
trend in the younger doctor's and I would certainly consider my wife's
doctor's as young. I have not met the doctor personally but my wife
tells me he is relatively young. Probably early 30's. I wonder if
these younger, relatively inexperienced doctor's are falling for the
sales pitch of the pharmaceutical representatives. Now that I think of
it, it really doesn't make too much sense to me that a sales rep is
spending time in general practitioners offices pushing a drug like
Seroquel. I take that back....it does make sense because they are
looking to get doctor's to write prescriptions for it so the sales will
go up.

Post by Maggie
http://aolsvc.health.webmd.aol.com/drugs/drug-4718-Seroquel%20Oral.aspx?drugid=4718&drugname=Seroquel%20Oral&src=AOLDrugWidget
it is my impression that this is an antipsychotic and if your wife has
ever been pshychotic it would have been obvious from 60 paces.

That's just it...I know you are not a doctor but I know of a person who
is also diagnosed as bipolar and I have read and heard other stories.
If what you are saying is true about a person who is psychotic I just
don't think my wife falls in that category. I really don't think I'm
in denial. I'm willing to accept and help my wife if she is bipolar
but based on what I read there are things that don't *seem* to add up.

By the way, please understand when I use the word psychotic or psycho I
do not mean that disparagingly.

Post by Maggie
Most importantly.....standard first protocal in treating BP is the use
of a mood stablizer medication such as Lithium, Lamictal, etc.
It is my impression that if this diagnosis was made by other than a
psychiatrist and she has been put on anything without a mood
stabloizer, since the diagnnosos will efectively make it difficult or
impossible to otain medical insurance......

I have already noticed this.

Post by Maggie
you have the makings of a first rate medical malpractice
suit...tort....including money damages.

Would I have a case based on the misdiagnosis and the fact that I may
not be able to get health insurance as a result? I will see how this
whole thing with insurance and this diagnosis plays itself out after
the visit with the psychiatrist. I am very hesitant on going that
route simply because I'd hate to put a black eye on a career but care
for my family, including health coverage, has to come first.

Post by Maggie
i'd call the head of the medical center where this was done, raise
these issues and begin a meaningful discussion.
i'll post a link to the best non-profit in the field of BP that will
help you both educate yourself on this disorder.
I'm not an attorney....and if anyone can clarify this issue, please
post.
so many people lose years of their lices due to isdiagnosis and lack of
proper treatment.
This is a very expensive disorder. the meds are extreemlly expensive
and hospitalizations are often required.
it may e to your advantage to seek and maintain employment with a major
firm or government institution with excellent group medical benifits.
These employers have coverage that does not exclude preexisiting
conditions.

When I had gone into contracting I did not know of the laws surrounding
insurance and pre-existing conditions. I just may look to follow your
advice when my current contract is expired simply because the group
plans cannot discriminate.

Post by Maggie
The diagnosis by a psychiatrist will not be a "2nd" diagnosis.
Maggie

Thanks so much Maggie.

[sd]

I second Maggie's post above! There is no way your wife needs to be on
Seroquel if she's never had a psychotic episode and you most definitely need
a 2nd opinion from a psychiatrist. Good luck.

[sd]

I second Maggie's post above! There is no way your wife needs to be on
Seroquel if she's never had a psychotic episode and you most definitely need
a 2nd opinion from a psychiatrist. Good luck.

[l***@sympatico.ca]

Post by r***@yahoo.com
Greetings all,
A doctor recently diagnosed my wife as being bipolar. I was surprised
with the diagnosis because she does not fit the bill of what I have
always understood bipolar to mean. What I mean is, her mood swings do
not seem extreme to some of the stories I have read and heard about.
Her mood swings always seem to coincide with a good or bad experience.
It was a relatively new primary care who made the diagnosis. She has
an appointment to see a psychiatrist in the next few weeks. Do you
think she should get a second opinion from the psychiatrist?
She has been put on Seroquel and while I have noticed some difference
in her I'm starting to wonder in bipolar was the correct diagnosis.
In hindsight in regards to mood her highs weren't really that high
and her lows weren't really that low. Is there such a thing as mild
bipolar? I know of a person who is bipolar and when that person is on
a low they cannot function almost literally. I mean, they can't even
get out of bed and will stay there for a few days. This individual
does not take medication for it regularly so I have seen the extreme
highs that seem to be typical in a lot of people and the extreme lows.
My wife has never been to that point. Part of the reason why I was
wondering if bipolar is the correct diagnosis is that a few days ago
she was down and depressed about herself. I found it curious she was
feeling this way considering she has been on Seroquel for almost two
months. While taking medication like the ones you need to take for
bipolar do any of you have relapses in moods?
I currently do not have health insurance and in the state that I live
in I cannot get coverage for my wife because of her diagnosed bipolar
condition. Have any of you felt discriminated against for having a
medical condition you had no control over? It's very frustrating to
try to get care for my wife and the costs to get that care are
astronomical. Actually, it's not so much the doctor visits but the
cost of medications that are outrageous!
Has anyone had any success with alternative medications that don't
cost as much as Seroquel? Has anyone had any success in using Omega 3
as a natural supplement to control bipolar?
I do not have health insurance because I recently started work as a
consultant. I opted out of the group plan for the employer I work
under because I thought their costs were too much and thought I could
get insurance cheaper. Turns out that I would be able to get insurance
cheaper but in Florida it is against the law for insurance companies to
write policies for anyone if they or their dependents have a
pre-existing condition like bipolar. I'm sure there is a list of
other pre-existing conditions but bipolar is one of them. It's a
shame that my wife who I love and care about is discriminated against
in this manner. I really feel bad for anyone who has to go through
this to get the care they need.
Anyway, any insight to bipolar and to my questions would be greatly
appreciated. There is a lot of information on the web but I was hoping
to hear from people who experience it on a daily basis.

[l***@sympatico.ca]

Post by r***@yahoo.com
Greetings all,
A doctor recently diagnosed my wife as being bipolar. I was surprised
with the diagnosis because she does not fit the bill of what I have
always understood bipolar to mean. What I mean is, her mood swings do
not seem extreme to some of the stories I have read and heard about.
Her mood swings always seem to coincide with a good or bad experience.
It was a relatively new primary care who made the diagnosis. She has
an appointment to see a psychiatrist in the next few weeks. Do you
think she should get a second opinion from the psychiatrist?
She has been put on Seroquel and while I have noticed some difference
in her I'm starting to wonder in bipolar was the correct diagnosis.
In hindsight in regards to mood her highs weren't really that high
and her lows weren't really that low. Is there such a thing as mild
bipolar? I know of a person who is bipolar and when that person is on
a low they cannot function almost literally. I mean, they can't even
get out of bed and will stay there for a few days. This individual
does not take medication for it regularly so I have seen the extreme
highs that seem to be typical in a lot of people and the extreme lows.
My wife has never been to that point. Part of the reason why I was
wondering if bipolar is the correct diagnosis is that a few days ago
she was down and depressed about herself. I found it curious she was
feeling this way considering she has been on Seroquel for almost two
months. While taking medication like the ones you need to take for
bipolar do any of you have relapses in moods?
I currently do not have health insurance and in the state that I live
in I cannot get coverage for my wife because of her diagnosed bipolar
condition. Have any of you felt discriminated against for having a
medical condition you had no control over? It's very frustrating to
try to get care for my wife and the costs to get that care are
astronomical. Actually, it's not so much the doctor visits but the
cost of medications that are outrageous!
Has anyone had any success with alternative medications that don't
cost as much as Seroquel? Has anyone had any success in using Omega 3
as a natural supplement to control bipolar?
I do not have health insurance because I recently started work as a
consultant. I opted out of the group plan for the employer I work
under because I thought their costs were too much and thought I could
get insurance cheaper. Turns out that I would be able to get insurance
cheaper but in Florida it is against the law for insurance companies to
write policies for anyone if they or their dependents have a
pre-existing condition like bipolar. I'm sure there is a list of
other pre-existing conditions but bipolar is one of them. It's a
shame that my wife who I love and care about is discriminated against
in this manner. I really feel bad for anyone who has to go through
this to get the care they need.
Anyway, any insight to bipolar and to my questions would be greatly
appreciated. There is a lot of information on the web but I was hoping
to hear from people who experience it on a daily basis.

[l***@sympatico.ca]

Post by r***@yahoo.com
Greetings all,
A doctor recently diagnosed my wife as being bipolar. I was surprised
with the diagnosis because she does not fit the bill of what I have
always understood bipolar to mean. What I mean is, her mood swings do
not seem extreme to some of the stories I have read and heard about.
Her mood swings always seem to coincide with a good or bad experience.
It was a relatively new primary care who made the diagnosis. She has
an appointment to see a psychiatrist in the next few weeks. Do you
think she should get a second opinion from the psychiatrist?
She has been put on Seroquel and while I have noticed some difference
in her I'm starting to wonder in bipolar was the correct diagnosis.
In hindsight in regards to mood her highs weren't really that high
and her lows weren't really that low. Is there such a thing as mild
bipolar? I know of a person who is bipolar and when that person is on
a low they cannot function almost literally. I mean, they can't even
get out of bed and will stay there for a few days. This individual
does not take medication for it regularly so I have seen the extreme
highs that seem to be typical in a lot of people and the extreme lows.
My wife has never been to that point. Part of the reason why I was
wondering if bipolar is the correct diagnosis is that a few days ago
she was down and depressed about herself. I found it curious she was
feeling this way considering she has been on Seroquel for almost two
months. While taking medication like the ones you need to take for
bipolar do any of you have relapses in moods?
I currently do not have health insurance and in the state that I live
in I cannot get coverage for my wife because of her diagnosed bipolar
condition. Have any of you felt discriminated against for having a
medical condition you had no control over? It's very frustrating to
try to get care for my wife and the costs to get that care are
astronomical. Actually, it's not so much the doctor visits but the
cost of medications that are outrageous!
Has anyone had any success with alternative medications that don't
cost as much as Seroquel? Has anyone had any success in using Omega 3
as a natural supplement to control bipolar?
I do not have health insurance because I recently started work as a
consultant. I opted out of the group plan for the employer I work
under because I thought their costs were too much and thought I could
get insurance cheaper. Turns out that I would be able to get insurance
cheaper but in Florida it is against the law for insurance companies to
write policies for anyone if they or their dependents have a
pre-existing condition like bipolar. I'm sure there is a list of
other pre-existing conditions but bipolar is one of them. It's a
shame that my wife who I love and care about is discriminated against
in this manner. I really feel bad for anyone who has to go through
this to get the care they need.
Anyway, any insight to bipolar and to my questions would be greatly
appreciated. There is a lot of information on the web but I was hoping
to hear from people who experience it on a daily basis.