Rokukukyu Posted April 29, 2015 Share Posted April 29, 2015 I once entered a poker tourney with the moniker "Jess is fine" because when the cashier asked what name I would like to go by, I replied with those exact words... yeah. That actually happened. But Jess really is fine. - 29, semi employed (cut 35 hours out of my work week by leaving my higher paying job because my irritability level was far too high) - Diagnosed 2 weeks ago with Bipolar 2. Started on an extremely low dose of lamictal/lamotrigine and I didn't bother to tell the doc I have a high tolerance to drugs because she mentioned a life threatening rash. (Because dying isn't bad enough without having to go out itchy and hideous.) - I've been in this cycle of upswings and downswings since I was around 22. A different doctor gave me a diagnosis of "bipolar manic depressive" 4 years ago but told me he could not help me because I would most certainly need a lot of drugs and I couldn't afford his help without insurance. His words, not mine. So, I'm pretty much here because I don't have a really strong support system around me, at home or elsewhere in a 30 mile radius, I feel like my therapist and doctor are more interested in check marks than handling my ridiculous brain, and I am always craving more knowledge, even if I struggle to apply it to my life. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
olga Posted April 29, 2015 Share Posted April 29, 2015 You came to the right place, Jess. There are lots of people here who can share their experiences with lamictal and other meds. Let us know if we can help you with anything. Welcome! olga Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gearhead Posted April 29, 2015 Share Posted April 29, 2015 Hi, May-I-Call-You-Jess. Welcome to CB! Lamotrigine is always started at very low doses, in part because it makes getting a rash less likely. Benign rashes are VERY common. THE RASH, the one that can kill you, occurs in less than 1% of patients. Lamotrigine is partly processed through the skin (why not, it's your body's biggest organ), which is why it loves to give people rashes. And skin sensitivities. Don't be surprised if you develope a sudden affinity for unscented products. Please feel free to PM me or any of the other mods if you have questions. Best, Gearhead (moderator) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rokukukyu Posted April 30, 2015 Author Share Posted April 30, 2015 Thanks, Olga and Gearhead! Good to know that I shouldn't ask for the usual Bath and Body Works gift cards for my birthday this year. ~_~ I got all my cynicism about healthcare just from the news and Shonda Rimes, Outlier52. My intro to treatment this time around was more of a "grab her by the legs and toss her in the truck" kind of thing so when I walked out of the place, I miraculously had temporary insurance coverage for 2 months. So I definitely unloaded on my sister after I got out of zombie mode about a system that wanted $240 a month, JUST IN CASE, I need medical attention, but will pay 90% of my bills if not all of them bc someone looked at me and said "you're like really really sad." So this is going to be an interesting adventure, to say the least. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
olga Posted April 30, 2015 Share Posted April 30, 2015 I think a lot of us are cynical about the whole healthcare system. It's a shame. Seems like we all ought to be able to have access to low-cost, competent care. (I have an active fantasy life. ) Stick with it, and read up on your meds and your diagnosis so you can ask intelligent questions when you see a doctor. I usually go in with a paper list of everything I want to know. They may not like it, but an informed patient has a much better chance of getting good treatment than someone who just accepts everything they're told. olga Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phoenix_Rising Posted April 30, 2015 Share Posted April 30, 2015 Hello, Jess and Welcome to Crazyboards!Yes, the healthcare system can be an overwhelming beast to deal with. Lots of people here understand that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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