Rapid Cycling

[Nikki2226]

Has anyone had experiences with rapid cycling, with cycles that last hours or days?  I was extremely hyper and had racing thoughts and was elated the other day, then I felt ok but lazy for a few days, then depressed for a couple of days and super tired, and now I am extremely irritable and I keep getting mad and yelling at people and just about everything.  Yesterday I started digging my nails into my skin without even realizing it because I was so upset that  my husband invited a co worker to lunch with us and I didn't want to deal with people at the moment.  I went and drove out to a roadside park after lunch and just sat there because I was too upset and scared to go back to work.  I feel like I am losing my mind.  Every day is completely different.  My psychologist said he is still trying to sort out whether I am just extremely sensitive or if I have ultra rapid cycling.  I thougt he may have misdiagnosed me as bi polar after I first saw him a month ago but now I am pretty sure there is something wrong with me.  How long will it be before the lamictal I am taking starts taking effect?  I am still working up to a theraputic dose.  I am at 50mg now.  I am worried about my job because I deal with customers all day and I keep being sporatic and rude to people and it is not fair to them or to my boss.  I get really upset when there is too much to do or too many people around and feel overwhelmed and start getting nervous and jittery.  I'm thinking about quiting but I need the money and I don't know what else to do that doesn't involve people.  My job is not that hard.  In fact it is the easiest and most pleasant job I have ever had but over the last few months I just can't handle it.  I can't handle anything anymore! Not my marriage, my job, my house, my friendships, nothing.  I just want to stay in bed because I'm scared to see what the day might be like.

[marsha_ann]

Well, all the meetings are over for now.  Austin was given permission to finish out the school year at the alternative school.  So if he keeps up with his work & doesnt get in trouble there, he will pass.  His grades arent very good right now since he had 7 days of zeros, but I think he can pull them up some in the next 2 weeks.  

[marsha_ann]

Well, today is the day for the IEP meeting.  I'm nervous, but glad that it's finally here.  My mother, and a lawyer lady, are coming with me.  My mom said she's coming to keep me calm.  LOL !!!  I can get pretty fired up when I'm mad.  But I'm going to try to keep my cool, so I dont make Austin's situation any worse.

The Expulsion Hearing is Monday.  I'll really be nervous for that one !!!  The lawyer cannot come with me that day (she had something else planned already).  But my mother is going with me.  Austin has to be there ... so we've got to try & keep his mouth shut during the hearing.  I wonder if they would allow duct tape on his mouth?   LOL !!!

Pray pray pray for us over the next 4 days !!!!!!!!!!!!

[marsha_ann]

Found out that the Expulsion Hearing is next Monday.  They are making us wait a whole week.  I'm not happy !!!!   The principal told me to make Austin do all his homework this week, and he would gather up all the classwork for us.  They better give him credit for all this work too !!!  I dont want him to fail the 7th grade because the school board wouldnt hurry up.  

I've had Austin doing some yard work Friday, Monday, & today.  And it will continue all week long.  He has been talking back constantly, yelling, and being very defiant !!!!  And my 3 yr old is copying these behaviors.   I'm ready to scream !!!!!!!!!  

[marsha_ann]

Well, I guess I spoke too soon.  I got a call from the school today, and Austin is being expelled.  I have to wait to hear from the school board next week about an expulsion hearing.  Hopefully they will chose to send him to the alternative school for the rest of the month, so he can keep up with school work (so he wont fail & have to repeat the 7th grade).  

Now I have to deal with him at home for a few days (instead of him being in school).  I told him that he gets to rake leaves tomorrow... but he's refusing.  I guess we'll have another fight tomorrow about all that.  

And to top it off ... every time Austin acts up (& disrespectful & yells),  Logan copies the behaviors.  So, my 3 yr old will be a holy terror the next few days too.  

I feel like pulling my hair out !!!!!!!!  

[triedeverymed]

I had a friend who was rapid cycling and man is that tough. He was on Lithium and that really helped but he failed to take his other meds and ended up drinking away his cycles. Definately not smart!
Have you thought about a second opinion? Rapid cycling has very specific symptoms and it really needs to be controlled. I wish you the best. The support is here for you.
Erin

[Nikki2226]

It is great that your son has a mom like you who understands him and helps him with his illness.  I hope things continue to go uphill for him.  It is so cool that you can see the medication working positively in his grades!  Maybe he is feeling better but still not quite "normal."  That is how I am feeling right now.  I have not had any major mood swings in 3 days, (yeah!)  but I still don't feel like I used to before all of this began.  I am not the same happy person I was a year ago.  Good luck!