Welcome to Discussions

Hi, I am new here and I can't believe I am actually doing this, I have been isolating for months. I came across this site and felt comfortable, there seems to be some real nice people here. I am a single dad dealing with the big "BP" and sometimes it just seems like there will never be a normal for me. I'd love to make some friends, laugh a little, maybe flirt a little too...lol. I was diagnosed in 2006 and so far no meds have helped, my Psych is recommending ECT, has anyone had this? I'm a bit leary about it myself, haven't decided. Anywho, I hope to hear from ya'll !   Paul

Hi Bigdaddy-

First, I admire the efforts of all single parents so thanks for sharing that with us and congrats for jumping on board here at Disaboom. I don't have alot of experience with adults with bipolar but work everyday in a adolescent/children's psych unit....many, if not most, of our patients struggle with bipolar. It's tough!  I hope you find something that works for you soon.

You are right-this is a great place for friendship and laughs so stick around:-)

~Kara 

hi paul I'm just sitting knowing how you are feeling both my daughters and I suffer for bipolar one on meds two with out.  Its so hard to find someone who really cares.  I thank the lord for this site people are nice and will talk to u. try and find me have a good day hun.

I am disabled by 5 strokes and I too spend most of my time alone. My wife & youngest daughter (20) and my son (23) " live " here but never have time for me. I am depressed most of the time about not being able to work & drive like I used to.I walk a little with a quad cane and get tired real easy. I am on Cymbalta for my depression,but sometimes I think its not working. My oldest daughter ( 26) emails me about 6 times a week and calls 3-4 times a week. I would love to have some new freinds also. Write back if you are interested. Bruce

My regular email is eng32061@yahoo.com

Hi bigdaddy, I'm Judoman. If you're looking for new friends, you might want to checkout Disabled support. If you have trouble finding it, email me at Judomanras1124@aol.com. Hope to hear from you...

 HI PAUL ! PLEASURE MEETING YOU ! I DO BELIEVE WE MET IN THE CHATROOM, I AM ALWAYS LOOKING FOR NEW FRIENDS MYSELF ! AS THEY SAY WE CAN NEVER HAVE TO MANY FRIENDS !!!!!!!!!  RAINEY XX

Hi jpaul! welcome! im new here too.  i mostly post on the amputation board.

i had a depressive period that lasted a few years.  they kept giving me different meds to try and nothing was working.  i wans in and out of the hospital.  i had ect and don't really know if it worked.  i had several rounds of it with each round being maybe 6 treatments.  this went on for 3 years.  i finally went to a different dr. and he prescribed some new meds.  the new meds finally worked and my depression just went away.  i really don't know if it was the new meds the ect or just time that actually helped me.

the one thing about ect is that you can lose some memory.  i have around 5 yrs or so of memories that i lost.  it is very strange to not remember events that happened to me.

I do know that ect works for alot of folks.  if your depression is so bad that nothing is working (and you tried aot of meds throughly).  if you have been suicidal and you basically need to save your life then prehaps its worth a try.  that decision is up to you and your dr.  some people do lose memory some don't.   Sometimes the memories come back.  some of mine did. but not all.

Anyway, this site is excellent.  the people who come here are very nice and positive.  espiacallly in the amputation threads.  i've learned alot.

betsy