Introduction....!

TheMrsW

Hello! I just wanted to introduce myself : ) Slap me on the wrist if I shouldn't be posting this.

Just married DH May 4th. We are considering starting TTC soon, but it will be a bit of a process before we can. Already been off BCP since December, but I also take four different medications for Bipolar I Disorder, including lithium, which is can cause a lot of defects in babies when taken during pregnancy (I believe especially so during the first trimester, correct me if I'm wrong).

I am finishing up my treatments of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, I only have three treatments left, yay! It is used for treatment resistant depression, but can also be used for bipolar disorder. I slipped into a bad depressive episode in February despite my medication. I feel so much better now, after these treatments.

This Monday, DH and I are going to talk to my psychiatrist about weening off medication or what else I need to do before we start trying. I know she already wants me to wait at least a month after my last and final TMS treatment before we even consider going off any meds, to make sure I don't relapse. So it might be at least a few months before we can start, but still very excited. We want to do this as safely as possible considering my illness.

Now that you know my story...hi! : D

(And again please point me in the right direction if I'm in the wrong place!)

Jags8

Hello and welcome! You are in the right place

I hope you and your doctors can find a good way for you to manage your Bipolar Disorder while you TTC. I can't imagine it will be easy. Best of luck to you!

TheMrsW

Thank you!

JordanL1221

Welcome and congratulations on your marriage!

normandyn7

I am in a masters program for mental health counseling and I know how hard it is for women who need to take medications to get pregnant and maintain their medication. I hope that you and your doctors find something that work for you! Good luck!

TheMrsW

smithaz602 said:

I am in a masters program for mental health counseling and I know how hard it is for women who need to take medications to get pregnant and maintain their medication. I hope that you and your doctors find something that work for you! Good luck!

Thank you. I have tried going off lithium twice in the past (not necessarily for pregnancy but for other reasons). The first time I shot straight into a manic episode and the second time straight into a depressive episode. Both times I thought I was going to have to hospitalize myself again, as I have already been hospitalized once. So the idea of going off lithium again is a little scary, but I really trust my new psychiatrist and I know she will help me make the best choice for my own health and baby's health.

silverandgray

Welcome and congrats, newlywed! I hope all goes well with finding a way to manage your bipolar and medications so you can TTC.

TheMrsW

Bonzo2011 said:

Welcome, and congrats on your marriage! It sounds like you're going about this very smartly. Having a doctor and psychiatrist that you trust and is willing to work with you is key. Don't be afraid to ask questions of your doctors, and get all the options. Good luck!

Thank you! We are actually talking to my psychiatrist tomorrow, and I'm trying to think of questions to ask. Mostly I think of going off meds and what meds are safe during pregnancy if there was an emergency and I needed and antipsychotic or antidepressant.

eevieemariee

I'm bipolar type II R/C. I didn't do well with BPD meds, and have just been taking my anti-depressants (Effexor XR 150mcgs) since shortly after my diagnosis. I know how tricky meds and treatment can be. I hope your new treatments settle well with you and you are able to stabilize and go on to have a healthy pregnancy! Best of luck with everything! And welcome!