Newly Diagnosed in Colorado (My Introduction)

Hello, all. I'm Crodentia, a 29-year old man in Colorado, USA. I was diagnosed at the beginning of May as having Bipolar I and PTSD. I have been seeing a therapist since March, but was placed in the hospital after having hostile ideations toward others (I had no intent or desire to act on those ideations, to be clear).

Currently I am on Lithium, as well as Prazosin and Vistaril to help me sleep. I have trouble with nightmares, which is probably the PTSD more than the bipolar, but I don't think the bipolar helps much. I have many physical issues as well (spina bifida chief among them). I say all of that to provide a clear idea of who I am, which may inform your responses to me in threads.

I am an open book with a lot more to say, but I'll avoid writing you a novel for now. If you want to know something, feel free to ask.

Hi Chotti. Thank you for your reply.

I am about two hours away from any of the ski resorts, but I actually despise cold weather, so I stay out of it as much as possible. We have gotten a lot of rain lately, which I love, along with a little hail. They've also had tornadoes elsewhere in the state, but it hasn't been too bad (that I've heard about). We have had two record-setting fires within the past two years (both of which started in June), so I'm praying we can avoid fire at all this year.

I am confused as to what you mean by "spina bifida treatment." I am able to walk, despite the severity of the damage to my spine. Until I started taking Lithium and my balance really went south, I didn't need a cane all that often. I have a limp, and I have a VP shunt for my co-morbid hydrocephalus. I also have the usual incontinence that seems to come with spina bifida, so I have my catheters for that. Other than that, I don't require treatment for the spina bifida itself. I have myeleomeningocele, which meant--according to the doctors--I would never walk or be able to do much for myself; I was also supposed to have the mental capacity of a three-year old. I have been walking since the age of two, and the lowest I have scored on an IQ test is 128.

Miracles do happen. I firmly believe that, because I am one.

Hi Crodentia,

The cold snow is no fun when UR not into it.. The snow there is dry not as wet and cold as here in the Pacific NW. I dread the winters here it is so damp it literally hurts to the bone.

Reading UR response above you have a very good handle on how to cope with UR illness. UR doing better than I am and I admire your experience & positive attitude. . Thank you for sharing UR story... You are a Miracle!

congratulations for coming so far thru so much in UR life... Today treatments for spina bifida has come a lond way.. You have proven that to be true and u have a positive attitude with a IQ higher than mine..

Sending many warm hugs UR way....

Hello Lamplighter,

I noticed that you're new. Just wanted to welcome you to the forum, so welcome!!!

I hope to learn more about you.

Take Care

UA

Crodentia, keep the humor alive that you are using in your signature! that can carry you in down times.

Crodentia, you sound like such a brave survivor who has worked very hard to maintain a positive and meaningful approach to life, along with maintaining your sense of humor!!!

Living in Colorado with that weather--I commiserate, as I do not care for the snow, long bouts of cold, and those biting winds! I was born in Mississippi but was an Air Force Brat--firmly convinced that deep South blood has stayed with me all those years.

It seems we all have so many challenges to deal with besides BiPolar, and your attitude is is so good! Keep fighting the good fight! I love your signature, too!!!

VQ