bipolar and lupus

I been battling with bi-polar depression, aniexty and panic attacks now for 16 years. I was just told that I have lupus. I am worried about all the medicines, I take, plus I take medicines for my stomach, I have problems with having bowel movements. I am just worried what happens if they have to put me on more medicine (oh yippey skippey), how will that effect me and I guess I am just plain scared. Took me a long time to learn that I have to live with my bi-polar and now this. Is there any one that can give me advice of what to do and what to look for.

Thank you

Cat

Welcome to our forum Cat. Major Depressive Disorder and anxiety were some of my first symptoms of Lupus. I saw my psychiatrist and staff for two years while I searched other docs for a diagnosis of what was physically wrong with me. My psychiatrist was my only doc who was certain that there was was a physical illness while he tried to keep my mind straight.

I have been seeing my psychiatrist now for over 12 years. I consider him one of my essential specialists. Currently I take 5 psych meds, rheumatologist 4, gastroenterologist 3, infectious disease doc 1 infusion each month, internist 2, and pain management physician 2.

Cat, it took me a long time to accept that I have major depression and anxiety. I used to be so self conscious walking into his office! I would sit with my head down afraid the others in the room were looking at me. Now I can't believe that I behaved like that. As for the many meds I take, they were added over the years as various symptoms developed. Sometimes one would work for a while and they would have to try another med. That's the way Lupus can be, but some Lupies only need one or two meds their entire life.

I hope that you've been seeing a rheumatologist like Lynnwood said. They are the specialist who diagnosis and treat autoimmune disorders. Yep your rheumy may put you on lots of meds at first, but then taper you to one. If you're on prednisone you will be tapered off because he
wants to save it for if you become extremely sick. Feel free to vent with us any time about how you feel with Lupus and how the different meds make you feel. Love, Butterflake