Bipolar Journey

Despite all my fears of undergoing the process of surgery, I managed to come out okay. The pain meds mixed with my bipolar meds left me feeling odd. I was told two different things about the medication. Either the bipolar medication would increase the potency of the pain meds or the pain meds would relieve the bipolar medication of its working strength. I still can’t figure out which happened. I did feel like some fog had settled over my brain. I tried to empty myself from the pain meds as soon as possible. Letting go of that medication was a mental relief.

Overall the whole ordeal was quite stressful. I survived and am still standing to tell about it. Anyone with a illness of the mind should always be concerned about other health procedures. It is so helpful when doctor and patient can communicate effectively. Finally, there has to be a letting go of any shame. I was and still am at times shameful of being Bipolar. For years I have battled this stigma that I have the crazies. When I went in for my surgery I had to tell what medications I was on to the equality of atleast four different times. Of course, they were all four different people. Most assumed, which is preferred by me, that I was bipolar and moved on. A couple asked, “And what are you taking this for?” I began to wonder if those askers had even been to medical school. I decided to answer, “Um, it’s in my chart.” It was a good assumption they could read.
I know it sounds judgemental, but I sometimes think when professionals ask about your medication they want you to elaborate on why you take it. Almost like, it is some juicy gossip.

I guess I took three posts to say, If you are bipolar and you have surgery. You will survive.