Bipolar Disorder and Fibromyalgia

Aside from Asperger's Syndrome (Level 1 ASD) and Sensory Integration Dysfunction (See Solutions for Sensory Integration Dysfunction), I also deal with two chronic illnesses: Bipolar Disorder and Fibromyalgia / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Both of these illnesses can be diagnosed by filling out questionnaires and looking for a certain number of symptoms over a certain period of time.

Therefore, although I had been telling multiple doctors of my symptoms since 2002, I ultimately diagnosed myself with fibromyalgia in 2008 through reading checklists of common symptoms. Then I went to the rheumatologist (specialist in pain treatments). I gradually learned that doctors, chiropractors, and massage therapists could not help with  my fibromyalgia pain, My pain was nearly constant and traveled from place to place in my body, so that I never had "good days" and "bad days," but "good hours" and "bad hours."

Similarly, though my first manic experience was in 1996, and my first depression in 1997, a diagnosis was not reached until 2000 when I was seeing a psychiatrist for help.

For my bipolar disorder, I have taken a variety of anti-psychotic mood-stabilizing medications, and other medications to reduce side effects. I consult with a psychiatrist who prescribes these medicines every three months, or sooner if my symptoms change.

I would like to provide symptom checklists here, in case any of my readers experience these same symptoms and can consult doctors for a diagnosis and appropriate medical treatment.

BIPOLAR DISORDER - MANIC SYMPTOMS
  • Aggressive behavior
  • Decreased need for sleep
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Excessive spending
  • Grandiosity, inflated self-esteem
  • Increased energy
  • Irritability, impatience
  • Poor judgment
  • Possible hostility
  • Racing thoughts
  • Rapid, nonstop speech
BIPOLAR DISORDER - DEPRESSION SYMPTOMS
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Fatigue, lack of energy
  • Feelings of guilt and worthlessness
  • Loss of appetite or overeating
  • Loss of interest in usual activities
  • Inability to experience pleasure
  • Insomnia or oversleeping
  • Sad, unhappy, blue, or irritable mood
  • Social withdrawal
  • Thoughts of death or suicide
FIBROMYALGIA / CHRONIC FATIGUE SYMPTOMS
  • Anxiety
  • Concentration and memory problems - known as fibro fog
  • Depression
  • Digestive disorders
  • Discoloration of hands and feet (Raynaud's phenomenon)
  • Dryness in mouth, nose, and eyes
  • Fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Morning stiffness
  • Pain
  • Painful menstrual cramps
  • Restless legs syndrome
  • Sleep problems
  • Swelling, numbness, and tingling in hands, arms, feet, and legs
  • Trigger points (Tender points)
  • Urinary symptoms
"A WOMAN HAVING AN ISSUE OF BLOOD TWELVE YEARS, WHICH HAD SPENT ALL HER LIVING UPON PHYSICIANS, NEITHER COULD BE HEALED OF ANY, CAME BEHIND [JESUS] AND TOUCHED THE BORDER OF HIS GARMENT: AND IMMEDIATELY HER ISSUE OF BLOOD STANCHED."