Friday, February 1, 2008

"Show the doctor, honey."

We took Acadia in to see Dr. D today. Mom came with me. Cadi quit talking as soon as we were in the office. But she tried to express herself by drawing pictures and finding toys to act out her emotions. She was tearing around the office with a lot of energy. Dr. D told us that the citalopram triggered a mixed state.

Here's a description of a Bipolar "mixed" state: "Symptoms of mania and depression are present at the same time. The symptom picture frequently includes agitation, trouble sleeping, significant change in appetite, psychosis, and suicidal thinking. Depressed mood accompanies manic activation.
Sometimes severe mania or depression is accompanied by periods of psychosis. Psychotic symptoms include hallucinations (hearing, seeing, or otherwise sensing the presence of stimuli that are not actually there) and delusions (false fixed beliefs that are not subject to reason or contradictory evidence and are not explained by a person's usual cultural concepts). Psychotic symptoms associated with bipolar disorder typically reflect the extreme mood state at the time (e.g., grandiosity during mania, worthlessness during depression)."

The problem is that even though it was the medication that triggered this, and it should be out of her system now, the mixed state could continue for weeks. We can try to bring it down with other meds, but there is no guarantee. Dr.D said that if we put her in the hospital she could be monitered and meds could be adjusted quickly. Mom asked if we put Acadia in the hospital if I could be with her. I shook my head, Dr. D said no, and Acadia started crying. We talked about our options for awhile and Acadia clung to me and cried. Dr. D said she would feel better about us keeping her at home if Acadia would talk to her about whether she felt like hurting anyone. Acadia sobbed "I don't want to hurt myself. I don't want to hurt Mom, I just want to stay with her." So we agreed to take her home and give her Seroquel and Ativan in increased doses, and take her to get bloodwork done in the morning for her Lithium level. If we need to we can take her to the ER this weekend, but otherwise we will check in with Dr. D on Monday.
I do have some good news. After we gave Acadia her medications and a warm bath, she started feeling really sleepy. I got her in bed, Suzy read her part of a story, and then she decided she was ready to go to sleep. And now she is asleep in her own bed all by herself! A medical miracle! Something finally knocked her out. Sweet dreams.

5 comments:

Alive to Grow said...

I am so glad to hear she is asleep tonight on her own bed..may you all have a good restful sleep.

My prayers are with you all.

Love, Faith

Anonymous said...

OK - super - sounds like you are getting somewhere - even if the waters may still be rough for awhile - at least they may not swamp the boat. Been praying, still praying, Reita

Anonymous said...

OK - super - sounds like you are getting somewhere - even if the waters may still be rough for awhile - at least they may not swamp the boat. Been praying, still praying, Reita

Kate said...

Dearest friend,
Just read your past 2 posts...I just don't have the words to express my love and care for you. I know I can't say anything to help other than that I love you and I am praying for you, Dan, Acadia and Lily! Bringing y'all before His throne of grace...because He is the only One who is ABLE. Rest in His strength dear one, cling to Him in the madness...He will make your way clear for He loves you and He loves Acadia more than you ever could. Trust in the Truth that you know!

Much love and many prayers,
Kari

Bria said...

Just want you to all know you're in my thoughts and prayers.
Love you,
Brianna