does "bipolar II disorder" can cause total disability in a person's life?

Question

does "bipolar II disorder" can cause total disability in a person's life? I mean, whether he can marry and enjoy sex as well? Whether the symptoms can be totally eliminated(i didnt mean a cure) with medications, especially with Lithium?Why I am asking is that I am very much conscious about my illhealth and I am always fearful about me becoming mad.. please help

Answer 1

I'm bipolar 2 and I'm married and have a good life. Sure I have my ups and downs when I need to balance my medications, but it's not something that can't be overcome. When you take Lithium you should check your blood level regularly and make sure you stay at a level where you feel good. The "feel good" level is individual, some need a lower level and some need it to bit a bit higher.
In my case the symptoms isn't totally eliminated, but they are very mild and easy to handle. (It took a couple of years before I found the right medication and the right dose, but after that life has been easy.)

I don't know what you mean with "total disability in a persons life". I'm assuming that you mean more than work wise. You might not be able to work depending on severe your BP2 is and it can also cause problems in relationships if the partner isn't ready for what BP2 does to you. Finding the treatment that works for you is key and then life will be much easier.

Answer 2

My husband is Bipolar Type II, Rapid Cycle. We are happily married and have a 16 month old son. He's a great husband and father. He holds a steady job and makes a good living as long as he's on his medication. He takes Zyprexa for the mania and Effexor for the depression. There have been times in the past that he has stopped taking his meds and he's lost jobs, become violent, and done some rather stupid things. The key is to find the right doctor, the right medication, and take your meds everyday.

Another bit of advise about Lithium, it can build up in your liver and kidneys. I've worked with MHMR patients in the past and I've taken a few to the E.R. for Lithium Poisoning.

Answer 3

My bf has schizoaffective disorder (taking medcation for it-many years passed until he found the right one so he has gone through many different side effects of many many medictaions) and if you know something about it it's definitly worse then being biopolar and let me tell you that we are together for 3 years (engaged reasently :)-planing to spend eternity together and have kids etc. :)) and excapt some of the episodes that appear with him (which by intensity are much less then they use to be), he has no problems or what's so ever with functioning sexually or in any other way. Of course as he was disbalanced with finding out about illness and dealing with it, he has naturally more trouble (then somebody who doesn't suffer from it) with dealing with some things and people - but my point is that he got so much better and no bigger problems appear that causes him to have such a big disability in his life as you mention! So don't worry, just battle your war, do your best (even if it's a small step it counts too as a big success, learn to appriciate even small things in life!) and you will do just fine! Good luck!

Answer 4

I have 2 teens and live a normal life I've been BP for 30 years Lithium works for me

Answer 5

HI Sony, My oldest daughter is bipolar,and if she doesn't stay on her meds. She can get out of control,and hurt someone or herself.You wouldn't think there was anything wrong with her,if you pass her on the street.She's marry and has 2 kids,and hold's down a job.You can have a full healthy life,if you take your meds.daily..

Clowmy

Answer 6

I'm BP1 it's hard. I know lots of BPII and it seems like they have more anger than I do. Many of them have a "real" life. If your a non xtrian and bipolar I have a wonderful group. http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Bi-polar_pagans/ We take any pagan.
Blessed Be

Answer 7

I'm bipolar and on long term disability and people are very careful not to piss me off although I feel pretty good.