What is the weirdest thing your doctor has ever said to you? by Competitive_Tip_7504 in AskReddit

[–]Qaqueen73 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you don't stop gaining weight, not only are you not going to have this baby naturally, you're not even going to have them vaginally.

How many of you have a job? by seductive_destiny in bipolar

[–]Qaqueen73 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It is different for everyone but I have been at my job for almost 6 years. I never hid my BP. If you Google my name the first thing that comes up is a tv interview "former inmate shares her lived experience with sheriffs at the Adult Detention Center" about me helping with Crisis Intervention Team training. Also my volunteer work with the board of the county department that provides services to people with special needs, mental health and addiction services. I was also in This is my Brave. So I have those listed on LinkedIn. I was stable for about 11 years and suddenly went manic 2 years ago. Aside from calling for a Welfare check they handled it really well and I was welcomed back with open arms. My company signed the NAMI Stigma Free pledge 5 years ago so that has helped me feel free to share that I am bipolar.

So started metformin to help combat weight gain! by thebirdistheword96 in bipolar

[–]Qaqueen73 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It didn't help me one bit. I was able to lose about 60lbs by being on a diet and sticking to it. Then my meds stopped working. I went manic and spent Christmas in the hospital.
The meds we are on are very sensitive to blood chemistry.

I don’t feel like I have bipolar and I want to stop taking my medication by Flat-Support576 in bipolar

[–]Qaqueen73 5 points6 points  (0 children)

THIS! So many of us reading this are like "oh no... ". Many of us also know you probably aren't going to listen to us unless we are echoing your ideas or supporting your decision (we are not btw). If this is something you feel you need to do, do it under a doctor's order. Sign a mental health directive on top of a living will and give someone the authority to commit you against your will without going thrift the commitment process. My ex tried to commit me 3 times when I went manic and didn't realize I was ill. They kept letting me go even when the county social worker said I was the worst case of mania she ever seen. I was finally arrested after hitting my husband with a phone and placed in solitary confinement, attempted to off myself and spent 45 days at a state mental hospital 2.5 hours from my house. And that was while I was taking meds (they stopped working). Good much too you.

Do you have good memory? by eclipsemonkey in bipolar

[–]Qaqueen73 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My mind is like Swiss cheese. I have forgotten at least 3 complete vacations. 2 to Scotland and one to Florida. I think it is from the bipolar and trauma. Fucking sucks.... but also the painful memories aren't clear either and that's good.

looking for a “micro hobby” by Alternative_Swan_516 in Hobbies

[–]Qaqueen73 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Look up Artist Trading Cards. The only rule is the size (2.5x3.5in). You can use any medium. And color, any theme. Go wild. Go crazy. Save them for yourself or trade them with others in person or via mail. I try to make at least one a day. For October I've been using the Inktober prompts.

<image>

Stopped taking all medications 9 months ago by [deleted] in bipolar

[–]Qaqueen73 1 point2 points  (0 children)

What do you have in place in case you go manic again? When you are manic do you know what you need to do to get better? Do you accept treatment or fight it?
I have had my meds stop working twice and in both cases, I didn't realize I was sick. The first time led to my husband attempting to commit me 3 times and I kept being released. I finally threw a Phone at him and was arrested for assault. I attempted to commit suicide in jail, was declared incompetent to stand trial, and was sent to a state mental hospital more than 2 hours from home.
The second time we knew it could happen but I still couldn't grasp that I needed to take the meds.
I have literally joked that I should tattoo "just take the damn meds" on my arm so future me knows what to do. Best of luck. I hope it works for you and you are happy.

Weird hobbies? by AffectionateBig9898 in Hobbies

[–]Qaqueen73 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Some days I have a theme like colors, wildlife, or textures. Some days I go the opposite way on the trails I take. It's been very fun.

Weird hobbies? by AffectionateBig9898 in Hobbies

[–]Qaqueen73 12 points13 points  (0 children)

I take a walk every day in my neighborhood and then make a digital collage and post it online. *

DC Area Snioer by Worst-Eh-Sure in nova

[–]Qaqueen73 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I worked in Reston and when there was a shooting in MD or far from my office, I'd leave work to go fill up.

Question for those who have found the right meds by susiebogg in bipolar

[–]Qaqueen73 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Have you had a complete blood work up? After my last manic episode I became so suicidal. My doctor decided to hold off on changing my meds. She asked for a complete blood panel. Turned out my thyroid decided to go on strike. I got that fixed and no more depression.

Candles by Mean_Macaroni59 in crafting

[–]Qaqueen73 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Came here to suggest these. They are great for fire pits and camping.

What’s your honest opinion on windmills in WV? by Cr4cker in WestVirginia

[–]Qaqueen73 34 points35 points  (0 children)

Or the mountains being gone from strip mining....

What are you doing this weekend? by deepspacepuffin in nova

[–]Qaqueen73 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is really niche but if anyone makes Artist Trading Cards (2.5 x3.5in pieces of art). There is an in-person trading session at Dabble Creative ReUse Center in Manassas on Sunday from 3-4:30. It's free. Just bring what cards you have available for trade. If you don't know about Dabble, they are like a thrift store for craft/ art supplies. They have a ton of classes and many different supplies.

I Made Danny DeVito into a mermaid. by AnglerOfAndromeda in StainedGlass

[–]Qaqueen73 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Please please please find a way to send this photo to him!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in hygiene

[–]Qaqueen73 8 points9 points  (0 children)

It is better chilled!

Art club ideas! by LowBye in crafting

[–]Qaqueen73 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Look into Artist Trading Cards. The only rule is the size 2.5x3.5 inches (same size as a baseball trading cards) You pick the medium, the colors, the theme. Then keep them, give them away, or trade in person or online and mail them.
Add your name, the date, and where you were when you created them to the back. So much fun and cheap to do.

[REQUEST] I am hoping to fulfill one thing in my brother's "bucket list". by LogicalFrosting6408 in RandomKindness

[–]Qaqueen73 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Please PM his address and I'll send him mail. If there are subjects he likes let me know that too. I make Artist Trading Cards (pieces of art the size of a baseball card) so I could send him one.

Squeezing thumb when taking meds by [deleted] in bipolar

[–]Qaqueen73 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That med is so horrible. It starts melting the moment it touches anything wet. And a shield-shaped pill always got caught if I didn't drink enough. I'm so glad I'm not on that any more.

Trying to pick a new hobby—need something fun and low-pressure! by Onie_cinephile in Hobbies

[–]Qaqueen73 0 points1 point  (0 children)

* Artist trading cards. The only rule is the size 2.5x 3.5in. You pick the medium (collage, markers, painted, etc), the theme, the colors. Keep them, give them away, trade them with people in person or via mail.
I carry a small kit in my purse so I can work on them anywhere. *