Posted by bleauberry on April 10, 2010, at 13:40:25
In reply to Medication swithch for daughter, posted by sheilat on April 10, 2010, at 11:45:41
The first thing I would do is question the reasoning for the switch. Is it really needed? Maybe, maybe not, I don't know, I just think it is a valid question.
Second, I agree with your gut instinct to do slow cross tapering. In very small steps.
The weight is an issue, regardless of the cause. Genetic, medication, whatever. From this point on, the rest of her life, she needs to eat for health and not for pleasure. It is a totally different mindset that takes about 3 months to get accustomed. Once there, the taste buds actually change and prefer the new foods over the old ones. The right foods will, in the long run, also provide a noticeable boost to the efficacy of any other treatments.
Foods I am talking about: Heavy emphasis on raw or very slightly cooked veggies; fruits, primarily ones with the least sugars which is berries...buy them frozen and they are affordable...blueberries in particular have multiple significant health benefits, mix em with raspberries; very low sugar intake; low caffeine intake; absolutely no artificial sweeteners except Stevia which is healthy; free range eggs and meats that are not grown with antibiotics or hormones; organic as much as possible with the veggies...we don't want to be accumulating the traces of chemical pesticides and herbicides in bipolar; generous amounts of purified water; avoid wheat, pretend she is gluten intolerant, she might be, that in itself can cause bipolar-like appearance; limit dairy; enjoy dark chocolate; enjoy seeds and nuts; take fish oil caps if after a trial she doesn't have any adverse reactions to them; if you can't pronounce a word on an ingredient label, or if that ingredient isn't a food, or you don't know what it is, don't buy it.
And keep in mind, second opinions in the medical profession are not uncommon. You can always consult with another doctor for their take on the situation. Someone else might have some really good ideas to either confirm or debate the current path.
Bipolar, along with any other descriptive name of any cluster of symptoms displayed psychologically, in my opinion requires a comprehensive permanent approach in treatment. It isn't just a pill, or this or that. It's everything all put together.
Just my thoughts on that.
poster:bleauberry
thread:942950
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20100406/msgs/942983.html