13 Yeard Old Son Has Bipolar

I have had some experience with a few children and adults with Bipolar. It is difficult to find the right medication to work for each person. Maybe explaining to your son the difficulties in finding the medications that work might help him. Most of the time blood work is necessary because doctors want to make sure that the right levels are in the bloodstream and to monitor other levels like potassium, sodium, or something else that may be affected by the medication. Like when some heart patients take certain medications they have to have potassium levels monitored to make sure they don't get too low or high. He is getting old enough to understand certain things and maybe having you explain this to him would help. Show him how it works, maybe go online and find something that shows how it works in the body that explains why his blood needs taken. Kids understand a lot better when shown something sometimes.
I know I have had to try several (over 10) different medications for depression before finding one that has helped me. I even had to try several medications for migraines before the doctors found the correct "cocktail" that worked. I know how it feels to be somewhat of a guinea pig when it comes to finding the right ones, then when the right ones are found, feeling like it has taken so long and been such a rough road getting there, that one more thing would push you over the edge. In a way, it is like his way od being the only thing he feels he HAS control over, since this bipolar controls him so much when he doesn't have the right medication. Maybe help him find something he can help with that gives him a feeling of control. Think how you feel when he isn't on the right medication...you have no control over the actions, you feel helpless. The medication brings some control back into the situation. Bring some of that control back to your son, in a way that he is doing it. Something so that he is fighting this disease and helping to win.
I hope some of this has made sense and helped in some way. If you ever need to chat or anything feel free to message me or email me ok.
Many blessings to you and your son and Happy Holidays as well!
Kathy

E.
I really feel your pain. I have a 14 year old nephew who has bi-polar2, plus other issues. His doctors have him on Seroquel, which really seems to help him. He was on several medicines before which he had to have his blood drawn and i told him once they put that string around your arm make a fist and look away until the needle is in and then look at how fast your blood flows and notice how your veins are blue but your blood turns red as it flows. It worked for him, but now that he is on Seroquel it is working very well for him he has calmed down alot and is doing so much better in school, plus he goes to counseling to talk to someone who is not family related that he can trust and tell everything too. Bi-Polar is a popular disease among young men, but there is really nothing that can be done without medication as you know. Talk to his doctor about trying seroquel. It is an anti-psychotic medication they will start him on a low dose then eventually up his dose to a dose he needs. My nephew takes 300mg a day. But when he starts this medicine watch him carefully until you know how he will react to it. My nephew slept a lot and didnt eat much when he first started and now he eats a lot and sleeps when its time. His dad bought him a bow flex to workout on and when hes feeling angry he worksout or takes a long walk. I wish you the best luck with this issue, and you will be in my prayers. Happy holidays to you and your family. I agree with most of the responses you have received sounds like everyone has dealt with bi-polar one way or another. The internet is the best technology we have for finding things to help us. Like I said my nephew works out alot and takes long walks. Good luck sweety. If you want to caht more you can email me or message me at anytime I am usually on day and night.

My son is 6 and has been diagnosed as bipolar. In March he will have been on his meds for a year. He's on Risperdal (this has helped a LOT) and also Depakote. I know that the Risperdal does not require bloodwork. His Depakote does. The first couple times he had his bloodwork it was very difficult, but he's starting to do much better.

Good luck!! I know its a hard thing to have to deal with.

Your son will have to have blood work done if he is on ANY long term medication. Every medicine passes through the liver and has the potential to damage it when used long term, even oral contraceptives. Your son may not like having his blood drawn, but it is the best way to monitor the effect the medicine has on his liver and to detect any damage in the early stages so that a plan can be made to stop it and prevent any further damage. I know it's hard watching your child get blood drawn, my son was 2 week old the first time he had to have it done, but you have to remember that this little bit of uncomfortableness will be worth the assurance that your son is okay.

Hi I feel your pain. My daughter that is 7 is being shuffled between diagnosis of ADHD and Bipolar. They had her on 5 meds and just recently dropped her down to 3 and wanting to take her off another. She is currently on Seroquel 75mg, Risperdal 2mg and Adderal XR 20mg. Her doc is wanting to take her off the risperdal because at 7, she is already developing breast and gaining weight, which is a major potential side effect from it. She has to have blood work and EEG's regularly and the way I help her cope with having it done is after she has it, I reward her for being brave and letting them do it. It doesn't have to be material things, she is happy with just going somewhere together or catching a movie. When money was tight, I would let her be the Queen for the evening by picking out what we were having for dinner and letting her pick a family activity to do. Maybe you could try the reward system and find something that would work with your son. Good luck and remember NO medicine can cure bipolar, only treat it.

E.

i am familiar with bi polar, but i have a question for you why cant he take most medicines? the doctors sshould be able to take some adult doses, or decrease the doses a bit for his weight....bi polar people are hard to deal with at times i know...i lived with someone for 6 years that was...let him know that he needs to have his blood taken, so they can keep up on mkaing sure the medication is working, and he is not getting anyting else that may harm him...need any help or just waant to talk or get away, let me know...i am a cna, and like i said have experience with bi polar, and i am also getting a moms group to gether after the firwt of the year, for moms that just need moms ight out, and just to talk,...keep in touch, talk to you soon

L.

Dear E. My oldest son was and is bipolar. Yes medicine works for awhile but thats why they need to watch him he is growing and his body is changing. To help sometimes you also need to watch some of the food they eat. It will take time and patience to get the right way to deal with him and others around him. He also needs to have some consleing to. They can help with some of the behavior. Listen to them they can usually can tell when they are having problems. I hope this helps a little..