Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

[Guest]

I found out at 23 that I needed open-heart surgery or I would die by 40. At the same time I was planning my wedding and suffering a financial hardship. I became very depressed and suicidal a few months after being told I'd need open-heart surgery, which I had to postpone a year because of my financial status. I was diagnosed with clinical depression and then later with bipolar disorder (no one in my family has ever had it). I've been off meds for 1 year. My therapist and pdoc have both stopped seeing me because I've had no symptoms in over a year. Now that I'm 7 months pregnant I'm concerned that I could relapse if I do indeed have bipolar My question is, could I have suffered from PTSD and been misdiagnosed and how common is misdiagnosis? Should I consult a pdoc if I'm feeling fine now to prevent an episode after childbirth?

[Guest]

You could have been misdiagnosed. It is certainly possible.

If you "really" are Bipolar, there is a 30% chance of an episode in the first month post partum and mood stabalizers are recommended. If it was a misdiagnosis, you are in the clear. You might want to see someone who has some interest in post partum psychiatry, maybe your OB has a recommendation.
[quote] I found out at 23 that I needed open-heart surgery or I would die by 40. At the same time I was planning my wedding and suffering a financial hardship... [/quote]

[Guest]

Thank you. I'll ask my OB for a referral.
[quote] You could have been misdiagnosed. It is certainly possible... [/quote]