Lil, I've followed your progress along the boards and I feel such a "kinship" with you and your situation.

I too, went through something similar many years ago(more than 10).. however for me.. there was no diagnosis.. none.. until a year ago.

I did have a support network of friends, but no one understood what I was going through or why I had such a "high" life. I hid my lows from people, because they "loved" the "high" me.

It was horrible and wasteful, all those years. But, now I am "stable and normal"... whatever that means!!! I take Risperdal and Lexapro on a daily basis along with Ativan for episodes.

I have a wonderful husband who totally GETS me and understands my way of being. He recognizes my manic symptoms even before I do.. and he helps me congnitively deal with them.

I wish love and light upon you and may you find success along the way.

Peace.