Posted by IsoM on May 19, 2002, at 12:59:54
In reply to Can TSH-level be decreased by Lithium, posted by Mar on May 19, 2002, at 3:34:51
Mar, your levels seem fine to me - a few questions, if you don't mind.
1. Have they always been at the same level throughout lithium treatment, or have they changed?
2. If you had the adenoma operated on, was it removed surgically or did you have radiation treatment instead?
3. And are you now taking any replacement thyroid medication, if it was irradiated?
4. Lastly, what is that makes your daughter think you have thyroid problems - any particular symptoms or reasons she thinks so?
As you probably know, lithium can affect thyroid function but it generally does in the first few years of treatment. BUT literature does say that it still can occur even after years of lithium treatment.
Do bring this to your doctor's attention if you feel you're having problems. In some individuals, lithium does have to be discontinued or dose-readjusted after being on it for many years. My son had to discontinue his after 3 years due to bladder problems that wouldn't resolve on it. Bladder problems then cleared up.
Here's a link with more info that may prove helpful, if you wish to take to your doctor:
http://www.vh.org/Providers/Conferences/CPS/23.html
poster:IsoM
thread:106946
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020517/msgs/106970.html