Posted by BarbaraCat on March 18, 2003, at 17:41:12
In reply to Re: Sorry to ask again but need answers about Lithium, posted by zeliva on March 18, 2003, at 15:55:25
Hey, never mind about being up front with stuff like that, I appreciate it. I was told to expect diarrhea for the first few weeks with Lithium but it never happened. I was actually looking forward to it because I've had more of a problem with constipation -- a byproduct of other meds I'm taking. I also have fibromyalgia and have to occasionaly take a narcotic pain reliever and that slows things down quite a bit. I keep it under control by drinking water and taking herbal products. When I was in the worst of the fibromyalgia (a syndrome identified by aching muscles, intense fatigue, sleep disruption, flu-like symptoms) I had IBS with very bad cramping and urgency and blow-outs. But thankfully, that has resolved itself as my fibro has healed.
You might want to try a bulking agent, like psyllium or flax seeds. These regulate the condition, whether loose or hard. Another very good product is an Indian (Ayurvedic) herbal composition called triphala. It again regulates the bowel so if you're one way or the other it will reach a middle ground. It also detoxifies the system, and that is always a good thing. You can find it in health food stores usually as part of digestive products, or if you have an herbalist you can get the raw bulk product. It tastes awful but is a very gentle and effective regulator. Stay away from the drug store bunger-uppers. They cause more problems in the long term.
> Thanks Barbara- Excuse the bluntness of this but I have IBS so I have diarrhea often. Ever since I started the Lithium I have had it every day. It could just be the IBS, but it sucks. Did you have this problem at all. I don't know what it is.
>
> Jill
poster:BarbaraCat
thread:208633
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030314/msgs/210464.html