Posted by fluffy on December 4, 2003, at 16:31:47
In reply to Lithium and hypothyroid question (at end of poat) » fluffy, posted by katia on December 4, 2003, at 15:55:45
Hey Katia--
Well even if you're not feeling tip-top, sounds like you are coming to terms with some stuff. It's tough to realize everything at once, like a big, undefined weight laying on top of you, and with a clinical name attached to it (Bipolar). It's been helping me a lot to go to a therapist who is well versed in the bipolar business. She really helps me work through relationship stuff, and shame of the diagnosis...and just coping with depression. Like she helps me to have a plan when I don't want to eat. Her suggestion: just keep some soup laying around, and don't feel overwhelmed. Just pop it on the stove, eat what you can, and don't beat yourself up for not having an appetite. (just common sense stuff that I'm not thinking about when I'm depressed).
So I got some discouraging news this afternoon. Turns out my sodium levels are low! The bad part about it is that they will continue to drop as long as I'm on Trileptal, and it can end up being very dangerous. It can end up with seizures, vomiting, coma, even DEATH!!! So unfortunately, I'm tapering off this week and getting my levels checked again. AGAIN, I'm part of the 3% of people with adverse side effects that don't seem to effect the majority of folks taking gold standard drugs. PPPPOOOOOOOPPPP!!! Back to the drawing board. aaarrghhgh. The good news is that at least I know that I don't have a mysterious illness with no cure.
As for the Lithium. I wouldn't be too scared. It can of course cause thyroid problems, but they can be remedied with supplements, as much of a pain as that is. Lots of people have ZERO problems. So just cross that bridge when you come to it. I would continue to take trileptal, even with the sodium problem, if there was some kind of supplement to fix it. But alas, the only way is to get rid of it. So at least, most Li problems are easy to fix. The thirst is annoying, but tolerable if you have a stable mood. And the weight gain...it's probably not nearly as bad as zyprexa or depakote in the chubs department. (those are my next options...new jeans, here I come!)
The alchohol thing is tough to deal with. I've had my share of dipping into it, but not really to remedy depression. Usually I drink if I'm hypomanic....PAAARRRTYYY! Then I feel mellowed out for a day or two, and then start again with another binge. It sure doesn't hurt to get some support if you feel it is becoming bigger than you, and damaging your mood stability. I'm struggling with my cigarette addiction right now. It's so, so hard to quit. I'm trying this week, though.
So glad to hear from you. Keep in touch, okay? I'll let you know what happens with this sodium BS.
hugs,
katy
poster:fluffy
thread:238206
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031202/msgs/286580.html