Hi
My mum was on lithium for many years (20+) until a couple of years ago, when she was found to have significant kidney damage as a result of the drug. The doctors therefore insisted that she would need to come off the lithium and ever since have been trying alternatives.
Although she has had some better spells, in general the process has had limited success. Mum has been very "low" for several months, and is basically a shadow of her usual self. She is someone who usually is very sociable and whom others draw strength from, so it is painful to see her like this. My brothers and I have arranged to see her psychiatrist and kidney doctor to discuss what has been tried so far and what happens next if the current medication has little impact. We are concerned that we will never see Mum back to her normal self and are equally concerned about the burden it's putting on Dad.
Has anyone out here experienced a successful alternative to lithium in this situation, whether traditional or alternative? Also any pertinent qs we should be asking the doctors at this stage? We have even wondered, in terms of quality of life, whether it would be better for Mum to go back on lithium & accept the consequences, probably dialysis or a transplant, but I don't think the doctors consider this to be an option.
Any help or suggestions welcomed.
Many thanks