I started using it last week. The mask fit well and I was gradually able to increase the hours I slept with it. On Friday and Saturday nights, I slept about 5-7 hours with no discomfort. The problem...
I had a very frustrating day today. I bought 2 pairs of shoes last week. The store said I could try them for a week, as long as I wore them inside, which I did. When I tried to return them today,...
I moved last July and she loves the new place, so I don't think that's caused her illness. I know there's something very wrong with her and I don't want her to suffer....
She hasn't been eating or drinking and is very listless for the past 2 weeks. The vet did blood tests & an ultrasound (total cost $1,500) and hasn't come up with a diagnosis yet. This is having a...
Andy, after stopping lithium I had many problems. I had very little support from my family. I could only work a few days a week at first, and had to deal with the fact that my boss now knew I was...
I was on lithium at 900 mg/day for 20 years, but had to stop it suddenly when it was found that I'd lost 60% of my kidney function. In the last 8 years, I've been able to stay stable on a low dose of...
Just a thought - have you had your lithium levels checked recently? I had ocular migraines and loss of appetite when my lithium level was too high....
CamanoGirl, What I would have done differently is to have had better doctors and to have been better educated. My psychiatrist didn't warn me about possible kidney damage, and my FORMER family doctor...
Amy, I've also got stage 3 disease. My nephrologist says if I keep my blood pressure under control, there's a good chance my kidney function will remain stable....
I am in a similar situation. Every bad thing that has happened to me seems to make me stronger. I think I must be very resilient, and it sounds as though you are, too. Some people cave in when faced...
I've just had a major stress in my life. Last week, I fell down 3 times while walking on the street. The first time, I thought it was just a freak accident. After the 3rd fall, I went to Emergency. I...
Depakote can cause liver problems, and regular blood tests are required when you're on this medication. I would get blood tests asap. Ask your family doctor to do these if you can't get your pdoc to...
Thanks for all the input. I do think that I'm in some kind of carb withdrawal. Even though the diet is very healthy, I think a gradual change will be better for me. I've decided to modify it by...
My doctor put me on a very low-carb diet a few weeks ago for health reasons. It's supposed to help avoid heart disease and diabetes. No potatoes, bread, desserts, pasta, white rice, etc, etc....
Have you seen an orthopedist? I work for one, and she treats lots of patients with carpal tunnel. She often recommends steroid injections (which I know you can't have). Night splints can help,...
I've been in remission for over 7 years now. I take a small daily dose of Klonopin, which controls my anxiety. In this time, I've learned strategies to manage my mood swings so they don't get out of...
My cat uses a kind of deep body pressure (untrained). She's quite affectionate and lies on my chest when I'm in bed. If I'm feeling anxious or depressed, it helps. She's quite sensitive for a cat,...
That's great news, Tortoise. As I've experienced, you have to know what's it like to feel really bad in order to appreciate it when things get better. I'm grateful every day that I am well and...
It must be very upsetting not being able to get to sleep when you want. I have similar problems sometimes. On a positive note, it sounds like you're getting at least 6 hours a night, even if if it...
I had 2 floods in my apartment in the last week. Everything is cleaned up now, but I'm feeling like a truck has hit me. I didn't realize how much I took for granted having a safe, comfortable place...
My sister doesn't understand, or doesn't want to talk about, my bipolar symptoms. However, she was on a high dose of Prednisone for a few months last year, and complained bitterly and often about...
Beautiful fall day wasted. Felt great in am, planned to go for long walk in the park later on. Depression started and grew worse. I'm supposed to exercise every day (for a physical problem), but all...
I'm 47, and was diagnosed 25 years ago....
I've been off mood stabilizers (due to bad side effects) for over 6 years without a relapse. I just take Clonazam 1.5 mg daily. I've learned to manage the mood swings. At first, they were much more...
Mr. T, I would strongly suggest that you get a second opinion from another doctor. Your level of 1.5 is just at the toxicity level, and cutting down for a few days still leaves you in danger. Your...
I think you should have your lithium level checked immediately. I had similar symptoms when my blood level was too high. Even though you're taking the same amount as before, there are many reasons...
There is a website that you use to complain about a doctor. It's at http://www.ratemds.com . You can rate the doctor anonymously with your comments on how you felt you were treated....
My pdoc says according to the research, 70% of people who stop long-term lithium use have a relapse within 1 year, and after 5 years off lithium, only about 10% are relapse free. I guess this...
I was on lithium for 20 years. I didn't gain weight on it, but found it difficult (but not impossible) to lose the weight I had previously gained on other psychiatric meds. It certainly does not...
I had to tell my boss. I was off sick for 3 months last summer from lithium toxicity. He's a doctor himself and I couldn't just make up some illness. He was cool about it, but didn't seem to want to...
I'm only taking Ativan right now, due to allergies to most other mood stabilizers. Lithium worked for me for 15 years until it damaged my kidneys. I feel fairly stable at the moment, but the future...
It's possible your daily dose may have to be adjusted - it may be a little high. When I started on it, I didn't notice any high feeling, just a feeling that I was back to normal. Check with your...