Tracey

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Tracey
2
Fri, 03-10-2006 - 8:13am

Hey! I'm okay. Just was busy yesterday, so I didn't post much. Got your message, thanks for checking on me. I talked to Jane. She said my Lithium levels were low enough that I could take my Lithium all at night and still be okay, and that is exactly what I did last time I was on Lithium. Apparently I am very sensitive to Lithium. I was SO tired, I was falling asleep driving, and it was scaring the crap out of me. My levels are only 0.3, and therapeutic levels are over 1.0 - 1.5 or something like that. So, I'm stable at much less than recommended therapuetic levels. And I won't go UP to the "therapuetic" levels just because. I'm doing well on 900 mgs, along with the Topamax. So why upset anything? She agrees, and she did talk to the other pdoc in the office about it before we talked, because in my message to her I asked her to. So its cool.

I think the Wellbutrin is kicking in. I have a hard time in the mornings when I wake up...until around now, lol. But that's just cuz I'm tired...but I think maybe everyone doesn't wake up all sunshine and smiles, right?

I am better. I'm practicing mindfulness as much as I can. I still freak out. But not badly. Things don't change overnight. But for the most part, I'm so much better. I learn things every day, lol. Like the whole self sabotage thing...I loved that...because its so true. So very true. I'm trying to learn to let go...the whole I have no control over anyone thing...that one isnt as easy! But I've been able to do it a few times! I like it.

After all these whacked out episodes I truly feel like a huge idiot. I'm not that crazy!!! I really am not. But I sure do act like it sometimes. Its almost embarrassing.

I'm going to mom's this weekend. First time in about 3 weeks or so. Fun.

How are you? Things going okay?

Love you.

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-24-2003
In reply to: keli003
Fri, 03-10-2006 - 10:20am

Things here are going really well. Glad you are feeling better.

NOW - question...didn't the pdoc in the hospital tell you that if you take all your lithium at night it will metabolize and all the next day you will have little or none in your system? So are you going to take it at night and work it gradually back into day or how are you going to do it??? After a couple weeks, the sleepiness should wear off.

I understand about it working for you at less then theraputic levels - I am the same way. I am just worried that if you take it all at night again, you will be right back where you were.

I am REALLY REALLY glad you are feeling better. Thank goodness the Wellbutrin is kicking in :) You deserve it :)

Hang in there and I'll ttyl!

Love ya!

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
In reply to: keli003
Fri, 03-10-2006 - 10:43am

Well, when they were talking about the meds at night, they were talking specifically about the Lamictal, which is why they thought I wasn't getting much benefit from it, and took me off it...anyway, that's why I asked BOTH pdocs yesterday about the Lithium. I'll make sure to watch it very closely and if I see any difference, I will work it back into the daytime. Its up to me, to take it as I need to take it, and you have NO need to worry, believe me. If I see even the slightest change, I'll add a daytime dose. Please don't worry...I will never get to that place again. I will be on Lithium now for good...that's a given, and I've accepted it...I know the side affects...some aren't pleasant, but I've learned (am learning) how to deal with them. Its a life change and its worth it to live normally and not all crazy.

The Wellbutrin is kicking in, but I still am fighting a slight depression...nothing major...probably more pms than anything else, as I still haven't started. UGH. I'm not bad depressed, or even depressed, but its that on the edge, kinda depressed thing...so that's a vast improvement. I just have to keep going, and keep fighting it.

I worked out last night...I'm really pretty sore today. Trying really hard not to gain more weight...and maybe even lose some the RIGHT way. Wow, yes, I did say that. :)

I still have a problem with getting irritable. Maybe that's just me??? I have to work on that from inside myself? Its not acceptable to me, and I want it to change. So that's work I need to do on my own. Meds don't change who we are inside. I have to stop being such a B****, though, to people who don't deserve it.

Anyway, I'm glad you're doing well. Did you talk to your mom yet? How did that go?