~*~BiPolar Folks~*~ - Page 8

CurveControl · 07-30-2009, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Houston Heather

What Molly said.

When I am mixed, I often wake up hypomanic, very cheerful and up until around 3, when the depression shows up and kicks me around until bedtime. UGH.

Depression sucks royally. I am about equal parts manic and depressed, but many people I know seem to run mostly depressed, with a little mania. Personally, I'm a huge fan of lithium.

I took my evening dose and my "depression chaser" a small additional lithium capsule, and I went from "My life is hopeless" to "Let's plan a fun trip this weekend" within an hour.

Molly, my doc is a teaching doc, and he always has residents sit in because I don't mind. They get a real earful sometimes! I think the last one is still recovering from the sexual side effects of SSRI's discussion and my herbal remedy's (Black Cohosh) effacy.

Ezra, I can give you the name of my doc if you'd like. I see you're local.

Mine sometimes does too, because he also is the director or the Warren County mental health clinic. He is switching me to a 'new' associate (in his office, not the clinic) because he says I am very 'stable' and will be a good patient for her.

*snort* Wait till she sees me with PMS

faithgirl · 07-31-2009, 10:09 AM

Does anyone do therapy along with their meds? Or does your pdoc do the therapy with you? none of the pdocs around here do therapy and i am thinking about seeing a therapist. What is the difference between a PHD and a MSW?

Houston Heather · 07-31-2009, 11:21 AM

90% of my issues are related to brain chemistry. I am a co-dependent "enabler".

I already know that.

I just focus on taking my pills and the rest works itself out. My biggest issue is not taking care of myself, and doing things I enjoy/love.

djalomo · 07-31-2009, 11:27 AM

90% of my issues feel like chemistry too. I've done therapy but for me it wasn't as helpful - but i'm a TOTAL typical Aquarius who's extremely introspective and has already analyzed everything I feel from 25 billion angles.

faithgirl · 08-01-2009, 10:31 AM

So, uh, I'm gonna ask this question, and it's embarrassing and way too TMI-look away if you're squeamish...

I am passing black stools! What's up with that? I cannot remember if it started before the Abilify, but I don't think so. I am also constipated and that definitely is becuase of the Cymbalta. So are the black stools just a no-worry side effect? I figure it is, but I dunno.

Oh and hey, I think I am becoming a little hypo. Yippee! Love the feeling, hate the coming down though. I almost bought a new car the other night, but the guy made me mad so I walked.

I really want to go buy something, but I don't know what yet. I promise to keep it under $100.

And look ma, no Klonopin! I think I was having a problem with reducing the Cymbalta last week end and that's why I felt so bad. Cymbalta is a bear to come off of or change doses. Of course, the real test of whether I can make it without the Klonopin is when I go out in public and am around people. If I can do that without having an overwhelming desire to hurt someone, then I am good to go without the Klonopin.

I think I'm rambling now so I am gonna go get dressed. Have a good Satruday everyone!

djalomo · 08-01-2009, 10:41 AM

I'm starting to have little bouts of hypo too. I wanna just be stable. Boo. My next appointment is the doc I think will be good but my current one yesterday brought up Lithium. I'm open to what the new doc tries because I'm pretty open about most things, but on top of the BiPo and general anxiety I do believe I have issues occasionally with disordered eating as a result of anxiety. Not a full-blown eating disorder, but, I dunno. When I'm not taking something for anxiety I'm obsessed with eating and weighing. I'll weigh myself compulsively like 6 or 7 times a night.

faithgirl · 08-01-2009, 11:14 AM

Isn't your current doc the Abilify queen? I'm surprised she's still not pushing that. My memory is shot right now, but I can't remember if it started before the Abilify or not.

I am reading Detour-my life in 4D. It's a cool book and a pretty quick read. I can identify with a lot of the things she has going on concerning bipo. It was kinda making me upset last night to find that out. Maybe a small part of me is still in denial? I dunno.

I have definite eating problems/disorder. Not just becuase I am so overweight, but becuase of the other things. I binge and purge off and on. Have done it twice since starting Abilify. Right now I am gaining and will probably purge to put a stop to it. Sometimes It's all i know to do to keep from being 400 pounds. Becuase the eating isn't going to stop.

When i am on a diet, I weigh a good 8-12 times a day. i have tried hiding the scale, promising myself and God I will not get on the scale, but i do it anyway. I am obsessive about diets. I probably have 100 diet books, easily. I read them and I spend hours researching diets/health foods/exercise on the internet. I spend loads of money on special foods for diets that just ends up rotting in the fridge. Not to mention the junk food I will give away or throw out before starting a new diet plan. And don't get me started on all the supplements I've bought.

I am a mess.

I really would like to be stable as well. I also would like to try the Topomax and see if that will help things. I read on the PG where some were taking it at night and that seemed to help them with the 'stupids'. heck, something is already giving me the 'stupids', so the Topomax may not be any worse.

I am also having fierce head aches.

djalomo · 08-01-2009, 12:20 PM

LOL she was the Abilify Queen before.

The fact though that she didn't mention it this go-round made me feel a little more at ease though. But I hate her lack of accessibility. THat really, really bothers me. I've never had a doctor THAT inaccessible. I realize she was going through an emergency but I've even paged a doc at 2am on vacation and had an appt. with another doc in her practice the next morning.

Hearing Heather's success with Lithium makes me hopeful.

I touched on the eating/weight issue but she didn't really have an answer. I know you don't have to gain on Lithium but I'm worried about how it would affect me that way. But, if I get to the point where my moods are not controlled on a theureputeic dose of Lamictal I'm willing to change things. I'm hoping once I get into 150mgs of Lamictal that things will even out a bit. I also worry that the move to 100mgs might have been too fast. I really wanna exhaust my options with this med before going off it, because I'm having no side effects whatsoever.

And really for me that's nothing to sneeze at.

faithgirl · 08-01-2009, 03:39 PM

No side effects is HUGE. I mean, I don't have major ones with Abilify, but I am still very low dose. I have things going on that I can't positively say is from that, especially becuase I really suspect the Cymbalta.

And I agree, there really is no point in having a doctor that is unreachable. It's not like you have a cold and can wait a few days to see the doc. Have you tried Topomax yet DJ? I feel like I want to inspite of the stupids. I think I said that already though.

Do you wait a whole month before increasing the Lamictal? I have no patience for this waiting to see what is going to happen thing, you know? I need to chill on that, but I need relief NOW, ya know?

If you haven't read Detour, you might want to check it out. It's a true story about a 23 year old woman that is going across country and interveiwing other young people that are succeeding with their bipolar treatments and succeeding at life. One guy had to take his meds 1 full year bfore he got relief-knowing me, I would have quit 11 months earlier. And he was really severe on the depressive side.

Houston Heather · 08-01-2009, 08:39 PM

I'm not just not-gaining, I'm LOSING actively on lithium. At my highest dose, I take 1200 mg a day and I still lose. I don't even work out. My doc is constantly bragging on me to the residents because there just isn't any data.

I give a lot of the credit to Atkins, plus I am still pretty young at 34, otherwise healthy. Once I got rid of the carb addiction, I realized 95% of the time I'm eating to live. The other 5% I probably am not hungry, but need to eat so the lithium doesn't make me pukey.

If anyone does go on lithium, a couple of tidbits:
Drink lots of water, you will pee more regardless so you need to keep up by drinking more water.
The weird taste in your mouth may or may not go away.. I don't notice it unless I'm dehydrated.
Always take it with food! A salad is not "food". It has to be a portion of protein and at least half a cup portion size, or you will get violently queasy at best.
Pepto is your friend.

Kathleen, take $20 to the dollar store. You'll have a blast.

I would mention the side effects to your doc, black stools (unless you have taken something like Pepto) are not a good thing.

For someone who as as many food intolerances/migraines as I go, I'm pretty adventurous. I got some duck eggs at the Farmer's market, and my new love, Amaranth greens. They are good raw and cooked! The greens, not the eggs.

faithgirl · 08-02-2009, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Houston Heather

Kathleen, take $20 to the dollar store. You'll have a blast.

I would mention the side effects to your doc, black stools (unless you have taken something like Pepto) are not a good thing.

For someone who as as many food intolerances/migraines as I go, I'm pretty adventurous. I got some duck eggs at the Farmer's market, and my new love, Amaranth greens. They are good raw and cooked! The greens, not the eggs.

I know, that's what I should have done. But instead I went to another car dealership. have not actually purchased yet. I've had my car for 10 years, so it's not like I run out and do this sort of thing all the time. And the old car is having some problems. I wish I could take advantage of the clunkers program.

I am wondering if all the ibuprofen I am taking for this constant head ache could be causing some kinf of problem-like bleeding. Not a good thing whatever is doing it, I know. I will call the pdoc tomorrow.

faithgirl · 08-02-2009, 11:35 AM

And who gave Molly the week end off, anyway?

Doesn't she know there is no taking off from LCF?

Houston Heather · 08-02-2009, 06:05 PM

Shame on Molly for having a life. I hope your ears are BURNING!

Someone hacked my debit card... once I got that sorted out I went to the Asian Grocery and bought some exotic seeds for my garden. I'll be the only one in the subdivision with amaranth greens and edible chrysanthemum.

And some "Cozy" tea, that has a big photo of a happy stomach on the box.

It's good stuff.

faithgirl · 08-02-2009, 08:17 PM

Yup, molly should know better than that.

I'm glad you got the debit card straightened out-I use to work at a bank and they are usually pretty good about it. Are you going to add the chrysanthemums to salads? I've always wondered about edible flowers and whether they actually taste good. You'll have to let us know how they are.

faithgirl · 08-03-2009, 02:44 AM

It's 1:42 am. Been awake for over an hour. Yup. Bipolar sure is fun.

I gotta get up at 5:30 for work. It would be nice to have more than 2 1/2 hours sleep before I go in, but I don't hink it's gonna happen. I switched the Abilify to taking it in the evening to see if my somewhat spotty sleep would improve. This is much worse though. Blah!

CurveControl · 08-03-2009, 07:38 AM

My brother got married last weekend so I was in Illinois doing the family duty thing.
Those people are NUTS!

Quote:

Originally Posted by faithgirl

Does anyone do therapy along with their meds? Or does your pdoc do the therapy with you? none of the pdocs around here do therapy and i am thinking about seeing a therapist. What is the difference between a PHD and a MSW?

Psychiatrists don't ever do therapy. PsyCHOLOGISTS do. Big difference. Or you can go with a therapist or counseling. Much lower degree (education wise) But still can be effective if it is a good fit. Your Pdoc should be able to give you info on contacting a therapist or counselor.

I feel like total crap! I have NO voice.

Houston Heather · 08-03-2009, 08:54 AM

Did I ever mention my best friend in high school is a therapist now?

I feel like it was "my" fault.

Oh, God. I did not sleep well last night, and when I got up, violently nauseous, about to pass out... horrible pasty face. I took one look at myself and told Ron "There's a good chance I'll puke on the way to work, so I'm bringing my bucket".

He told me to stay home. I am running a slight fever from a virus, and I think that combined with me tromping around in the heat made me toxic. I feel better now, but drained.

Molly, you should have spiked the punch with mood stabilizers.

Kathleen, I plan to eat the chrysanthemum (I got some of the greens a while back from the same store and I liked them) raw in salads, possibly steamed, maybe in soups (I love a good low carb veggie soup), and stir fried in the wok.

I figure, my diet will always be limited due to food intolerances, but that doesn't mean I can't experiment with the things I can eat. I'm growing all different kinds of greens this year, and some purple broccoli too.

djalomo · 08-03-2009, 01:07 PM

I have a cold or something - was thinking it was the flu Saturday. Booo. I had to take today off.

faithgirl · 08-03-2009, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CurveControl

My brother got married last weekend so I was in Illinois doing the family duty thing.
Those people are NUTS!

I'll trade you one crazy sister-in-law for one of your crazies.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Houston Heather

Did I ever mention my best friend in high school is a therapist now?

I feel like it was "my" fault.

Oh, God. I did not sleep well last night, and when I got up, violently nauseous, about to pass out... horrible pasty face. I took one look at myself and told Ron "There's a good chance I'll puke on the way to work, so I'm bringing my bucket".

He told me to stay home. I am running a slight fever from a virus, and I think that combined with me tromping around in the heat made me toxic. I feel better now, but drained.

Molly, you should have spiked the punch with mood stabilizers.

Kathleen, I plan to eat the chrysanthemum (I got some of the greens a while back from the same store and I liked them) raw in salads, possibly steamed, maybe in soups (I love a good low carb veggie soup), and stir fried in the wok.

I figure, my diet will always be limited due to food intolerances, but that doesn't mean I can't experiment with the things I can eat. I'm growing all different kinds of greens this year, and some purple broccoli too.

I bet he/she thanks you. Made their career choice so much easier for them.

Hope you're feeling better.

Quote:

Originally Posted by djalomo

I have a cold or something - was thinking it was the flu Saturday. Booo. I had to take today off.

Hope you're feeling better too, DJ. I bought some lemon flavored cod liver oil becuase people here on LCF were saying it would keep you from getting colds anymore. Uh, what they forgot to mention was that that stuff is horrid tasting!

All I did was taste a drop of it and I couldn't get rid of the taste. NASTY!

CurveControl · 08-04-2009, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by faithgirl

I'll trade you one crazy sister-in-law for one of your crazies.

Hope you're feeling better too, DJ. I bought some lemon flavored cod liver oil becuase people here on LCF were saying it would keep you from getting colds anymore. Uh, what they forgot to mention was that that stuff is horrid tasting!

All I did was taste a drop of it and I couldn't get rid of the taste. NASTY!

Girrrrlll....You could go back through here are read stories of my crazy folk!
My sister tried to stab her BF with a scythe then flirted with the cop and called to tell me she thought she had a shot at a date with the Hot Cop.

and that is a MINOR episode for her!! And she is one of many!!

No way would I EAT CLO, it comes in capsules too. No taste.

faithgirl · 08-04-2009, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CurveControl

Girrrrlll....You could go back through here are read stories of my crazy folk!
My sister tried to stab her BF with a scythe then flirted with the cop and called to tell me she thought she had a shot at a date with the Hot Cop.

and that is a MINOR episode for her!! And she is one of many!!

No way would I EAT CLO, it comes in capsules too. No taste.

um...yeah. Sounds like your family has my family beat by a mile just on that one story.

I'll remember this at the next family gathering and I feel like punching SIL for her snotty attitude.

yeah, i'm gonna have to dump the CLO. GROSS!

Oh yeah, I got in with my pdoc today so I am going to let him know about the head aches and stuff. We'll see what he says. The thing is, I am feeling pretty darn good. Maybe too good, I don't know.

CurveControl · 08-04-2009, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by faithgirl

um...yeah. Sounds like your family has my family beat by a mile just on that one story.

I'll remember this at the next family gathering and I feel like punching SIL for her snotty attitude.

yeah, i'm gonna have to dump the CLO. GROSS!

Oh yeah, I got in with my pdoc today so I am going to let him know about the head aches and stuff. We'll see what he says. The thing is, I am feeling pretty darn good. Maybe too good, I don't know.

Ahh...punch her anyway. There is plenty of crazy to go around and some people just need smacked.

Maybe the headaches will be a SE that goes away. Most do. Lamictal headaches are said to me intense but I never got one.
I need a touch of hypo this week, but.....I am not messing with meds.

faithgirl · 08-04-2009, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CurveControl

Ahh...punch her anyway. There is plenty of crazy to go around and some people just need smacked.

Maybe the headaches will be a SE that goes away. Most do. Lamictal headaches are said to me intense but I never got one.
I need a touch of hypo this week, but.....I am not messing with meds.

I just may smack her.

I have had the head ache for 6 weeks so I am raising the white flag. That and the black stools. Actually I like the Abilify and feel it is helping. I would like to keep that, but that is what is causing the black stools. I experimented and it stopped when i skipped a dose and returned when I went back on. TMI, I know.

CurveControl · 08-04-2009, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by faithgirl

I just may smack her.

I have had the head ache for 6 weeks so I am raising the white flag. That and the black stools. Actually I like the Abilify and feel it is helping. I would like to keep that, but that is what is causing the black stools. I experimented and it stopped when i skipped a dose and returned when I went back on. TMI, I know.

pepto bismal causes black stools. Unless there is blood (blood appears black in stools) black poop is pretty meaningless as a side effect. The headace thing sucks though.

faithgirl · 08-04-2009, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CurveControl

pepto bismal causes black stools. Unless there is blood (blood appears black in stools) black poop is pretty meaningless as a side effect. The headace thing sucks though.

I can't think of anything at al that could be causeing it besides the Abilify. No pepto, no nothing. It does have a greenish tinge at times. Sorry, more TMI. It only started when I went up to 5 mg.

CurveControl · 08-04-2009, 11:57 AM

Not TMI, LOL

It probably is the Abilify, I just mean it probably doesn't mean there is a problem. Like pepto makes poop black it isn't harmful, and some vitamins make your pee bright yellow or orange. Just dyes and stuff. If you don't have gastric distress I suspect it will be a harmless (if disturbing) effect.
Let me know what the doc says, I am curious about it now!

faithgirl · 08-04-2009, 11:59 AM

I hope it is a nothing kind of thing, becuase I do like the Abilify. I'll be back on tonight and let you know.

djalomo · 08-04-2009, 02:02 PM

So I felt so horrible over the weekend I went against my better judgement and took Tylenol Mutli-Symptom Cold EXTREME (LOL that's what it says on the package). I felt better physically but I knew it was gonna jack with my moods. It did, so yesterday was a bummer.

Oh well, much better today.

I started 150 Lamictal and feel good. Also, oddly - in the beginning I felt the lower doses were activating, but at the end of the night I could feel it "wear off" and I'd start to feel hypo and be up all night. So, I started taking it at night and that made all the difference. I feel it kind of starting to "wear off" in the evening though, which might actually be a good thing because that's when I'm supposed to work out. LOL. But hopefully over time I won't feel the "wearing off" at all. I like the stability I feel on it all day.

CurveControl · 08-04-2009, 02:40 PM

I am glad it is working so well DJ. I have to take it in the morning because I still find it activating. I am weird though. I find that opiates make me speed. Benadryl is like ephedra to me...... I am a freak. LOL

I have a sinus infection I am on levaquin for, but I also caught some kind of cold/throat/ear thing on my trip and am taking Benadryl. That is the only multi relief cold med I can take (it is the children's stuff but there is adult dosing)
It is better today.

faithgirl · 08-04-2009, 04:43 PM

Shoot! Pdoc is worried about the dark stools. I should have just shut my mouth about it becuase my regular doctor will want to do all kinds of tests. Pdoc took me off cymbalta and Abilify to see if it straightens out and I go back in 2 weeks. In the meantime I am supposed to go to my regular doctor. Being the resistant PITA I am, I will stop the 2 meds and see if that stops it. I think it may be all the ibuprofen i am taking due to the constant head aches. That or Abilify. I have no pain or anything, so I really think it's probably nothing. just some kind of reaction. I am not going to be pleasant these next 2 weeks. I do get to keep the Klonopin to help keep me from wanting to strangle people though. Lucky co-workers.

Molly, I am in love with Levaquin-it kicked the pneumonia I had last summer within a few days.

DJ-so you're saying the higher dose of Lamictal was easier to adjust to than the lower dose?

Hope you both feel better soon.

08-01-2009, 10:31 AM	#215
faithgirl Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: ca Posts: 4,627 Gallery: faithgirl WOE: dunno	So, uh, I'm gonna ask this question, and it's embarrassing and way too TMI-look away if you're squeamish... I am passing black stools! What's up with that? I cannot remember if it started before the Abilify, but I don't think so. I am also constipated and that definitely is becuase of the Cymbalta. So are the black stools just a no-worry side effect? I figure it is, but I dunno. Oh and hey, I think I am becoming a little hypo. Yippee! Love the feeling, hate the coming down though. I almost bought a new car the other night, but the guy made me mad so I walked. I really want to go buy something, but I don't know what yet. I promise to keep it under $100. And look ma, no Klonopin! I think I was having a problem with reducing the Cymbalta last week end and that's why I felt so bad. Cymbalta is a bear to come off of or change doses. Of course, the real test of whether I can make it without the Klonopin is when I go out in public and am around people. If I can do that without having an overwhelming desire to hurt someone, then I am good to go without the Klonopin. I think I'm rambling now so I am gonna go get dressed. Have a good Satruday everyone! __________________ Kathleen

08-01-2009, 10:41 AM	#216
djalomo Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 19,182 Gallery: djalomo Stats: 132/ losing :) /110 WOE: Atkins Start Date: August 2004	I'm starting to have little bouts of hypo too. I wanna just be stable. Boo. My next appointment is the doc I think will be good but my current one yesterday brought up Lithium. I'm open to what the new doc tries because I'm pretty open about most things, but on top of the BiPo and general anxiety I do believe I have issues occasionally with disordered eating as a result of anxiety. Not a full-blown eating disorder, but, I dunno. When I'm not taking something for anxiety I'm obsessed with eating and weighing. I'll weigh myself compulsively like 6 or 7 times a night. __________________ “The truly creative mind in any field is no more than this: A human creature born abnormally, inhumanly sensitive." — Pearl S. Buck ===== "Your profile pic looks like youre calling for room service only to find that theyve ran out of caviar and now you cant decide whether to kill him or kiss him." ===== “I’m going to go as a journalist for Halloween. All I need for my costume is an empty bottle of vodka and my shattered dreams.”

08-01-2009, 11:14 AM	#217
faithgirl Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: ca Posts: 4,627 Gallery: faithgirl WOE: dunno	Isn't your current doc the Abilify queen? I'm surprised she's still not pushing that. My memory is shot right now, but I can't remember if it started before the Abilify or not. I am reading Detour-my life in 4D. It's a cool book and a pretty quick read. I can identify with a lot of the things she has going on concerning bipo. It was kinda making me upset last night to find that out. Maybe a small part of me is still in denial? I dunno. I have definite eating problems/disorder. Not just becuase I am so overweight, but becuase of the other things. I binge and purge off and on. Have done it twice since starting Abilify. Right now I am gaining and will probably purge to put a stop to it. Sometimes It's all i know to do to keep from being 400 pounds. Becuase the eating isn't going to stop. When i am on a diet, I weigh a good 8-12 times a day. i have tried hiding the scale, promising myself and God I will not get on the scale, but i do it anyway. I am obsessive about diets. I probably have 100 diet books, easily. I read them and I spend hours researching diets/health foods/exercise on the internet. I spend loads of money on special foods for diets that just ends up rotting in the fridge. Not to mention the junk food I will give away or throw out before starting a new diet plan. And don't get me started on all the supplements I've bought. I am a mess. I really would like to be stable as well. I also would like to try the Topomax and see if that will help things. I read on the PG where some were taking it at night and that seemed to help them with the 'stupids'. heck, something is already giving me the 'stupids', so the Topomax may not be any worse. I am also having fierce head aches. Last edited by faithgirl; 08-01-2009 at 11:42 AM..

08-01-2009, 03:39 PM	#219
faithgirl Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: ca Posts: 4,627 Gallery: faithgirl WOE: dunno	No side effects is HUGE. I mean, I don't have major ones with Abilify, but I am still very low dose. I have things going on that I can't positively say is from that, especially becuase I really suspect the Cymbalta. And I agree, there really is no point in having a doctor that is unreachable. It's not like you have a cold and can wait a few days to see the doc. Have you tried Topomax yet DJ? I feel like I want to inspite of the stupids. I think I said that already though. Do you wait a whole month before increasing the Lamictal? I have no patience for this waiting to see what is going to happen thing, you know? I need to chill on that, but I need relief NOW, ya know? If you haven't read Detour, you might want to check it out. It's a true story about a 23 year old woman that is going across country and interveiwing other young people that are succeeding with their bipolar treatments and succeeding at life. One guy had to take his meds 1 full year bfore he got relief-knowing me, I would have quit 11 months earlier. And he was really severe on the depressive side. Last edited by faithgirl; 08-01-2009 at 03:42 PM..

08-01-2009, 08:39 PM	#220
Houston Heather Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Houston Posts: 8,921 Gallery: Houston Heather Stats: 228/169/160 Waist: 42/31/31 WOE: Atkins 2002 Ongoing Weight Loss/pre maintenance Start Date: Feb 26, 2008 (second and last time)	I'm not just not-gaining, I'm LOSING actively on lithium. At my highest dose, I take 1200 mg a day and I still lose. I don't even work out. My doc is constantly bragging on me to the residents because there just isn't any data. I give a lot of the credit to Atkins, plus I am still pretty young at 34, otherwise healthy. Once I got rid of the carb addiction, I realized 95% of the time I'm eating to live. The other 5% I probably am not hungry, but need to eat so the lithium doesn't make me pukey. If anyone does go on lithium, a couple of tidbits: Drink lots of water, you will pee more regardless so you need to keep up by drinking more water. The weird taste in your mouth may or may not go away.. I don't notice it unless I'm dehydrated. Always take it with food! A salad is not "food". It has to be a portion of protein and at least half a cup portion size, or you will get violently queasy at best. Pepto is your friend. Kathleen, take $20 to the dollar store. You'll have a blast. I would mention the side effects to your doc, black stools (unless you have taken something like Pepto) are not a good thing. For someone who as as many food intolerances/migraines as I go, I'm pretty adventurous. I got some duck eggs at the Farmer's market, and my new love, Amaranth greens. They are good raw and cooked! The greens, not the eggs. __________________ Don't just weigh, measure too! I'll be praying for you! (James 5:16) "From the beginning, you have made a refreshing jug of lemonade from all the lemons that life pitched your way."Zer "Look at you! You're a walking picnic!" - looking in my purse Learn about Bipolar Disorder Learn about Fetal Alcohol Syndrome I have tested thee in the furnace of affliction - Isaiah 48:10 Perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed 2 Cor. 4:9

07-31-2009, 10:09 AM	#212
faithgirl Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: ca Posts: 4,627 Gallery: faithgirl WOE: dunno	Does anyone do therapy along with their meds? Or does your pdoc do the therapy with you? none of the pdocs around here do therapy and i am thinking about seeing a therapist. What is the difference between a PHD and a MSW?

07-31-2009, 11:21 AM	#213
Houston Heather Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Houston Posts: 8,921 Gallery: Houston Heather Stats: 228/169/160 Waist: 42/31/31 WOE: Atkins 2002 Ongoing Weight Loss/pre maintenance Start Date: Feb 26, 2008 (second and last time)	90% of my issues are related to brain chemistry. I am a co-dependent "enabler". I already know that. I just focus on taking my pills and the rest works itself out. My biggest issue is not taking care of myself, and doing things I enjoy/love.

07-31-2009, 11:27 AM	#214
djalomo Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 19,182 Gallery: djalomo Stats: 132/ losing :) /110 WOE: Atkins Start Date: August 2004	90% of my issues feel like chemistry too. I've done therapy but for me it wasn't as helpful - but i'm a TOTAL typical Aquarius who's extremely introspective and has already analyzed everything I feel from 25 billion angles.

08-01-2009, 12:20 PM	#218
djalomo Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 19,182 Gallery: djalomo Stats: 132/ losing :) /110 WOE: Atkins Start Date: August 2004	LOL she was the Abilify Queen before. The fact though that she didn't mention it this go-round made me feel a little more at ease though. But I hate her lack of accessibility. THat really, really bothers me. I've never had a doctor THAT inaccessible. I realize she was going through an emergency but I've even paged a doc at 2am on vacation and had an appt. with another doc in her practice the next morning. Hearing Heather's success with Lithium makes me hopeful. I touched on the eating/weight issue but she didn't really have an answer. I know you don't have to gain on Lithium but I'm worried about how it would affect me that way. But, if I get to the point where my moods are not controlled on a theureputeic dose of Lamictal I'm willing to change things. I'm hoping once I get into 150mgs of Lamictal that things will even out a bit. I also worry that the move to 100mgs might have been too fast. I really wanna exhaust my options with this med before going off it, because I'm having no side effects whatsoever. And really for me that's nothing to sneeze at.

08-02-2009, 11:35 AM	#222
faithgirl Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: ca Posts: 4,627 Gallery: faithgirl WOE: dunno	And who gave Molly the week end off, anyway? Doesn't she know there is no taking off from LCF?

08-02-2009, 06:05 PM	#223
Houston Heather Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Houston Posts: 8,921 Gallery: Houston Heather Stats: 228/169/160 Waist: 42/31/31 WOE: Atkins 2002 Ongoing Weight Loss/pre maintenance Start Date: Feb 26, 2008 (second and last time)	Shame on Molly for having a life. I hope your ears are BURNING! Someone hacked my debit card... once I got that sorted out I went to the Asian Grocery and bought some exotic seeds for my garden. I'll be the only one in the subdivision with amaranth greens and edible chrysanthemum. And some "Cozy" tea, that has a big photo of a happy stomach on the box. It's good stuff.

08-02-2009, 08:17 PM	#224
faithgirl Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: ca Posts: 4,627 Gallery: faithgirl WOE: dunno	Yup, molly should know better than that. I'm glad you got the debit card straightened out-I use to work at a bank and they are usually pretty good about it. Are you going to add the chrysanthemums to salads? I've always wondered about edible flowers and whether they actually taste good. You'll have to let us know how they are.

08-03-2009, 02:44 AM	#225
faithgirl Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: ca Posts: 4,627 Gallery: faithgirl WOE: dunno	It's 1:42 am. Been awake for over an hour. Yup. Bipolar sure is fun. I gotta get up at 5:30 for work. It would be nice to have more than 2 1/2 hours sleep before I go in, but I don't hink it's gonna happen. I switched the Abilify to taking it in the evening to see if my somewhat spotty sleep would improve. This is much worse though. Blah!

08-03-2009, 08:54 AM	#227
Houston Heather Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Houston Posts: 8,921 Gallery: Houston Heather Stats: 228/169/160 Waist: 42/31/31 WOE: Atkins 2002 Ongoing Weight Loss/pre maintenance Start Date: Feb 26, 2008 (second and last time)	Did I ever mention my best friend in high school is a therapist now? I feel like it was "my" fault. Oh, God. I did not sleep well last night, and when I got up, violently nauseous, about to pass out... horrible pasty face. I took one look at myself and told Ron "There's a good chance I'll puke on the way to work, so I'm bringing my bucket". He told me to stay home. I am running a slight fever from a virus, and I think that combined with me tromping around in the heat made me toxic. I feel better now, but drained. Molly, you should have spiked the punch with mood stabilizers. Kathleen, I plan to eat the chrysanthemum (I got some of the greens a while back from the same store and I liked them) raw in salads, possibly steamed, maybe in soups (I love a good low carb veggie soup), and stir fried in the wok. I figure, my diet will always be limited due to food intolerances, but that doesn't mean I can't experiment with the things I can eat. I'm growing all different kinds of greens this year, and some purple broccoli too.

08-03-2009, 01:07 PM	#228
djalomo Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 19,182 Gallery: djalomo Stats: 132/ losing :) /110 WOE: Atkins Start Date: August 2004	I have a cold or something - was thinking it was the flu Saturday. Booo. I had to take today off.

08-04-2009, 11:57 AM	#236
CurveControl Formerlychubchick Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Ohio Posts: 55,664 Gallery: CurveControl Stats: 200/ 182.0/173.5 /135 WOE: moderate carb, 30-60 grams Start Date: 3/25/08 sigh	Not TMI, LOL It probably is the Abilify, I just mean it probably doesn't mean there is a problem. Like pepto makes poop black it isn't harmful, and some vitamins make your pee bright yellow or orange. Just dyes and stuff. If you don't have gastric distress I suspect it will be a harmless (if disturbing) effect. Let me know what the doc says, I am curious about it now!

08-04-2009, 11:59 AM	#237
faithgirl Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: ca Posts: 4,627 Gallery: faithgirl WOE: dunno	I hope it is a nothing kind of thing, becuase I do like the Abilify. I'll be back on tonight and let you know.

08-04-2009, 02:02 PM	#238
djalomo Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 19,182 Gallery: djalomo Stats: 132/ losing :) /110 WOE: Atkins Start Date: August 2004	So I felt so horrible over the weekend I went against my better judgement and took Tylenol Mutli-Symptom Cold EXTREME (LOL that's what it says on the package). I felt better physically but I knew it was gonna jack with my moods. It did, so yesterday was a bummer. Oh well, much better today. I started 150 Lamictal and feel good. Also, oddly - in the beginning I felt the lower doses were activating, but at the end of the night I could feel it "wear off" and I'd start to feel hypo and be up all night. So, I started taking it at night and that made all the difference. I feel it kind of starting to "wear off" in the evening though, which might actually be a good thing because that's when I'm supposed to work out. LOL. But hopefully over time I won't feel the "wearing off" at all. I like the stability I feel on it all day.

08-04-2009, 02:40 PM	#239
CurveControl Formerlychubchick Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Ohio Posts: 55,664 Gallery: CurveControl Stats: 200/ 182.0/173.5 /135 WOE: moderate carb, 30-60 grams Start Date: 3/25/08 sigh	I am glad it is working so well DJ. I have to take it in the morning because I still find it activating. I am weird though. I find that opiates make me speed. Benadryl is like ephedra to me...... I am a freak. LOL I have a sinus infection I am on levaquin for, but I also caught some kind of cold/throat/ear thing on my trip and am taking Benadryl. That is the only multi relief cold med I can take (it is the children's stuff but there is adult dosing) It is better today.

08-04-2009, 04:43 PM	#240
faithgirl Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: ca Posts: 4,627 Gallery: faithgirl WOE: dunno	Shoot! Pdoc is worried about the dark stools. I should have just shut my mouth about it becuase my regular doctor will want to do all kinds of tests. Pdoc took me off cymbalta and Abilify to see if it straightens out and I go back in 2 weeks. In the meantime I am supposed to go to my regular doctor. Being the resistant PITA I am, I will stop the 2 meds and see if that stops it. I think it may be all the ibuprofen i am taking due to the constant head aches. That or Abilify. I have no pain or anything, so I really think it's probably nothing. just some kind of reaction. I am not going to be pleasant these next 2 weeks. I do get to keep the Klonopin to help keep me from wanting to strangle people though. Lucky co-workers. Molly, I am in love with Levaquin-it kicked the pneumonia I had last summer within a few days. DJ-so you're saying the higher dose of Lamictal was easier to adjust to than the lower dose? Hope you both feel better soon.

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