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Originally Posted by inphases
Hi, I'm new to this site but not new to BP. I'm 46 and was diagnosed BP1 when I was 19. I was put on lithium and though have tried different anti-depressants for short times- have never found one that worked or actually, one I could handle the side-effects of- so it's been me and lithium for 27 years. After months of increased urination, I went to my GP for tests and she's come back with a diagnosis of diabetes insipidus. I've stopped crying for the minute to write this and ask for advice. I'm terrified- beyond terrified. I haven't had a psychotic break in 25 years - I had a hard time accepting my diagnosis and was reluctant to take the lithium but lost reality and ended up psych wards 4 times. My life was totally destroyed those 4 times - did all of this without any support from friends (lost them with diagnosis and acting "weird") or family. We all know lithium has little affect on depression and have rolled with mine as best I could but now I'm so scared. This diabetes insipidus isn't reversible and I know the next move is to go off the lithium but I also know nothing is as affective in controlling mania- the beast has been at bay for 25 years- I can't have it back. So after my rambling- here are the questions: Has anyone out there experience diabetes insipidus? Long term lithium use? Anyone have had manic episodes that are complete psychotic breaks and use an alternative to lithium? One that doesn't cause weight gain? (my life stabilized so well that I felt brave enough to take off the 125 lbs I need to lose and have lost 52 already!) Thanks to everyone taking time to read this.
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i certainly must respond to your post as i suspect i am also having kidney issues as the result of long-term lithium use. up until 1 yr. ago, i was taking 450mg. lithium daily for 35 years; had blood work done regularly but it seems p/docs were only interested in the lithium levels on the blood work (mine always being below normal since i was on such a low dose for my hypomania); never suspected, until recent research, that long-term lithium use causes renal issues and i am scheduled to see a kidney specialist aug. 26. i am expecting the worse as my internist who has been doing my blood work and the 24-hr. urine test, gave me the nos. from the blood work and some are very abnormal nos. and she's referred me to the kidney specialist.
i have gotten as many medical reports as i can and it seems some of my numbers were high and abnormal over the yrs., yet no dr. ever pointed that out….it was all about looking for lithium toxicity….
i have consulted with a medical malpractice attorney, as well as a product liability attorney and should i get some bad news from the kidney specialist on the 26th, i will then proceed to litigation if either attorney feels that is warranted.
we, as patients, must become aware of the some of the drastic side effects of some of the meds. we are on; only after 35 yrs. did i become aware that lithium, for all the good it did for my hypomania, has damaged my kidneys and shame on the drs. who were so narrowly focused ONLY on the lithium levels of bloodwork done every few months.
i wish you only the best. how much lithium did you take and what is next for you now that you have a diagnosis. i am trying not to freak out or freak anyone else out but we must put the info. out there.