Darkeyes - No, not everyone gains weight. I was quoting from the literature. Actually, in most of the groups that I have spoken to, maybe 1 in 8 gained any really noticeable weight. I would think that your response would be similar to your brother's (ie. minimal to no weight gain), as I typically see family members respond to lithium in similar ways, in regards to time to repsonse, extent of response, side effects, etc.

Hang in there, you sound much better. If you don't fret about the weight gain until it happens (if ever), I will go get an x-ray. Do we have a deal? Actually, I am not too impressed with my right hand swelling up (rings are really tight), but having no neck pain (which would indicate some brachial nerve plexus inflammation), has me puzzled. Both of my thighs keep seizing up, as well (ie. the muscles kinda knot at times), but I can usually stretch them out. Besides, my massage therapist is working out most of the kinks, but she is torturing me every time she finds a knot (my right side is full of them). I think it is just that I am old and am taking longer to recover. I am on my feet for 12 hours a day at work, and when I am busy I don't really notice my aches and pains too much. It is only when I stop and sit for a while that I seize again. I should probably get working toward my black belt test in karate. I have been putting that off for too long. I always seem to have an excuse. I should just do it and get it over with. My therapist says that I don't finish anything because by not finishing I don't have a chance at failing. I dunno, that's probably sorta true. It's hard to break life long habits.

Take care and keep in touch. - Cam