Hi guys, quick check in because i know I've been gone a while. We flew to the states last min to be here for my dad after his stroke and to help my brothers and sisters. Pdoc started me on lithium before I left on the condition I'd do the weekly blood work here for the first month and fax her the results. So I'm on 450mg and feel much calmer and less depressed already- almost zen like. I may need to up the dose a bit but so far so good. Im starting to wonder if my anxiety is a manifestation of the bipolar disorder- part of being really depressed and tired then the anxiety builds and I cant cope with things. Im still mildly depressed but definitely feel myself coming up. Pdoc said I coul add a half pill in the morning but Im hesitant because its an extended release tab...wont that release it all at once if I split it? It does have a line down the center so maybe it works differently? Its the european version lithium carbonate retard (extended) 450 mg so that would be 450 and 225, for a total of 675mg...

My dad is still in the ICU it was a really bad hemorrhagic stroke, he has 2 brain anyurisms. He has at least another week before he goes into the step down unit to get evaluated and decide if he will go to acute or sub acute rehab. either way we're looking at a long long rehab period and possibly nursing home care after.

The other drama is my two younger brothers, my youngest brothers 24 with disabilities and my dad was his main caretaker, my other brother whos 28 wants to do it- their very close and love each other a lot but my 28 year old brother has very little cash he's a chef with a girl friend and baby. So Im here trying to navigate the disability system to get my youngest brother disability and food stamps and all that. He's already on managed medicaid but I have to find services to handle his doctor appointments and transportation.

Its a very complicated trip and it looks like i wont be returning to germany for at least a month if not longer. My husband has to go back friday.

All I can say

Thank God for lithium. It is absolutely the only reason I'm not breaking down every 5 seconds.