Quote:
Originally Posted by deliquesce
thanks, darling!
blood test is tomorrow, so guess what i've been obsessing over all day today  . i am *bad* with needles, bad bad bad, but pdoc has given me some ativan to pop just before the blood test.
ok on my blood test request, it says:
- lithium level (fasting)
- tft
- uec
i think pdoc mentioned one is kidney and the other is thyroid, so i should be ok - right? like, he won't discover next week that he forgot a test and have to send me back (for another needle)?
michah - is there anything that can be done about your thyroid issues? i know one of my friends had a low level (?) or something and just needed to take tablets, but is it that easy to fix? |
Excellent blood panel!!! TFT (thyroid function test-standard testing for thyroid. TSH(thyroid stimulating hormone) is the level doctors tend to look for. If a bit funny, Ft3, Ft4, thyroid anti bodies are generally next in the list. One word, if your TFTs are in range but are on the lower end or higher end of the range and you feel unwell or notice any changes in your physical wellbeing, hassle your doctor!!. I lived for 3 years with debilitating symptoms and it was all put down to my mental illness. Make your doctor listen if you have any concerns)
UEC(urea, electrolytes and creatinine panel-lithium can effect sodium levels in the body. You should not do exercise that makes you sweat excessively nor drink sports drinks. Do not go on a low sodium diet - eat sea salt if you like it, it is better for you. The kidney excretes salt and lithium can effect this process. Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, no more otherwise you will dilute electrolytes too much. Also I found eating smaller but more regular meals helped with blood glucose and lithium absorption. Nausea usually abated if I did this, that will pass by the way. If not, tell your doc. You may be toxic.)
As for thyroid treatment, I would be lying if I said it was easy. This is the most physically ill I have ever been in my life. I have nodules and cysts on my thyroid so I have had to go through biopsies, cat scans, ultrasounds and multiple blood tests. I am now on thyroxine to help the goiter go down but the symptoms flare up big time and then level out when the meds do. But some people take months to get better even with the meds. I get really scared sometimes and the women on my thyroid forum have all gone through the same thing.
There is every likelihood that you will be fine on the lithium. It just pays to be vigilant on this drug as it is a heavy metal.
Good luck with your blood tests.......I know the fear......I worked in a hospital for 5 years and i still cannot handle needles. Mind you after the biopsy it kind of put my blood tests in perspective!! I still have to take valium.......Good luck babe, and let us know how you go....
