Saw the pdoc today!

Hi,

I saw my pdoc today. My friend Cher sat me down and gave me a list of symptoms and my other friend J sat me down and gave me a list of symptoms to take to her. I read the list to her and before I could get the word "lithium" out of my mouth, she said it.

She said she had been holding it back as a last resort because the main side effect of tolerance is.... diarrhea! Yep, the person with colitis is going to take the medicine that causes diarrhea! I couldn't believe it! Anyway, we're going to try it. I start tomorrow at 300 mg twice a day and she said we'll probably move it up to three times a day if I do well.

So, at least we have a plan and I'll just have to deal with the colitis complications as they come. I want to feel good again. You've all been so nice to share your experiences with me that I wanted to be sure and let you know what she decided.

Hugs,

Jan

Yippee...any action is better than the suffering you've endured....Do you remember when I told you that my mom got alot of relief for her colitis w/Librax (which of course, contains.....lithium)...Girlfriend, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this brings you some relief too....

Grace

Duh Jan!!!!

I was on librax for years! It just didn't connect! Maybe it will help the colitis instead of worsen it! Hope, hope, hope, hope!!!!!!!!!!!

Hugs,

Jan

jan, i may change to lithium or topamax soon. we'lll have to keep each other updated. xoxox pat

Jan,

I only experienced the diarrhea if I didn't take it with a snack or meal. After a few weeks, I was able to take it without food. I am very proud of you for putting aside your fears about Lithium. It has been a godsend for me. I am so glad you and your pdoc are on the same page. You deserve to feel better! I started noticing an improvement within the first week. Let's hope it's the same for you!

Huge Hugz and Much Love,
Dol

I hope good things for you with this! You know how strange the body works sometimes... remember they give children with hyperactivity a STIMULANT to help calm them... so stranger things have happened... good thoughts good thoughts

The dose you have been prescribed is the "begining" dose, I do not know about those with colitis, but this really shouldn't give you diarrhea. If it does, give it few days, all meds have some side effects, some go away in a few days up to 2 weeks. Naturally, if it is a problem call your pdoc ASAP, due to your medical condition.
It is an excellent med for those who tend to have more manic episodes vs the depressive mode.
Give it a try, it gets better.
I hope all agrees with you, but always remember to keep close in touch with the prescribing doc.
If this gives you any comfort, be assured that there are still plenty of good alternatives. Don't give up hope

((((((((((( January ))))))))))))

i'm very jazzed about changing. i've never been afraid to change meds, with a doctor supervising. i just assume the best will happen and go on. it might be my medical knowledge, but i think that it is my nature to jump right in and that does it. i read a lot and i research everything, completely, before i take it. the 'puter is my friend.

I can certainly (sp?) relate, but I started reading before there was "internet", nah, I'm not dating myself, eh? Ha!ha!
Yes, the internet is a great thing, but in the end I always confirm stuff with my pdoc. He can direct me to sites, if I haven't already read it in written material (not seen on internet, but internet accessable (sp?) whatever, it is always good to have a pdoc willing to show you places or update you on the newest stuff
I hope and wish we all find our way.

(((((((((( all who come here )))))))))))))


DE

Hi Pat,

I'll sure keep you posted. Just remind me to do it! No memory! lol!!

Hugs,

Jan

Hi Dol!

Thank you! I so appreciate that you understand how afraid I was to try this medicine! I have only taken one dose so far and I remembered to eat when I took it. I became really sleepy, but I didn't sleep well at all last night, so it may have just been coincidence.

I so hope the lithium helps me like it did you. I need the change. Trust me!

((((((((((((((((((((dol)))))))))))))))Thank you so very much, dear friend.

Many hugs,

Jan

Hi Sky!

Thank you!!! You're right. Strange things do happen in medicine. I'll hang on to that thought for comfort in moments of doubt.

Many, many hugs,

Jan

Hi DE!

Thank you so much for your excellent advice and encouragement. I appreciate it so much. I will be patient and give the lithium a good chance to work. I'll also let my pdoc know if I get in trouble.

Thank you!!!!!!!

Many hugs,

Jan

((((((((((((((( January ))))))))))))))))))))))))))
Many sincere wishes for all good things to come.

DE

((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((( DE))))))))))))))))))))))))

Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hugs,

Jan