[Moose72]

Here it is. Guess that's me!

I had to get blood drawn for a lithium level and here's what it said:

[Moose72]

Hmmm. It won't change the title.

[Merlin]

I got the "official" bipolar II diagnosis when I applied for a disabilities grant. I still think it's only a label and I am much more than that.

[Moose72]

Well yes, but I alwaya have felt I am 1 not "NOS"

[Gus1234U]

that lithium scares the crap out of me,,, please keep an eye onl your levels,, best wises~! Gus

[Moose72]

That's what I'm doing. I much prefer lithium to depakote. Depakote will eat your liver and make you gain 60 pounds!

[Moose72]

Originally Posted by Gus1234U

that lithium scares the crap out of me,,, please keep an eye onl your levels,, best wises~! Gus

what meds are you on? Are you 1 or 2?

[IdoubtIT]

Originally Posted by Moose72

That's what I'm doing. I much prefer lithium to depakote. Depakote will eat your liver and make you gain 60 pounds!

I don't know. They say lithium can cause serious weight gain, as well. A few years ago I had my risperdal increased and started lithium. I gained 50 lbs in about 6 months. Which one was the evil doer? We'll never know! Isn't that fun!

[Moose72]

I gained 60 on depakote within 6 months. Been on lithium for a few years and not much change.

[tinksmom]

I"ve been on litium for about 2 years along with geodon and trazadone and have gained 50 pounds since the med change.....I hate the bloodwork but they've never shown me the results just say the level is in a healthy range

Originally Posted by Moose72

Here it is. Guess that's me!
I had to get blood drawn for a lithium level and here's what it said:

(Sorry, can't seem to copy from the photo.)

Originally Posted by Moose72

Well yes, but I alwaya have felt I am 1 not "NOS"

This latter post confuses me. The code and the diagnosis inidicate do not indicate NOS:
"296.6 Bipolar I Disorder, Most Recent Episode Mixed, Unspecified "

Unspecified merely seems to indicate lack of determination of degree of severity of latest episode, not that it is NOS. Those listed as NOS are specifically designated as such. (See 296.8 and 296.9.)

http://psychcentral.com/disorders/sx20-c.htm

At any rate, as Merlin points out, it's only a label. More than that, it's only an order for lithium levels, which has nothing to do with specific diagnosis (even if that not accurate). You're are taking lithium and they just need to do the test.

[Moose72]

Yet they could write anything in the box. Presumably something claw to accurate

[Moose72]

Next question: what else do people take lithium for?

[lonegael]

Some folks take it to amplify antidepressives or in combination with antipsychotics because it seems to help some of the aggitation that can go along with some of the psychotic disorders. Exactly why it seems to work, no ones knows and I believe it is being replaced by the newer anti psychotics nowadays.

[Moose72]

Hmm. Must be partly why I'm having drug issues. I have tried 4 antipsychotics and had a major reaction to each. I can't take antidepressants as they make the manic side worse.

[Moose72]

Originally Posted by Innerzone

(Sorry, can't seem to copy from the photo.)

This latter post confuses me. The code and the diagnosis inidicate do not indicate NOS:
"296.6 Bipolar I Disorder, Most Recent Episode Mixed, Unspecified "

Unspecified merely seems to indicate lack of determination of degree of severity of latest episode, not that it is NOS. Those listed as NOS are specifically designated as such. (See 296.8 and 296.9.)

I was NOS for a year and s bit before they finally conceded that I was BP1. That was oct 06 and Jan 08.

They were testing my lithium because my dose was just upped.