[lad007]

So I have to see the pdoc Mon and I can't remember if he wanted me to get a blood test for the Lithium level or not. So I called and left a message for the nurse and she called back and said well if he mentioned it, you should get it.
Isn't there a chart she can look in, or go ask him? Instead of making me get a possible unnecessary test? I hate the blood work to begin with(it will stress me out for days, as it is now) so don't want it if I don't need it. Other experiences on how often the level needs to be taken? Should I just get it or ask him Monday?
And is this substandard care if she can't even be bothered to go and ask him?
My insurance pays over $100 for a 15 minute visit and I expect better care than this.
Thanks, another goofy thing to obsess over.

[sb7777]

When I have my Lithium levels tested, my pdoc writes a prescription for the test, which I take to LabCorps. Results are ready in about 2 days. Hope that helps!

I have my lithium levels checked every few months. My pdoc gives me the lab orders that I take with me. Did he not give you lab orders to take with you? My husband's pdoc just writes it on a prescription pad. But I think you would have to have orders in writing from your pdoc to get it done. At least that's what we've always had to do. Otherwise I don't think insurance would cover it. Probably what you need to do is ask for the pdoc to write orders (can probably be faxed to the lab).

I have my levels checked every 3 months, I have a standing order at the lab, so I can just go in and get it done, no papers required. My old pdoc checked my levels every 4-6 months, so I am not sure that there is a strict guide on this.

[notz]

I take a low dose, extended release lithium 'script. It's more expensive but has fewer side effects and not as many blood level worries. jme

[Deiota]

Hi
About this I got something to say!
Check your lithium levels regular because if not you can get a surprise just like that and believe me this is not a good surprise at all!
I used to check my levels every other month but in Christmas time I didn't do the blood test (was too busy getting depressed ) and just in Christmas time I started getting diarrhea every day. But it as a very tough time with personal problems and stress and I thought it was this the reason. The time passed by and the symptoms didn't stop. I start feeling dizzy with nauseas and with lack of strength. Tooth pain, leg muscle pain, everything you can imagine... Even my hair was not the same (it's been more than a month already). I decided to go to a doctor and he asked to do some analysis and another exams. When the results came I was with lithium at 2.0 (do you know the Max acceptable right?).
My luck that made me survive In th truthfully meaning of the world is that on of the effects that I had was that I had the feeling that I didn't feel my mouth and didn't feel the taste of food and all so I was constantly drinking water during day and night. More that 5 lt per day. Otherwise I'd be in very bad shape by now (or dead).
after knowing the results of course reduced lithium to half per day and now I'm getting better of my side effects (going to the dentist etc)... Lithium enters into our blood like a poison and damages a lot of things... Of we don't be careful.. My liver was already getting fat
Damn disease and damn treatment

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[Deiota]

The best thing to prevent a BAD time and BAD DAMAGES in you is to check your levels frequently!
I had a very bad experience a couple of weeks ago (lasted more than a month though) and I must tell you that every single piece of my body (hair, nails, skin, muscles, liver, etc) was damaged with the toxicity of lithium that went as far as 2.0.
Now I'm recovering and trying to heal the damaged (visits to the dentist for instance)....
Take care

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[Deiota]

Curiosity happened to to me. I got 3,3 and now im interntated for a couple of days

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[Deiota]

My psyc says no more lithium for me

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[Anneinside]

The longer you are on the lithium the less often you need a blood test. If you have only been on it a few months it is not unusual to get a blood test every 2 to 3 weeks, until your doctor is sure your level is steady with the dose you are taking.

It is always better to get more tests than less as toxicity is dangerous. I was toxic once when my pharmacist changed my capsules from 300mg to 600mg. I had been taking 2 capsules a day and continued to do so. Instead of taking 600mg a day I was accidentally taking 1200mg a day. I started having large muscle tremors (threw a cup of coffee once), couldn't look up the hospital's number in the phone book because I couldn't remember the alphabet, diarrhea, vomiting, couldn't remember my date of birth when asked by the doctor in the ER, couldn't walk unassisted. Like Deiota, I drank huge amounts of water which helped to bring my level down so that I didn't do permanent damage to any of my organs. I was on an IV for 5 days to get back into the therapeutic range.

[Deiota]

Still in the hospital and won't go out before Monday.
The level I got made serious damages.
Still can't walk and stand still.
Lost memory (email).
This is no game! Please be careful with you're health!

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