[Little Me]

Just started Lithium for BPII 3 days ago. I've been denying this possible diagnosis for more than a year. I have no idea if it will help with anything, too soon of course. Can't sleep and barely made it through the day, it was 1 moment at a time and was falling asleep driving home. It was horrible. Taking Lunesta 3 nights now. Don't know how to keep doing it, so hard to feel so exhausted too and work and be a mom and wife. Sorry for moaning.

[Confusedinomicon]

Maybe you need to speak to your doctor about the grogginess from taking Lunesta. I think it you need to lower the dose (maybe in half?) and consult your doctor the next day. It's not safe to be falling asleep when you're driving.

It sounds like you're experiencing a lot of anxiety, though. Is there any way you can take a walk or do a physical activity? The activity doesn't have to be hard, but exercise helps reduce stress by releasing endorphins, naturally. Having sex helps, too. Another thing that helps is having a bed time and sticking to it. This means you have to turn off all electronics, unless you need some background noise. I can't sleep in silence, I get scared.

http://forums.psychcentral.com/showthread.php?t=251167
^ Good topic discussing sleep.

I think you will be fine. It is scary now, but that is because you're facing something new...yet old. Continue posting here and you'll learn through other topics more coping mechanisms. If you have insurance that allows it, you may want to see a therapist. I saw one on/off for several years and the help they gave me was invaluable.

REMEMBER!
YOU are Little Me. NOT Bipolar. Refer to bipolar as something that is a part of you (because it will impact your life) BUT it does not encompass you. YOUR feelings are validated and never to be questioned. Open your heart and communicate your issues. This includes using support websites, having a therapist (if needed), having a pdoc, communicating with your husband and teaching your children about the illness. Try to teach your spouse as you learn and if it is necessary see a couple's therapist.

Conquering bipolar (aka managing it) is done through communication. Talking and connecting with people help. Communicating reminds you that other people suffer the way you do and that there are things that can be done to mitigate moods. Enjoying your life and not hiding from it helps. Don't stop doing things you're passionate about.

I wish you luck.

Also sorry about my last post on the other topic, it kind of devolved because of me.

[canacrip]

I don't have children, but there was a period of time when I feared I would crash my car on the thirty minute commute to work. I woke exhausted. I am so sorry you're going through this. Hang in there!

[Blue Poppy]

I was diagnosed with BP II one year ago this November. I can relate to the exhaustion that you describe. My depressive state is characterized by exhaustion and low energy.

It has taken a long time to get the right medications in place, but I can say that I am sleeping and I do have much more energy now than I have in years.

Hang in there............. your day will come!

[Little Me]

Feeling quiet today...... and exhausted. Busy weekend so worried I won't have rest, exercise and some me time. I love to exercise. My profile gives info about my background and exercise and I know how crucial it is. The advice about therapy is right on. For the 1st time 3 years ago I saw a therapist and she is so amazing. I gave up my lifelong secret of csa from my tennis coach. Working presently on un-brainwashing myself from believing I was the lucky and special one. Can you believe it? 30 years later? What a number it does on you.
Thanks for great ideas.

[faerie_moon_x]

I just re-started lithium today. It will make you very thirsty. It's a good idea to carry a water bottle with you.

It might also make you drowsy. So do be careful driving.

[BlueInanna]

right, the thirstiness, and the peeing often. those side effects wore off at about 6 months for me. i barely notice now.

make sure pdoc is doing due diligence and checking out other things like vitamin D and thyroid levels.

you'll be ok Little Me. it's just a word, bpII. just a word, you are still who you've always been.

[Confusedinomicon]

I still pee a lot because I drink a lot. It just seems normal now. LOL

[BipolaRNurse]

Originally Posted by Confusedinomicon

I still pee a lot because I drink a lot. It just seems normal now. LOL

That's what I thought too, until I was diagnosed with diabetes about a year and a half ago. Might want to have your blood sugar levels checked, especially if you're on an antipsychotic. Just saying.

[Confusedinomicon]

I just had it checked a month ago.

He said my triglycerides were a little high, but it could have been because I didn't fast. Then he recommended I work out a few times a week.

I drink about 3-5 bottles worth of water a day.

[skyborn011]

Originally Posted by Confusedinomicon

Maybe you need to speak to your doctor about the grogginess from taking Lunesta. I think it you need to lower the dose (maybe in half?) and consult your doctor the next day. It's not safe to be falling asleep when you're driving.

These posts have made me cry because of how happy I am that I am not the only one going through this. Thank you soooo much everyone!!!

[LiveThroughThis]

I've been on Lithium about 3 years, and the dry mouth has not ceased. For me it's a side effect I can happily live with. I believe part of what causes it is that Lithium is literally a kind of mineral/salt, so it actually zaps the water from one's body. I certainly started to retain some water initially, but as BlueInanna said a lot of this subsides.

I pee a lot too, cause I drink a lot; I get all my levels checked yearly, and my sugar's always good.

If you can, try not to worry about that stuff for now....there are much worse side effects to deal with. And in my opinion there's a reason this med has been around soooo long.

[Little Me]

Originally Posted by BlueInanna

right, the thirstiness, and the peeing often. those side effects wore off at about 6 months for me. i barely notice now.

make sure pdoc is doing due diligence and checking out other things like vitamin D and thyroid levels.

you'll be ok Little Me. it's just a word, bpII. just a word, you are still who you've always been.

BlueInanna thanks. It is a word yes. More and more of who i've been and am is coming up and coming into conflict and getting all confused. I do pretty well though. Especially when I don't think about any of it and just do what I do and stay active.