(I have also posted this in the medication thread)

I recently heard back from my psychiatrist regarding my blood tests (please everyone get yours regularly) and I am presently taken a back, alarmed, and very anxious.

It seems I am being sent for tests regarding my thyroid.

It is the referral however to a kidney specialist that has me upset.

I have been reading of close calls with kidney related lithium toxicity. I had never heard of this. I knew about thyroid difficulty but not renal failure.

I'm a wee bit anxious here.

Kidney and thyroid are common problem...read the statistics...it's scary. I'm sorry you are dealing with this and hope the tests come out okay.

[jtassar93]

I'm sorry you're dealing with this. Good luck on your tests! It's even scarier to me not knowing your lithium levels. My pdoc doesn't order tests that often.

Originally Posted by jtassar93

I'm sorry you're dealing with this. Good luck on your tests! It's even scarier to me not knowing your lithium levels. My pdoc doesn't order tests that often.

This is not good. (((Hugs)))

[TRNRMOM]

Originally Posted by justafriend306

(i have also posted this in the medication thread)

i recently heard back from my psychiatrist regarding my blood tests (please everyone get yours regularly) and i am presently taken a back, alarmed, and very anxious.

It seems i am being sent for tests regarding my thyroid.

It is the referral however to a kidney specialist that has me upset.

I have been reading of close calls with kidney related lithium toxicity. I had never heard of this. I knew about thyroid difficulty but not renal failure.

I'm a wee bit anxious here.

i can relate: I was on 450mg. Of lithium for 35 yrs. (am a 70 yr.old female); diagnosed as hypomanic only and was under care of psychiatrists entire time on lithium, always having blood work done but mainly checking lithium levels...long story short over the years, i had thyroid issues and have been on thyroid meds. All this time; had parathyroids removed cause lithium caused over-production of calcium and about 2 yrs. Ago started having kidney blood work indicating all was not right. I immediately got off the lithium and my kidney issues resolved. Not one psych dr. Ever informed me about the long-term bad side effects of lithium and the effect on kidneys. Do your homework and research...and good luck.

[Wander]

Scary stuff. I have been on Lithium for 4 years. Have regular blood tests and have never been toxic but my thyroid was off after about 2 years and now I take thyroid meds to combat it.

Want off of Lithium but it seems to be the only med that reduced my impulsivity during bad episodes. Before Lithium I became violently self-detrucive and could not control my urges. I am hoping to get to a stable place and stay there for 6 months then get off the Lithium.

Really hope your kidneys and thyroid are ok. The fact that you haven't been toxic before is a good sign. Keep us posted.

thanks everyone