[darkeyes]

Well it has been almost 3 weeks and I think the lithium is working, better than the depakote I have been on for almost 19 months, I really feel so much better is it possible?? My brother has been on lithium for almost 30 years and has done well with it so perhaps I will too? Is it possible that in approx. 3 weeks time I am feeling the good side of it too, or is it the power of suggestion that is happening here?? Also does lithium interfer with menstrual cycles? It is hard to tell because I am 44 and have been having some menopausal problems for some time and depakote did not help as far as fouling up things so I was wondering if lithiium had the same features to women and their cycles. Any replies would be appreciated, CamW, do you have any info. in this area of medication side effects? I see my doctor Tues. but maybe someone can give me some info before then. Thanks
Stay well,
"darkeyes"

[CamW]

Hi Darkeyes - I haven't heard anything about lithium causing menstrual problems. I do not think that it affects prolactin levels, whch would be an indication that it would stop menses.

I believe that you are feeling the effects of the lithium and your perceived improved mood is real and not placebo effect. You can feel some improvement in about 5 days and full effect can be seen in 2 to 4 weeks. I am glad to hear that the lithium is working for you. I cannot really assess the improvement in you without seeing and talking to you face to face, but you seem happier in your posts. That and the fact that lithium has it helped you brother for 30 years makes me think that the improvement is real. Your doc will be able to assess your mood much better than I can, so be blunt with him on Tuesday, and ask if he notices any improvement. Let him talk to you for awhile before asking, so he has a chance to assess you, though; this way he won't be swayed by the fact that you want him to see some improvement that may not be there. I really doubt that he won't notice your improvement, though.

I think that it is great that you are feeling better (aside from the menopause thing. Hey, we're all getting older, I turn 40(!) today. Yikes, I've reached middle age; I never thought I'd get there, but here I am.

Take care and keep us updated. - Cam

[splash]

<font color=orange>Happy <font color=blue>Birthday, <font color=purple>Cam!</font color=purple>

[splash]

hi darkeyes,

everything i've read about Lithium hasn't mentioned causing problems with menstruation. i had problems with depakote myself.

you mention having menopausal problems at age 44. my mom, for the past couple years, has reminded both my sister and me that she started menopause early, in her early 40's. do you have, or know of, any history like this in your family?

best wishes,

splash

[darkeyes]

Happy Birthday!!!
Remember you are not getting "old", you are getting better!
Some say it is like "fine" wine, see we are becoming the "vintage" stock. Thanks again for all your info. and words of encouragement, my brother and I are an example that bipolar can be genetic (unfortunately) but with lithium it becomes not all that bad after all, things could be worst. I plan on sticking with lithium forever if I need to just as long as it makes me feel this good. I still have that lack of focus (ADD) which I was told is possible to be both I am convinced it is, now if the doc addresses this I'll be totally happy
Enough of my chatter. Are you planning on doing anything for your 40th?? You know isn't it funny how we do not mentally feel old? I know I don't, I have even had fellow classmates (kids of course) that told me I was "cool" for my age!! "WOW" I guess that is a compliment?? Stay "cool", HAVE A HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!
"darkeyes"

[darkeyes]

Hi Splash,
How are you doing?? Yes, my mom was finished with menopause at my age so I guess I am due soon. It is weird you do not miss not menstruating literally but in your "head" you feel a feeling of loss, (old?) it is a transitional time just like puberty but backwards. Now I am starting to deal with it a little better than a few months back during additional stresses that have subsided. Hey, it is all better than the "alternative", right? Take care and have a good week.
"darkeyes"

[CamW]

Thanks Splash & Darkeyes! - My daughter bought me a cell phone that conects to the internet and my wife has booked what is called "The Paris Special" at this quaint bed and breakfast that we go to every couple years. It consists of a seven course meal; each course served slowly over about a 2 to 3 hour period (to savor every mouthful, always interesting and new flavors). The chef grows his own herbs in window sills, and in summer, the vegetables come from their own garden.

The waiter is attentive and very French (but surprizingly congenial and witty). This place also has some great French wines.

After dinner, dessert is served in the room, followed by Cognac/apertif/coffee/tea. The rooms, each of which are bigger than our first apartment has: actual bedrooms (one to play in and one to sleep in; a kitchenette, stocked with more wine (for purchase); stereo/T.V. with at least 50 cable radio stations (to set any conceivable mood); a huge clawfoot bathtub that fits at least two, probably more.

Each room is "sort of themed" in a particular French style, with authentic antiques in some. We have stayed in most of them and have given some names (The Cezanne Room, The Unicorn Room, The Mirrored Bedroom Room, etc.). It is incredibly romantic. We spent our first anniversary there, a New Year's eve (which was really interesting).

Breakfast is served at a pre-arranged time, in your room. It usually consists of freahly baked croissants, an assortment of cut up fruit, juice, milk, coffee, and tea (all to replenish you fluids, I think

There is also a guest book in every room, which is, needless to say, very interesting to read.

All this for under $200 CDN (not including alcoholic beverages). BTW the place is called "La Bohemme". If you are ever in the Edmonton region, I do recommend it as a good place to romp.

On a more down note; I was in an accident on the highway tonight. I was driving home from work and rear-ended a car that was stopped to turn. I awear that I didn't see brakelights or a turn signal. I hit her between 50 and 60mph and totalled both vehicles. The two ladies were sent to hospital, but it didn't (thank God) look serious. The mother complained of a sore lead, and possibly a sore neck; her daughter seemed fine. I think I am still in shock; that is why I'm babbling. Therefore, I should go to bed.

Take care everyone. - Cam

[darkeyes]

That is too bad, but things should work out right? That B&B sounds like a romance fantasy, you say Edmonton do you mean Wisc.? Or Canada? Do you feel like 40? (ha!ha!) At 44 going on 45 in Jan., I mentally still feel like I am in my 20's but my old clothes are nasty reminders that I'm not, oh well like a book/poster that was around a few years ago, "When I am old I shall wear purple" just about sums it up for now, but you know lately I find I have more and more sweaters and summer t's that are purple, uh oh!! Oh whatever. . .
Try not to let last night's crash cause you to crash okay? Tell your wife she made an excellent choice on a birthday gift pehaps I should have my husband learn about those kind of gifts from her. You sound like a nice couple, like my grandmother who is 92 yrs. old would say, "God bless you"! She is really great for 92 no one believes she is that old, not even us. Take care and stay safe
"darkeyes"