what next? - Bipolar Disorder Message Board

eag · 11-29-2008, 03:00 PM

A little over a year ago I was told I was bipolar (a case of bipolar causing overdrinking or overdrinking resulting in bipolar like behavior).

A year later I'm not better- just different. Sure, I'm not drinking and that is good. But frankly, that is the only difference. I can't say i'm in anyway happy or feel physically better.

So I've dropped a few grand on psychs and meds, seen my weight go up and my hair fall out. And I've been through hell on a geodon induced manic phase.

On top of it-I don't really think the diagnosis is right. Now I've found out that my thyroid is 5.6 with a normal range being somewhere between .5 and 4. (lower is better.)

Any one else have lithium mess up their thyroid? What did you do? My research about this doesn't give me a lot of hope that there's an easy fix. I'm about two weeks away from just quitting all the meds and seeing what happens. I just do NOT see how it could be worse as long as I don't drink.

katlin09 · 11-29-2008, 03:54 PM

Okay, I am totally confused. A Psychiatrist actually told you that too much drinking caused you to be BiPolar? Have you went for a second opinion? Bi Polar Disorder is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain, you are born with it, and I've never heard of it being caused by a certain social behavior. I would definitely get a second opinion on this, to make sure that you are not taking medications that you don't need or that may be causing you harm.

Kat

seaturtle · 11-29-2008, 07:56 PM

Hello,

Sorry you're feeling so bad. My first act, if I were you, would be to get to an endocrinolgist. Thyroid being off can make you feel just horrible, and that needs correcting asap. IMHO, anyway: I have thyroid disease, and if it isn''t regulated right, I am a holy mess in all ways.

A specialist would probably be able to help you out with the question about the lithium.
Taking thyroid meds for life is no big deal, if you have to. What has your pdoc said about the lithium? I know it can make your hair fall out, but thyroid will do that in a second, too.

Just sounds to me as if you need some good medical help now, and if you got your body straightened out, you might feel worlds better. There are meds out there that don't give those side effects, too. I am sure others here will have more advice (I was never on lithium).

Hang in there and go to some doctors. I'm sure you will start feeling better once you've addressed the physical problems.

Keep posting: we're here for support and listening.

Seaturtle

dreams in neon · 11-30-2008, 03:25 AM

I agree with with Kat. I've never head of bipolar being caused by alcohol consumption. If I were you, I'd get a second opinion.

I used to take Lithium a long time ago, but it never had a negative effect on my thyroid.

I'm sorry you're going through such a rough time right now and hope you're able to find the meds you need to help you feel better.

In the meantime, I hope you'll continue to come here for support.

Good luck!