OK, I'm exercised

[elwoodsf]

Thank you for all the responses to my recent posts. I am doing much better, no thought's of suicide. Yesterday I went out and shoveled snow, walked back and forth over the acre to pick up garbage left by the racoons or other animals. We haven't had garbage service for two weeks due to snow. I came back in the house and actually ate something, not just milk or juice. I held it down ok. Then a three hour nap topped of the afternoon. At least I'm not sleeping everyday.

I went onto the Addiction site. I asked a Dr. about coming off of my Vicodin that I have been on for three years due to various injuries, headaches, surgeries. I think I am going through withdrawals including the Christmas mess. Six days ago I just stopped the pain pills because I'm not in much pain. With my levels of Lithium, I cannot take any anti inflamitories. This was the same day the manic set in. I'm sure it was a combination of both that brought on my thoughts of suicide and physical pain. I don't know. I guess it doen't matter much since I'm feeling better, not so depressed. The only issue was sleeping last night. I woke up thrashing around most of the night. My legs and arms would just ache and stiffen up. My poor dog went into her kennel for protection.

I injure myself often, not on purpose, I'm just a clutz. I have been on Lithium since I was 23 years old. I would like to go onto something else so I can take Advil etc. instead of pain pills. The other options I have been given cause weight gain (my girlfriend gained 40 pounds). I had an eating disorder before my diagnosis of bipolar and gaining weight is still scary to me, even though I've put on 40 in the past four years YUCK! (Refer to above; injuries, illness, surgeries).

Any suggestions I can take to my pshyc? I take Lithium, Lamictal, Lexapro and Diazepam.

[GeorgiaAnnie]

I find as the years go by, mania leaves me with sore muscles..  Hyper mania leaves me with sore muscles.  All movements are sore at first.  Then I move til I drop.  Very fortunate, get by with Aleve, and liquor.....

[LeftCoastChick]

I found, because I have arthritis and chronic back pain, I was taking a lot of pain meds before being diagnosed with BP. I am not sure how, but my pain has gone from constant, every moment pain to  maybe a couple hours a day, sometimes I go a couple of days with out pain. Unfortunately when it hurts now it really hurts, I suspect because I can't take the NSAID's anymore because of the Lith.

Your brain has had Vicodin in it  instead of using your endorphins as a pain blocker. It's going to hurt because your brain doesn't know what to do right? I would say going through that will definitely make you depressed and suicidal on top of already being BP Your brain is a very very sensitive organ, if you think of it that way, in a clinical manner, it makes sense.

[GeorgiaAnnie]

weight.  Even without meds the weight requires attention.  I'm 190 teetering on 200.  Tough during holidays with celebrations, and food.

Glad you are off the pain killers.  Hope progress continues well.

[LeftCoastChick]

I've got a combination of BP and Bulemia in remission.  Know that meds don't have the same side effects for each person.. I'm on Lithium, Seroquel, and Lamactil, with ativan when I need it.  You may or may not gain weight, I think eating a healthy diet can curtail the weight gain anyways. I haven't gained any, but have actually lost a little, because I'm to control my urges to eat!

I'm a klutz too!  Always have been. I think it's because we rush around and not think before we do things. I've actually been more careful lately, and having injured myself other then wacking my thumb from a hammer.

From what I am told Seroquel and Lamactil are the two meds that have the least risk of gaining weight.  If you haven't gained weight within the first month of taking the meds, I wouldn't worry too much to be honest.