Posted by Jennifer on July 13, 2000, at 1:50:36
In reply to Lithium testing…, posted by Janice on July 12, 2000, at 23:34:38
Janice,
Hi! Yes, if you increase your water intake, it will "lower your number". I don't get much of a diuretic (water loss) effect from caffeine, but if you do, it will increase the number. Lithium is throughout your entire body, which is hugely water. Changes in your normal fluid intake will change your results, as will things like increased salt intake that make you retain fluid. Just think of it diluting itself in the water. If you are new to Lithium, it's great that your doctor is testing your level. No real need to do it more often. Many times when people are right at the "top edge" of levels, they get tremors. If you find this happening to you, let your MD know. Otherwise, he just wants to see how it's building up and hanging around in your system, so there is no need to test every 4 days. If your levels remain stable for several months, he will hopefully back off the the labs and trust your instict as to how you feel. I could tell right where my level was, but it takes time. Hope this helps a bit. I'll watch for others replies to your question. Jennifer> Hello,
>
> I'm on 900 mg of lithium, and had my blood tested recently at 1.08. My psychiatrist says he likes it at about .8, but I do so well on lithium that this is fine and we will just continue to monitor my blood every month or so. So my questions are:
>
> •if I drink more water, will this bring the numbers down?
>
> •if the answer is yes, would that mean if I drank caffeine, would that bring the numbers up?
>
> •Why do I have to be tested every month? It just seems so random. Why not go in every 4 days for 3 weeks?
>
> Thanks, Janice
>
> I always have so many questions, and they always seem to come to me when I leave his office.
poster:Jennifer
thread:40272
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000708/msgs/40283.html