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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Mr. Scott on February 12, 2002, at 18:53:59
It's looking more and more like the combination of Lithium + Lamictal will prove to be the way to treat the greatest number of bipolars.For what it's worth...Maybe nothing...
Scott
Posted by Mark H. on February 13, 2002, at 0:05:06
In reply to My doctor said, posted by Mr. Scott on February 12, 2002, at 18:53:59
Friend Scott,
Have you taken lithium? It's a rather crude hammer, hard on the kidneys, leaves one feeling a bit poisoned and altogether less than bright.
What's-her-name (author of The Unquiet Mind and co-author of the Oxford University Press textbook Manic Depressive Illness) even admits she couldn't read for ten years while on lithium. Lucky for her she already had her doctorate in psychology and a nice teaching position at a medical school before she could no longer read a textbook. :-) Always thought it was a bit presumptuous of her to then claim that everyone with bipolar disorder should always be on maintenance lithium. How many of us could hold down the jobs we do without being able to focus enough to read a book?
I think/believe/hope that future treatments for bipolar disorder will involve ever more subtle chemical and perhaps electrical or magnetic manipulation of the brain, without resorting to elemental systemic lithium.
Lithium falls into what I like to call (with mild cynical derision) "19th Century Veterinary Medicine." I used to raise goats, and the only textbook reference at the time was something published around the turn of the previous century. For infections, it suggested poisoning your goat with iodine until her legs became wobbly and her eyes rheumy, then pull her off of it. Sometimes it successfully killed the infection; sometimes it killed the goat.
I recognize the importance of maintenance lithium sulfate to those primary bipolars who would lose their freedom if they didn't maintain; under those conditions, I would willingly take it as well. But to assume that any bipolar condition automatically requires maintenance lithium is, in my opinion, a very dangerous medical "fad" based on protecting the doctor from potential criticism, not on providing the best possible treatment or care for the patient.
Whew! I hope you know the heat behind this is NOT directed in any way at you, Scott. I'm glad you passed on your doctor's opinion so that others could comment on it.
Yours,
Mark H.
Posted by Mark H. on February 13, 2002, at 14:36:43
In reply to Re: My doctor said, posted by Mark H. on February 13, 2002, at 0:05:06
I just realized my previous post could be easily misconstrued to include all lithium use. By "maintenance," I meant "continuous use of lithium sulfate at therapeutic levels"; that is, blood levels of lithium that are carefully balanced just below the level of toxicity.
I most emphatically did NOT intend my comments to include the adjunctive use of small amounts of lithium sulfate in what is sometimes called "sub-therapeutic" dosages.
Also, Scott, you are both Mr. Scott and SLS, are you not? If so, many of us already owe you a great debt for your years of intelligent, compassionate assistance here.
Best wishes,
Mark H.
Posted by mr.scott on February 13, 2002, at 17:37:46
In reply to Clarification, posted by Mark H. on February 13, 2002, at 14:36:43
Posted by Chloe on February 13, 2002, at 18:14:51
In reply to Clarification, posted by Mark H. on February 13, 2002, at 14:36:43
Posted by Mark H. on February 14, 2002, at 14:43:00
In reply to Do you mean lithium *carbonate*? (nm) » Mark H., posted by Chloe on February 13, 2002, at 18:14:51
Chloe,
Of course! I was thinking of John Cade's early experiments with lithium urate and confabulated the "sulfate" part. I actually used to prize myself on having a good memory.
Lithium Carbonate is correct.
Mark H.
Posted by Mark H. on February 14, 2002, at 14:44:04
In reply to not SLS..just another guy named Scott.. (nm) » Mark H., posted by mr.scott on February 13, 2002, at 17:37:46
Scott,
You are still a great person and a wonderful contributor to this board! I very much appreciate your comments and insights, and I'm very glad you're here.
Many thanks,
Mark H.
Posted by Mr. Scott on February 14, 2002, at 19:21:15
In reply to Re: not SLS..just another guy named Scott.., posted by Mark H. on February 14, 2002, at 14:44:04
You're too kind my friend! It's your posts which are insightful and detailed.. I've already saved two of them in my MS word PB file. Not too many make it in there. You currently own the lions share!
Scott
This is the end of the thread.
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