About Karen Brawner Expertise I will answer any questions you have regarding the thyroid whether it be cancer, cysts (types), hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, blood tests for thyroid problems, surgery, fine needle biopsies etc...
Experience My complex cysts on my right thyroid gland and the isthmus were found my accident when my doctor thought I was having a TIA. The ultrasound found a complex cysts the size of a golf ball (which turned out to be the size of a tennis ball when it was surgically remove). Doctors were totally surprised because for 5 years, including the day I went to surgery, all of my thyroid blood work was "within the normal range". So much for blood work being conclusive..
Question I have contacted our family doctor but it doesn't hurt to get an opinion from someone who hears so many thoughts on this subject. My daughter a few months ago started acting up, at age 15 I guess it might be normal except that she becaom very depressed. We took her to a crisis center as she was cutting herself. That was Feb 6th 2006, she has been in the crisis hospital until 3 weeks ago when she was admitted into a residential treament facility for cutting. I have been almost bullied into giving her so much medicine including Lithium, Prozaec, Abilify, Remron, Serequel (she's on now) and a few more I don't remember. Anyway, getting to the point. She has been complaining of being cold (1st time shes ever said that), gained 35 pounds. went into the hosp at 118lbs and now 145+ lbs in 4 monthes...is lathargic at times and overall not feeling well. I was just informed by the staff that her choloesteral is high and her thyroid is very low. They want to medicate once again. I have said NO...until I find out more info. I have called her adolescent doctor as well but is there any connection to underactive thyroid and antiphsycotic/antidepressant drugs ? It's hard to deal with all these things as it is but all the meds are insane.
Thank you so much for your time. ~
Leisha
Answer Dear Leisha, Lithium CAN cause problems with the thyroid glands and it can also cause sodium metabolism problems... Thyroid blood tests and sodium blood tests should be done often while taking Litium and if she MUST remain on this drug, then she WILL need medication etc if the thyroid and sodium blood tests are abnormal.... If she does not get treated for both the thyroid and cholesterol problems, this could do damage to her body including her heart....
You need to go to a search engine like YAHOO and type in the search phrase
lithium and prozac effects on the thyroid
lithium and prozac effects on cholesterol
You will be very surprized with what you find.... Real these web sites carefully especiall regarding the sodium and what this can cause too....
If your adolescent doctor is available, I would get a list of all of her medications she is being given, make an appointment with her/him for YOU to see him/her and go over ALL of these meds, her current thyroid and cholesterol rise and talk about whether or not you are doing the right thing having her in these settings where she can NOT get proper MEDICAL help.... These types of places are ONLY interested in her cutting and they will do what ever they can to stop that even if it means damage to her over-all health...
