Many years after lithium toxicity

[petersurvivor]

Is there anything to treat neurological problems and PTSD caused by long-term effects of lithium toxicity ?

[cat3]

The little I know about lithium poisoning is it's a serious condition with treatments such as dialysis and flushing of the system to clear the bloodstream.

I doubt any of us here on the forum are qualified to discuss such a complex issue, and I suggest you contact the Headway helpline where you'll find, or be directed to, more expert advice.

I do hope you'll find the necessary treatment ....although I'm surprised you're not already a NHS priority ??

Do phone Headway on Monday morning Peter, and please come back to let us know how you get on. The no. is freephone 0808 800 2244 during office hours.

However, if you're having troubling symptoms you should attend A&E tonight..

Take care, Cat..

[petersurvivor in reply to cat3]

The actual toxicity was 40 years ago, and though I survived, I am left with neurological problems.

[cat3 in reply to petersurvivor]

OK ...so the lithium is no longer in your system but has left you with neurological issues ?

Has your GP not offered to refer you to a neuro specialist for assessment ? What are your symptoms Peter ? (sorry for all the questions ; just trying understand why you're not getting professional help).

[petersurvivor in reply to cat3]

I have low-level continuous fits in the brain, damage to my retina and mental impairment, To justify referral to a specialist, a more recent causation would be necessary, as I have endured this problem for 40 years.

[cat3 in reply to petersurvivor]

OK Peter, so you need support with access back into the system. Most brain injuries remain current for years, or for life, and you are entitled to treatment or therapy so long as you're struggling with symptoms. But waiting times are a big problem for everyone nowadays (unless taking the private route).

The best people to validate the ongoing nature of brain injury issues are the Headway team, so please speak with them on Monday on the tel. no. above....

Good luck...

[TreesMTBI in reply to petersurvivor]

Hi Peter sorry to hear about your very long term issues.

Has your GP said this to you, that you need a more recent causation to get a referral? To my mind, if you are suffering in any way and your life is being so adversely affected then you should still be entitled for referral.

I suffered mTBI nearly 7 years ago (along with PTSD) when abroad and it wasn’t dealt with at all at the time (long traumatising story). But in Jan 2023, I finally went to the NHS with all of symptoms after trying to get back to ‘normal’ for 5.5 years. GPs have been fantastic, unfortunately I’ve been subject to long waiting lists for my referrals but am slowly getting the help I need. I’d say call Headway as they really were fantastic and helped me to pinpoint exactly what I needed to say when I first approached my GP- to get a referral initially to neurology.

When I look through my records from the past 6 years, my symptoms are all there but I didn’t bring up my accident or relate the whole of my symptoms to what had happened to me, until I had yet another breakdown/burnout in Jan 2023, trying to live ‘normally’.

I would think about how to express how all your symptoms detrimentally affect your day to day. To my mind, you absolutely do deserve to get the help and support you need, regardless of time passed, if your quality of life is being so affected!

As per Cat’s post, contact Headway who are lovely and supportive. Let us know how you get on.

All the best future health wishes to you.

Tx