LITHIUM TOXICITY

[enolanow]

I am new here. I have been on LITHIUM for the past 18 years. Have been arguing with my psychiatrist over blood tests, as my last one was January 2021. I now feel very, very unwell, but he doesn’t seem to care. Unfortunately, I live in Spain and have a language barrier.

[Hidden]

Welcome

Generally I am on a six month review for my medications and conditions.

I just had my last bloods about three weeks ago, it was a full screaning all came back fine so it was an understandable confidence builder.

Do they check you every three, six, nine month. Ask your Doctor if possible how often He would advise your bloods to be taken

BOB

[enolanow in reply to Hidden]

Hello, Thanks for your reply. I come from the U.K., where I used to have blood tests

every 3 months to check the lithium level. I suffer from major depressive disorder and also take an antidepressant. For some unexplained reasons, checking Lithium level, thyroid, kidneys, appears not as important in Spain.

My last blood test was January 2021. I see the psychiatrist every 4 months

who seems to take a delight in telling me each time, that I don’t need a blood test. I have told him ,shown proof, of how often it is done in the U.K, to no avail. I am very, very unwell now, not help with brain fog. I should not have to

cope with that at 75 years. Any suggestions ?

[Hidden in reply to enolanow]

I understand your are living in a different State. I know when I was travelling in Europe I used a health card to present to a Doctor or Hospital

You explain you live in Spain, are you a British or Spanish National. ? and remaining in Spain. Especially with what is going on with BREXIT. I am seventy and I have bloods checked at least once a year, also the Chemist or Doctor checks out on my prescription at least once a year. How are you getting Dentisry, and your eyes done. Both of above are checked for me every three months. Generally the Dentist checks every six months as does the Opticion at once a year. I have heard of problems regards UK Nationals and Spanish Health Services. It may be you need to pay for a full screan overy 6 to 12 months

BOB

[GEOFFERS1967]

hi i am sorry to hear your situation, I have been on lithium for many years, you must have blood tests every 3 months if you are starting to feel unwell it could be a sign that you might have a slight kidney issue if the lithium is to strong it could cause kidney damage which is not reversable,you must get your GP to do urgent kidney and liver function tests, if your GP still refuses to do this the best option is to tell him you will have to go to your nearest hospital to have the blood tests done there and give the hospital your GPs full name. i hopw you get this resolves very soon.Many thanks.

Geoff.

[lifted]

Hi , enolanow , I've been where you are and these answers are spot on !!

Do you still have family in the UK? I'm not sure if you can visit yet, but you could go to any A and E here and just explain your symptoms specially if you feel low . Please don't let it fester even if you have to pay , just go to your local hospital and explain how you feel .and demand they do one !!

Good luck and please let me know

Sheila