Other Cptsd + bipolar + brain injury

[BustersBuddy]

I have all kinds of shit going on inside. CPTSD from abusive parents and spouse. Bipolar seems to run in the family. About 15months ago my PsychNP failed to pick up on lithium toxicity, leaving me with permanent, non traumatic, brain damage. Seems the whole world understands TBI in 45yo, but not the brain injury minus the trauma.

I fell last Saturday and hurt my ankle real bad. Have had to explain to too many medical professionals why I fell and why I can't just walk in the boot I have to wear for the next 4 to 6 weeks. Even my best friend,who knows how unbalanced I am normally, doesn't get it.

I do not need to fall again and damage something else. At the same time I hate the looks I am getting from people who don't understand why the wheelchair. Just makes me feel worse about my situation and angrier at the NP that let it happen. Trying to keep a brave face for my son; finding it a little harder each day.

 

[Muted]

What is lithium toxicity? Is that caused from a concussion?!

 

[BustersBuddy]

What is lithium toxicity? Is that caused from a concussion?!

Lithium is a drug used to treat bipolar. The effective and safe blood level is a very narrow range. I had almost 3x the upper limit of the safe range in my system, twice what is considered toxic or lethal

 

[joeylittle]

I had almost 3x the upper limit of the safe range in my system, twice what is considered toxic or lethal

How did you build up that high? Didn't your NP have you going in for regular labs?

permanent, non traumatic, brain damage

Does this cause the balance issues you are referring to?

 

[BustersBuddy]

How did you build up that high? Didn't your NP have you going in for regular labs?

Does this cause...

Blood levels were not being properly monitored, which led o the build up, which caused my brain to swell, causing confusion and cognitive impairment. I was so sick I didn't know I was sick. And yes, this caused the brain damage that causes the balance issue.

Before anyone asks, yes I called a lawyer. Hey basically said folks with mental illness, especially Bipolar, do not always take meds as prescribed and blamed me. Working with a second lawyer now.

 

[mamachick]

So sorry you are going through all of this. Try not to concern yourself with others in regard to wheelchair. Any reasonable person knows that we don't know another situation.
I do think lawsuits are difficult for those with mental illness regardless of circumstance. It can be very re-traumatizing...they do get away with badgering.
Where I live, drs do not know so much about traumatic brain injury either. Everyone acts like they do but unless you play for NFL, may be overlooked after diagnosis.
I don't know much about this brain injury...When your lithium levels come down, will you return to previous state?

 

[BustersBuddy]

This all happened may of 2016. I started out in coma for a week, family told I would die or not wake up. When I woke I couldn't talk or control any of my muscles. Couldn't even hold up my head. Was being fed through a tube...

Obviously I have come a long way, being able to walk at all is a miracle. I hate using a walker and have been a bit too stubborn about it. Must learn a lesson here - could be a hip next time. Very disappointed in myself for letting this fall happen. In the back of my mind I knew something like this would happen eventually. It's not like I haven't had a few falls.

Trying to pick myself up through physical pain and major kick self in ass. Extra hard when I see judgement staring at me.