Appointment with the pdoc was today.

Went to the reception where I was to meet a woman who was going to do some screening or something and then take me to the psychologist. Got there, and... she'd gone home sick. INSTANT panic on my end. I had a friend with me (I've never been in the hospital here and don't know my way around) and my friend stepped right in and asked how to get to where I was just told to go. Was busy panicing over getting lost and the fact that I was to be meeting with a guy whose qualifications I did not know.

Go up to the area and wasn't sure where to go... and then a guy was like "L?" so he was clearly the right guy. I was waiting in the hall with my friend and she informed me that her mom was currently in an appointment (that has to do with cancer ) a few doors down from where we were. That I found to be rather amusing (that it was at the same time and right in the same hallway) so that distracted me.

The mental health worker that I'd just met was in the appointment with the psychiatrist with me. I wasn't sure what to make of that? He didn't really talk at all though.

The pdoc went over my referral from my GP and started to ask me various questions about my ups and downs - They were good and direct and I almost always was able to give a clear answer. A few times I was like "I'm not really sure.. I don't always pay too close attention to it."

Eventually he asked me if I had any idea what my diagnosis was - I said "I'm pretty sure I'm bipolar two" and he informed me that I was most definitely that. He seemed very confident in it, and although I am very confident in it, I don't really know how he could be that sure from a conversation with me?!

Then we were talking about meds and he seemed to be impressed a bit that I'm quite well read on the topic. Fortunatly he suggested the med that I want to try first (lamictal) because if he hadn't or if he hadn't wanted to let me try that one first... I'd have likely had a break down or gotten b****y with him. He asked if I knew about it's serious potential side affect and then I think he quized me after I indicated that yes, I knew it that it had a chance of about 1 in 3000 (from what I've read anyway) of getting the rash. Then I think he quizzed me when he asked if I knew what it was called and seemed pleased that I knew it was called Steven Johnson syndrome.

So we talked about that a bit, and he told me that if it's benign it'll be flat and not itchy. If it's harmful it'll be raised and itchy, and if I get a rash near anyhwere "moist" on my body (like around your mouth) then to stop taking the pill immediately and get in contact with him.

I'm going to have to see and talk to the mental health worker about once a week. He did seem good, but I'm leary as I don't know his qualifications. I will have to ask him that (amongst other things) when I talk to him earlier next week.

THEN he walked me outside and I got a text from my friend - when I called her back it turns out that she was still at the hospital visiting her mom! So I went and found her and she gave me a ride. I ended up going to a bunch of garage sales with her and her husband and then they made me supper.

So... it's gone well, but I still don't know what I think.

Is it official? Is it not? I don't know. It just seems strange to be confident in my responses in less than an hour.