[goofygirl]

I meet with the p-doc at 2:30-ish... whenever he gets to me. Been charting my moods to the best of my ability... therapist suggested I do it over 3 weeks ago, and for once, I listened!

I just worry. If he is so set on a diagnosis he tried to slap on me over 10 years ago after seeing me for a total of 30 minutes recently (I'm giving him credit for the 15 minutes that he'll see me today), should I get a second opinion, or just try and find another p-doc?

This is just the perfect day to feel like this... a thunderstorm woke me last night... I laid in bed and watched it... it just seemed to fit the way that I've been feeling lately.

Sorry to drone on and on. Going to start doing somethings I really need to do around this apartment of mine. Then I think I just might make a break for it and get outta here for awhile... maybe.

[goofygirl]

Full update is up under therapy... I think my post would be deleted if I said what I really thought of the man at this juncture. Suffice it to say I got a referral to another set of docs... ones that will actually test prior to a diagnosis. I cried when I left his office... he ignored all of what I said... just gave me refills, and I will continue to take the meds until switched by my new p-doc... last time I went off without doctor supervision, I almost took a permanent vaccation. I feel better now... it IS better to get tested and diagnosed than to just take what someone tells you after 30 minutes, right?

[TheCheshireCat]

What you describe is so bloody familiar. I've been to two docs in the past who were ready to make a PRONOUNCEMENT -- as if they were sodding kings -- of what I had in about 10 minutes. Time has proven both to be off the mark. And even if one had hit on the accurate diagnosis by some miracle, bipolar disorder with rapid cycling, I'd still not have believed it. Mind you, I think anything a therapist or pdoc says needs to be taken with a grain of salt. The good ones will admit that at best they're making educated guesses -- and that admission of fallibility tends to cultivate trust in me more than an attempt to come across as omniscient. The good pdocs, like mine now, will even cop to the fact that they don't really understand the biochemical mechanisms by which ANY psychotropic meds work. I mean, lithium is a SALT, for God's sake -- how does a salt act as a mood stabilizer? In any case, you're spot on with your conclusion: if your gut reaction tells you that the diagnosis being foisted on you doesn't fit your symptoms, don't let yourself get talked into believing something that may be inaccurate. I let it happen to me in the past, and it's easy, because I felt so vulnerable and wanted answers and proactive steps taken quick as possible. But the wrong medicine follows the wrong diagnosis, and that can really get you into it up to your neck. So keep being skeptical -- it's a healthy attitude to bring to any session with a pdoc or therapist. Ta. Cheshire Cat

[goofygirl]

Thank you for the encouragement! I just got scheduled with a new p-doc that was highly recommended, along with all those in his office. Gotta wait til June 7, but there will be no decree after the first appointment!

[NLITEN]

What I wouldn't give for a good thunderstorm!!! I think there's nuthin worse than going through a depressive state in the blaring incessant so cal sun. None the less, your p-doc works for you, if you're not happy with him and he's not listening to you fire him (or at least demote him). There must be more help there then him. I am unsatisfied with my psychiatrist now too, so am about to see a psychologist: the difference is night and day. I mean whereas pyschiatrist can barely fit you in for 15 minutes and try to mold you to fit around whatever diagnosis they want to apply to you, a psychologist calls you directly listens to YOU and what is really going on (then can talk directly to your psychiatrist on your behalf). I don't know your location or how many options it can afford you, but I am betting that at times you can be just as manipulative of systems as I can, so make it work for you love! anything I can do to help let me know!!! send some rain my way too....=)