inspired and crushed

Last week after reading some post of people back on meds and doing better I decided to take my meds. Had appt with doc today and told him I had been filling the scripts but not taking them. I wanted to tell him what my main issues were and see what he recommended for me to take. If I remember right I probably wasnt real upfront at my initial exam about allll of my issues. OMG He didnt even want to know what my problems were he just asked what med would I like to try. Again OMG, who is the doc here. Id like to think im educated some about the meds out there but really. As I was leaving the billing lady caught me and need some paperwork signed. The billing lady asked more about my issues than the darn doc. I havent been to therapy recently other than talking with my kids therapy doc but my thereapy doc is next door to the psychiatrist. I went straight over after all this. I walked in just so upset. Here I am to ask for help and the doc cant even show a lil interest or concern. Well atleast im gonna start goin back to a tharapist that will help some im sure. But as far as meds im on my own i guess. Wish me luck

That sinks that he didn't show more care! I am really proud of you for taking the right steps though. Perhaps you can look for another pdoc?

Good for you for doing the right thing. And going to the t was also a good move. I think you are really heading the right direction.

I agree with PS... look for another doc. Sometimes what happens is when patients are noncompliant (ie not taking your meds as prescribed) docs figure it's a power struggle thing. WHen that happens often times the doc will completely defer to the patient figuring that if they aren't going to do what the doc says, maybe they'll listen if it's their idea.

Im of course just guessing here with this as I don't know the exact situation but it could be something as simple as he think you're not going to listen to him. Maybe you could talk to him about it at your next appt and tell him the reasons why you weren't taking your meds. If you're still not happy with him, absolutely find someone else!!! Good luck with this situation. Take care!

Aww, hugs!

I had something like that happen to me the other day. I saw a GP that I've seen once before, unrelated to MI issues, for some things and mentioned that I'm seeing a psychiatrist soon as my psychologist believes I'm bipolar.

He turned around and went, "That's very serious. It's a slim chance you have bipolar." Thanks for confusing that hell out of me - he doesn't know my history and this is the second time his every seen me for a brief amount of time. He has a nice personality but I didn't need all the 'nothing is wrong' ****. Because there is - whether it really is BP or something else.

Docs can be ever so frustrating! Just keep your chin up. Thing I tell myself is that it's nothing personal - for all we know they're overworked that day, mightn't be comfortable with MI etc. I know that's harder to do when you do have a relationship with the doctor. But I know in the past, doctors have tried to 'help' me with things that aren't something they're comfortable with, particularly newer doctors, so you end up being their guinea pig without them meaning it to happen because they think they're still assisting you.

plus unfortuantely i think a lot of dr's base their conclusions on what they've seen in other people. they see so much of one thing... people faking it, etc... that they just assume everyone is. i don't know that this is the case with your dr. but a lot doctors are moody people (take it from a nurse who often has to call them in the middle of the night!!) try not to take it personally. they have their issues too. not that it excuses their behavior. if it continues, i would defanitly find another dr. you deserve the best care you can get.

If you go to see another pdoc, during the intake interview but upfront and tell him/her everything. That's what they need to be able to help you.

Thanks guys, I have been thinking about this since and I think im gonna give him a chance. Im goin back in a few weeks and im gonna tell him I didnt appreciate his unwillingness to hear me out and that I am really ready to do what needs to be done and Im want his professional input on my treatment. I hope that is enough to get him to listen to me. If it is not Ill then call and request a new pdoc and express my concerns about his behavior to his boss.

This particular clinic is the only one in my area that accepts my insurance and its the equivilant of a free clinic. I know most of the pdocs here are either burned out,under payed, leave for better jobs, and like to just push pills. Its real sad to have to settle for less than standard care just because of insurance issues. Sometimes I believe bad care is just about as bad as no care...in some cases. I know its a dream but I would love for everyone one day to have the necessary care that we need to be successful and productive with our treatment and issues.......well thats enough of my rambling...I wish everybody the best and thanks for the comments I appreciate them.

I think we confuse the role of psychiatrist with the role of psychologist. They each have their place. Psychiatrists are medical doctors and just like our family physicians, their focus is on medicine. My primary care physician/family physician spends just enough time needed to come to a logical diagnosis. Then he sends me on my way with a script for medicine. His patients are scheduled every 10 minutes. Why do we expect more from our psychiatrists who are also schedule at 10 minute appointments. When I want to sit and talk about what is happening in my life I go to my psychologist. When I want to see about my psychotrophic medicine I see my psychiatrist. In 10 - 15 minutes she can ask me how everything is going, look at the depression scale I filled out and decide if my medications need to be changed. Sure, she has to listen to me but she doesn't have to listen very long. There are lists of symptoms for depression and (hypo)mania and this discrete information, along with any side effects I am experiencing, are all she really needs to know to decide if my medications need to be changed. I tell my psychologist my life story. I tell my psychiatrist about my mood states and possible side effects.

Thank you for your comment. I do understand the difference between my psychiatrist and psychologist. I just believe the pdoc that is prescribing me meds to atleast first understand whats going on with me and why I might need the meds. This particular doc was suggesting meds and not looking at my file or listening to me and even asking me what meds I wanted. Yeah I get what your saying, I guess I just want the doc prescribing these powerful drugs to me to atleast show some competance and compassion.

You deserve to have a competent and compassionate doctor! And, he should be listening to you even though it is just for a few minutes. Again, I feel very lucky to have the pdoc I have.

That stinks that your Doc couldnt show a bit more interest what a ****!!
Maybe by asking you what meds you would like to try he was giving you some control. I found I was in a position where the Doc was giving me one drug after the other, I started to feel that I had no control and that they had all the control, to gain that control back I thought about stopping all the meds, I didnt but overdosed instead-I have to have control.
I have come to terms with the fact to be well I need those bloody meds and I am actually in control, if I stop taking them I will get sick hence I do have a choice, so I have now chosen to take the bloody things to get me well again.