[grizmom]

I just got home from seeing the doctor...my regular pdoc was not in this week so they got me in with someone else for an emergency appt. She was very nice, but she didn't want to start any new meds since she isn't my regular doctor, which I understand. My mood has been swinging between baseline and moderate-severe depression for a couple of weeks; and I'm cycling fast, sometimes back and forth just during the day, so she had me change from 150mg Lamotrigine 1 time a day to 100mg Lamotrigine 2 times a day. My anxiety has gotten a lot worse again, my regular pdoc upped the 1mg clonazepam to 3 times per day at the end of January, and it helped but I was exhausted all the time...the tiredness is slowly wearing off but now my anxiety is through the roof again, so she changed it to 1mg 4 times per day as needed. I guess I'll have to put up with being exhausted for another month

I have to follow up with my regular pdoc on April 20, and I still want to see a different doctor but I found out I have to tell him I want to switch and why...one of the reasons I want to switch is that he scares me, lol, so I'm scared to tell him. I'm going to see if someone from that new program I'm in will go with me, otherwise my mom said she would go in with me. He yelled at me once before when I asked for a change in my sleep meds (I was in the hospital at the time too, it really scared me). So I'm afraid that I'll tell him I want a new doctor and he'll pitch a fit or something; I'm definitely taking someone in with me!

Today was the first time I used the driver service (since I'm terrified of the city bus, I qualified for a program that will have someone drive me to and from medical appts., therapy appts, or to get medications). The driver was very nice, and it worked out well. I'm grateful that we have that service available for people

BTW, have I told you all lately that you are great?

[Moreta]

You shouldn't need to tell him "why" you want another Doctor. That's crazy.

Since you have too, you should just say: "I am no longer satisfied with the level of care that you provide, and I would like to explore other options." Just leave it at that. Don't go into detail. Set your boundaries and stick with them. Write what you are going to say on a note card, and practice it, even take it to the appointment if you need too. He will try to weasel the details out of you, since that's what he does for a living, but be firm. Also be aware of your body language. Sit leaning back on the chair with you're right leg crossed over your left, don't slouch (since that is perceived as being unsure), make sure your face is relaxed, make direct eye contact, look somewhat serious, but not happy, kind of like a blank stare, rest your hands in your lap, but don't clench or start wringing them, whatever you do, keep your hands away from your face/hair, especially don't cover your mouth while talking.

Did you get all that? lol.....slightly manic today apparently.

I've been reading this book "How to Say it At Work" by Jack Griffen, and there's a whole chapter on body language.

[BNLsMOM]

Good advice.

I am also looking for a new p-doc who I can feel comfortable with. I am having a hard time finding one who is taking on new patients.

I hope you get in with the new doctor you want. Good luck.

[grizmom]

Good luck on your pdoc search!

Originally Posted by BNLsMOM

Good advice.

I am also looking for a new p-doc who I can feel comfortable with. I am having a hard time finding one who is taking on new patients.

I hope you get in with the new doctor you want. Good luck.