[bluematador]

I went to see a new doctor yesterday to get my migraine prescriptions refilled. She went over my medical history and my metal health history to see all the medications I was on before she filed my prescription. She read all my medical conditions to me and kept shaking her head sadly saying it's such a shame, you are so young. She treated me like I was a walking tragedy. She assumed I was on SSI and was shocked when I told her I was a senior in college. She shook her head with a sad frown on her face and looked at me like I was completely crazy when I told her plans to go to grad school and become a dance therapist. Dance therapy is one of my most beneficial coping skills. I dance everyday. She oozed with pity and treated me like I was severely disabled. I have PTSD, epilepsy,migraines, fibro, and bipolar one disorder. I fight my own doubts and fears everyday as I pursue my dreams. It's amazing the damage an authority figure in a white coat can do in an hour. I spent the rest of the day in tears watching comedies trying to cheer myself up.

[moremi]

That is a horrible doctor. Im so sorry you had to go through that. You can and will prove this moronic doctor wrong.

[bipolarmedstudent]

So sorry that happened to you.

Once I went to see a therapist at the school health centre, and she did the same thing. She was like 'wow, it's amazing you are even able to get through the day!' She told me to drop out of university, because she thought it was too much for me. That just pushed me to work harder, and I got a 4.0 that year!

Take her pity as a reason to work harder. Let it strengthen your resolve. If you look at my signature, I have a bunch of mental health conditions. In my last year of undergrad, I also ended up in the ICU because of a surgery gone wrong. I almost died. But I didn't let that stop me. Now I'm in medical school. And there are others in my class who are dealing with significant medical issues like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and crohn's disease.

You are not your disease, and you can achieve a lot if you set your mind to it. Never let anyone discourage you.

And remember, she's just a person in a white coat. Doctors are people too. They're not perfect beings. They make mistakes. Some of them just plain suck. She's probably always had it easy, never been sick or had major adversity in her life, so she doesn't know what it's like. If she had been ill herself when she was a student, she would know not to pity you. But she just doesn't know any better. Pity her in return for not knowing better. For not being a better doctor. Pity her for that.

[BuggsBunny]

There are some real jerks out there, that's for certain. I had a GP who kept looking at my meds list every visit, and shaking his head, saying I was on too much, why did I need TWO antidepressants, etc. I told him to call my shrink. And I wasn't on near the stuff I'm on now! Last fall, I had a nurse practitioner refuse to prescribe me an antibiotic when it was clearly indicated, and I had used it multiple times before. She said she was intimidated by my list of meds.
Yeah, that really built confidence in her skills.

You are not alone, my friend. Hugs and good wishes, Buggs

[bipolarmedstudent]

Originally Posted by BuggsBunny

There are some real jerks out there, that's for certain. I had a GP who kept looking at my meds list every visit, and shaking his head, saying I was on too much, why did I need TWO antidepressants, etc. I told him to call my shrink. And I wasn't on near the stuff I'm on now! Last fall, I had a nurse practitioner refuse to prescribe me an antibiotic when it was clearly indicated, and I had used it multiple times before. She said she was intimidated by my list of meds.
Yeah, that really built confidence in her skills.

You are not alone, my friend. Hugs and good wishes, Buggs

To be fair, she actually did the right thing. NP's don't have as much training as doctors. She was clearly out of her depth with you. You should never, ever treat a patient if you don't know what you're doing. Can you imagine if the antibiotic had a bad interaction with one of the meds you were on, and you got seriously ill? She would be in a lot of trouble for prescribing something when she didn't have the proper expertise.

The best thing she could have done was to keep you in the clinic and consult with a doctor, to make sure it was okay to prescribe you the drug. But maybe that wasn't possible at the time.

[missmorganxo]

I just wanted to tell you I'm sorry! What a horrible doctor. You can do anything you sit your mind to!

I was told one by a doctor when I told him I was bipolar that may I shouldn't "reproduce." Isn't' that nice? Being nice isn't criteria for being a doctor. Trust me.

Well, I wouldnt say she is a horrible dr. She did take the time to go through all your med history and medical history. A horrible dr wouldn't bother. Sounds like she may be overly pessimistic about people's conditions holding them back, and maybe overly empathetic. Perhaps she cannot picture how she herself would be able to overcome this.

Just take satisfaction in knowing that you can overcome, and that you are. I have a dr like this. But I'm sure he isn't doing it out of any malice. Use it to strengthen your determination. Try not to let it get you down. You are doing it and making things happen in your life, good things. You should be proud! Sorry not trying to tell you what you should feel. Just I would be proud and I feel pride for you.

Oh just want to add that I don't think it's right how you were treated. Dr's of all people should recognize that people can and do overcome illness and should be encouraged to do what they can.

I just don't want you to feel too doubtful because of this one lady. You have worked hard and that's obvious.

[bluematador]

I think it is important not to give a person false hope at the same time some hope is necessary to go on. I am going to continue my search for a new doctor. Hopefully I will find one that is more supportive.

I agree. Sorry I thought this was just a new dr, walk in maybe, not a permanent dr. I wouldn't keep a dr either if I had a choice and didn't feel supported. I wasn't clear on the situation.

Hopefully you find someone more supportive. I'd think a dr would be excited to hear that you are doing well and achieving in other areas of your life.

[bluematador]

It was a new dr. I moved a few years ago and I have been commuting on a bus for three hours to see my old doctor. I am trying to find a new doctor in my area.

[skyscraper]

I'm so sorry your doctor acted that way towards you. She shouldn't have done that at all. Instead of looking at you like your crazy, she should have been applauding (idk if that's the right word to use) you for still wanting to pursue your dreams and go to grad school.

[bipolarmedstudent]

Originally Posted by bluematador

It was a new dr. I moved a few years ago and I have been commuting on a bus for three hours to see my old doctor. I am trying to find a new doctor in my area.

You know, another option might be to talk to the doctor. Explain to her how her comments made you feel. Give her a chance. I think she just didn't know any better. Perhaps it's worth giving her a second chance?