[OutlawedSpirit]

So I haven't been too terribly thrilled with my pdoc lately. I'm on Abilify and Geodon right now, and they seem to have leveled out my mood and brought my psychotic symptoms to a minimum, which I am eternally grateful for. However, they sure haven't helped with my anxiety.

My pdoc doesn't seem to want to do much for my anxiety. She said she can increase my Geodon more to help with the intrusive type thoughts, but as far as anxiety goes, she refuses to add another med. I'm getting tired of living with it. Plus, I don't really want to raise my Geodon any because it already makes me tired.

When I first started seeing my pdoc, I felt like she listened to me really well, and was willing to address any and all concerns I've had. Lately, it seems like we've come to an impasse, and I think I'm ready to call it quits.

I have an appointment with her the 31st, and an initial consultation with a new pdoc the 5th of August. I'm nervous about meeting with a new pdoc, as I do like my pdoc now, but I just don't think she is hearing me about this anxiety problem.

Am I making a mistake? Am I just overreacting to my anxiety?

[wiretwister]

I have no answer for you but my anxiety tortured me for a long time, thankfully it waned over time hopefully yours will too,

[AyeDubbaU]

I've been going to doctors for a long time, for other things way before my diagnoses. And when a doctor and I no longer jived, My parents (who also have a lot of experience with doctors) told me that it is MORE than okay to switch. If your having anxiety and now they are adding to it, they are now doing the exact opposite of what they are supposed to do. They got you on the right track, which you can be grateful for, and now you have the right to go to someone else who can continue you on those meds, or find a new solution (though that can be daunting to, I know). But it's better than going to the doc for help and they add to the problem of anxiety and confusion, sometimes even helplessness. I hope this inspires some healing.

[~Christina]

I would be interviewing new Pdocs .... I hope you find some relief from your anxiety.

[wildflowerchild25]

I'm having the same issue with anxiety and it's horrible. I have yet to speak with my pdoc about it but if she were to refuse to help with it I might consider switching. Between the depression and anxiety I have lost ten pounds. I hate being so sick with worry that I can't eat. If my current pdoc didn't see it as a problem I wouldn't want to keep seeing her.

My point is anxiety is debilitating and if no one is going help you then it's time to find someone who will. I don't think you're overreacting.

[OutlawedSpirit]

I guess part of my problem is I tend to be loyal to people to a fault, and I don't know, I guess I feel like I'm almost betraying her by making an appointment with another pdoc.

[AyeDubbaU]

you have no obligation to anyone but yourself and your health. now I hope I can take and use that as well.... X)

[cashart10]

I had the same pdoc for 15 years and, while pregnant, disagreed with something he was doing and telling me. It took much consideration but I decided to get a second opinion. As nerve wracking as it was, I scheduled and appointment with him just to let him know I was switching for at least the duration of the pregnancy. He hugged me and told me he really appreciated me telling him this and not just leaving and that he fully supported me. I was very relieved. I prefer my new pdoc (she is amazing) and I stayed with her but I still miss my old pdoc. I am not saying you should do this or even that your pdoc would respond the same way. I just want you to know you are not alone and it is ok to seek a second opinion if you feel the need.

[BipolaRNurse]

You are not on a lot of meds, and your doses are in the mid-range. I think there's a lot more that can and should be done in the area of your anxiety. You don't necessarily need a benzo---if you can avoid using them, it's usually best because they are VERY addictive. (I've been on benzos for so many years now that I'll probably never come off.)

But there are some anti-depressants that can help prevent anxiety, and at low dosages they're less apt to flip you into mania. (That's why I'm also on a sub-subtherapeutic dose of Celexa, even though ADs in larger amounts make me manic. It's worth the small risk to keep the anxiety to a minimum.) Talk to your new pdoc about it and see what s/he thinks. Good luck.