pdoc and t/airplanes rant

I am so, so sick of my pdoc and t talking to each other. I've talked to them about it, and it's better, but they're in the same practice so whatever they put in their "clinical notes" is visible to the other person and apparently they can't change that. I'm at the point where I'm looking for ways to get different health insurance so I can go somewhere else where they AREN'T connected.

Also, apparently, this practice doesn't allow emotional support animal letters. Well, that's not true YET, but my pdoc doesn't want to "get in trouble". So now I have to pay $300 (including purchase of airline-approved carrier), argue with people, and possibly get banned from the airline so I can have my docile cat on my lap so I don't have panic attacks on the airplane. Already called the airline and they require a current letter from someone who currently regularly sees you, etc. etc. etc.

I am just so sick of this practice.

What about them (hopefully) discussing your treatment is uncomfortable for you? My psychiatrist and therapist have never had any communication with each other and I kind of wish they did. Still I would certainly have a point where I wished they stopped communicating so I do understand it could be distressing for you. Do you get to find out the ins and outs of their communication so it is transparent?

My therapist got around there policy by typing a letter saying getting rid of my dog would make me unstable. Maybe they can write you need your cat on your lap during the flight?

I used to be a flight attendant. 2007- 2010. These things happened quite frequently. So it's not uncommon. However having your cat out of the carrier during the flight may be objected to by the flight crew for safety reasons, especially during an emergency. So not to get you worked up or anything, but traveling with an ESA (emotional support animal) is very common, but having the animal out of it's carrier is usually frowned upon.

Wander - it is really transparent with my T, but my appointments with my pdoc are so short and infrequent that we haven't gotten to discuss it enough. Basically, there has been a lot of improvement, from my point of view, but there are still some things that slip through the cracks, so to speak, when my T puts stuff in her "clinical notes" and then my pdoc reads them. I think the next step would be to try and discuss it with my pdoc. I’m really grateful for my T – she totally understands my point of view and has drastically changed how much she shares with the pdoc to make things comfortable with me. I think I just need to get the pdoc on board.

Miguel’smom – good idea, I’ll see if I can give that a try.

dillpickle – Nah, it’s good to hear from the crew perspective. Looking at it objectively, I can see why they wouldn’t want an animal out. Just from a subjective point of view, she helps me so much, and it’s so much more beneficial if I can have her on my lap. Do you think it’s something the flight crew would be willing to discuss with me, or would they absolutely want to keep her in the carrier no matter what?

It is a discussion you could have with the flight attendants, but they will consult with the Captain, and its ultimately his/her decision on the matter.

It is great you have your T on your side. Maybe next time you see your pdoc your could bring this up first so no other issue takes up the time. S/he may be happy to make adjustments to work more cohesively with your T. I hope this all works out for you.

when i saw a t in my pdoc office she was my advocate and fought for me,,, it was very helpful..good luck with kitty

My Therapist and Pdocs have always communicated and that is a very good thing. They work together to form my treatment plans. This is a good thing, not bad, so Im not sure why you are upset about it.

And on the animal travel? Wouldnt it be easier to be prescribed a med for the trip? Sounds like you are making a big fuss where none needs to be made. Are you in an episode?

Everyone - thanks! Turns out my pdoc talked to the higher ups and got the OK to write me the letter! Yay!

Supanova - it is really important for me to feel like I am in control of my treatment. My mother is really overbearing and controlling, and goes behind my back and invades my privacy, so when t and pdoc are in close communication it makes me feel powerless and like they're talking behind my back, like my mom always has.

Anxiety meds give me side effects that make me unable to do my job. Travel is really stressful for me, usually I can get through it but it's hard to recover from. Having my cat helps so much without those side effects.

As someone hugely and dangerously allergic to cats, I would NOT be happy with a cat be allowed on an airplane in my vicinity.