[lunaticfringe]

Tomorrow I have an appointment with a nurse practitioner for a med adjustment. At my support group last night a few people were saying they had had bad experiences with nurse practitioners and that seeing a real psychiatrist is the way to go. I have only ever seen psychiatrists and am only seeing a NP because I have to.

Do people have opinions on this?

It's important to me to have someone super knowledgeable. I've heard good things about this particular NP so hoping they're true!

[Victoria'smom]

I had an NP as a GP. I liked her more then most drs. she gave me time.

[avlady]

i am seeing a nurse practioner now because the doctor left the agency i go to. my son also did but didn't like her, but i do. i would rather see a doc although.

[furiousfever]

I had a terrible time using an np, but she was also real woo woo. She wanted me to do all this neuro testing and told me to breathe deep when I said I was suicidal. My psychiatrist was real confused by her med choices too.
I think it can be good if you find one well versed in bipolar. Experience is a better indicator.Good luck!

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[lunaticfringe]

Yeah I guess I'm most worried about the accuracy of whatever she prescribes. I guess if I really don't like what she says I can always be non-compliant and stick with my old med routine.

Also...I doubt she would do a complete overhaul of my meds since they have been working for the most part. I don't know maybe I'm overthinking this. I'm just a bit nervous and not sure what to expect.

[Blue_Bird]

I've seen several Psych NP's and am currently seeing one at the clinic I go to, they have all been very good at what they do, they also feel more approachable and understanding than the psychiatrists I've had.

[furiousfever]

It's ok to be nervous, but at the end of the day whatever she says is just another opinion. You are in charge of your care! Trust your gut and voice your concerns. ️

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I saw a nurse practitioner at the mental health clinic and she was very helpful. She called me on my crap but was very interested in helping. It helps that I'm locked onto my cocktail, so we just mess with dosages. She's a good med dispenser. I'm thinking of going back there because they let you pay on a sliding scale and the meds were free.

[lunaticfringe]

It's great to know that some of you had positive experiences with NPs. I have high hopes. It's always kind of nerve-wracking having to "shop around" for doctors or therapists but that's what we gotta do unfortunately... I am glad that now I'm in a place where I will really advocate for myself and take an active role in my treatment. Before I was mostly in denial of my dx and non-compliant but I've really turned things around. Can't hide from it any longer!

[~Christina]

There are NP's that are good and seriously able to deal with Psych things... So if you find a good one that you can trust.... that's wonderful

If you doubt he/she is doing what is best for finding the best treatment for you ...

But regardless of a Pdoc or NP ... you really need to be your own best advocate, research medications, Read some actual medical studies and patients reviews .... Be prepared to have some knowledge and be able to compare medication A and B .

I love my psych NP!
She's great. I don't know what I'd do without her. Truly.

[lunaticfringe]

I just had my appointment with the NP and I'm happy with how it went. She didn't do much to change my meds except change my dose of risperdal so that it's spread through the day, and she ordered a lithium levels check. I was hoping for more of a change cause I've really been struggling but we'll see how this goes I guess.

[Skywalking]

The two I interviewed were very nice...but neither of them would agree to manage my medication and demanded I stay with my psychiatrist, who wanted to discharge me and have an NP write my prescriptions.

I'm amazed at folks who can find NPs who do that, how did you go about finding them? I would so much rather have an NP than my psych.

[lunaticfringe]

Funny cause I think I would rather have a real doctor! BUT she was very good, asked me lots about my symptoms. The only reason I'm seeing an NP now is cause the doctor at the clinic I go to left the practice and now only NPs work there.

[bunnifoo]

I'm currently seeing an NP, I was hesitant because I had such a horrid experience previously (but it turned out that practioner had her own mental health issues). That being said i've had terrible experiences with pdocs too.

My current NP leans a little more towards alternative med than I would go but it's all my choice. She did a 2 part intake for me -with a physical and stuff like that. I was sick and under the weather so when I see her again I'll get some info. But she seems reasonable. To start she suggested a multi viatmin (my diet isl imited for other reasons), probiotics, and fish oil. No meds changes.

I know she wants me to keep a food journal at some point and see what we can do about my overall health. I have another chronic condition that limits what I can eat so trying to make sure I get all the nutrients I need is hard. But I liked her.

Better than the pdoc I was seeing before I found her.

LunaticFringe, I'd consider it a good sign that she didn't change up a bunch of things. More of a chance to get to know you and what's going on etc. Gathering enough information and getting a feel for things in order to make better decisions than someone who might just jump in and throw a bunch of stuff at you, you know? It's but one of the many things I love about my psych NP -- I'm not just some number or just another BP case, pull out the "recipe book" x, y, and z. Next!

Skywalking -- some of it will depend on what state you're in (as in the 50, not as in mental. ) There are differing levels of what they call "prescriptive authority". Like, not allowed, allowed with Dr. signature, etc., right on up to full prescriptive authority (ie., autonomous), which is how it is where I live.
As for finding, just totally lucked out. We had moved, so had to set something new up. I was running in circles trying to find somewhere that would take me, and getting desperate. Then I suddenly remembered a former neighbor that had raved about how much an NP had helped his brother (who was paranoid schizophrenic). So I called around and was able to get in with one in about a month. At the time, it was a bit of a drive (we live closer now), but it turned out to be very worthwhile.