[Roaming_bird]

I just thought about this today, as my back went out and I can only walk hunched over like an old lady. This is nothing I'd see a doctor for at this point anyway, but it got me thinking:

I'm always worried that when I go to the doctor, all they will see is my mental illness. It doesn't help that I have tons of old scars on my body. I'm paranoid that I will seem like I'm drug seeking or just have mental problems.

Will they think my complaint or concern is just in my head because I have BP and suicide attempt in my chart? Will they take me seriously? My primary care doc I don't worry about. He's great. But others I'm concerned.

I had abdominal pain for months and finally went to the doctor. I had held off because I was worried that it wasn't really a problem and that the gyn would think I'm overreacting. It ended up being a severe problem and I had to have a hysterectomy.

I just worry that all people see is my mental illness.

[Ocean Swimmer]

Oh please don't worry.
Screw them. You go to the MD whenever you like. I'll pray for your strength.
Or get a brand new MD and don't forward your records.
It's not a curse. You are a great person. Mental illness is not you. It's a condition.
Like epilepsy or something. You take care.

[Roaming_bird]

Thank you --

I was deathly afraid of telling my GP (primary care doc) when I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. I was afraid of being judged as a "psychopath".

Turns out my GP was very interested/curious about my bipolar disorder... but not in a bad way. My GP kept asking me questions like "how does it make you feel?", "do you like your meds?", etc. I think my GP genuinely wanted to help me and understood how I felt.

I actually went to a nutritionist last night to help me with my cholesterol problem. (Somehow I had high cholesterol but am borderline underweight... so I decided to seek help.) She asked me what medications I was on, so I had to tell her I was bipolar. (There was no way around it.) I was so afraid of her reaction, but she was like, "Well, things like vitamin D can really help with bipolar disorder." and she listed some helpful foods. It was a sigh of relief.

I think most doctors will treat you with respect if you're honest with them. Mine genuinely want to help, and them being aware of my condition (bipolar disorder) allows them to better understand me. They don't think I'm a clueless, lying idiot because of my condition (even though I was afraid of it). They know I'm capable of understanding reason.

[BeyondtheRainbow]

It is very dangerous for you to have a dr treating you who doesn't know your medical history and what meds you are on. Psych meds can interact with a lot of other meds and it can be serious.

Instead of seeing another dr without letting them know your past maybe just try a few drs. until you find someone who you feel comfortable with. I did that; I met with the dr and explained my bipolar and med needs and history and if he wasn't comfortable I'd go elsewhere, no problem but I needed to know up front. That was 11 years ago and he's still my dr and still extremely sensitive to my needs and bipolar illness in general.

Originally Posted by Ocean Swimmer

Oh please don't worry.
Screw them. You go to the MD whenever you like. I'll pray for your strength.
Or get a brand new MD and don't forward your records.
It's not a curse. You are a great person. Mental illness is not you. It's a condition.
Like epilepsy or something. You take care.