What to expect?

Hi,

It's been a while since I've been around but I'd love some guidance.

Long story (kinda) short- The only health care I've had access to since getting out of the Marine Corps has been the VA. In a half hour interview, the only Pdoc at my clinic diagnosed me with BPII. I always questioned the diagnoses (but what do I know), since I fit enough of criteria (gotta love the internet age) I went with it. He put me on meds and for a while I took them and felt better. Guy's really hard to talk to and doesn't ever seem to listen, so eventually I stopped going to appt's and weened myself off meds. This was about a year ago. I've felt relatively normal until the last month or so. Well, I now have a good job with good insurance. I don't want to mess up this new job so I made an appt at a local non-VA Pdoc.

I know this question probably gets asked all the time, but what should I expect and what do I need to bring up to make sure the diagnoses of BPII is accurate so I can get the proper treatment.

Thanks in advance!

I think the best thing you can do is be completely open and honest with the Pdoc about your feelings and experiences and let them be the one to diagnose you. If you are BP your doc will be able to diagnose you based on hearing you talk about what you've been experiencing. I'd mention your previous experience with the VA doc, I think that's good information for the new doc to have. But I'd just go in with an open mind, the doc will know what questions to ask to get the most accurate diagnosis. Good luck.

Yep, I agree with Anxiousvalkrie. Tell your new pdoc about your experiences with the VA doc.

Also, don't be afraid to question your diagnosis if you're unsure about it! I questioned my BP diagnosis too and I had a great conversation about it with my therapist (who has a PhD). Sometimes it helps to talk it through with someone. It doesn't matter if you talk to a therapist or a pdoc.

Thanks! I can download my medical files back through 2013, so I plan on having those for him too.

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Sounds perfect!

Bring someone you know and trust. They'll remember things that you don't.

I wish I had someone like that :/

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Be honest, be thorough. Maybe have a list of important issues ready. I always forget what I need to talk about if I don't bring a list.

I always bring a list too, so I agree it's a great idea. I will always forget things I want to ask about or talk about if I don't write them down.

Thanks to everyone! Went in with a list of topics I wanted to cover and the appt went great. This Pdoc is so much easier to talk with. We talked through it and he decided I am, in fact, BPII (at least as certain as anyone can be) and put me back on the seroquel/celexa combo since it's worked in the past, then once I'm more stable we can try something more weight neutral like lamictil.

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