[jtassar93]

I had been seeing the same pdoc for about 6 or so years but was unhappy with him so I got a new one recently. Unfortunately something fell through with insurance or something so now I have to go back to my old one.

I feel like he doesn't listen to me ever. He's never ever actually told me my diagnoses even though he prescribes for them. I even tried asking him and he gave me the run around like 'oh well...this this and this are factors..' I had to find out what they were while I was in the hospital. And it was a long terrifying list. That happened awhile ago though. I thought maybe he thought it was best just to not bring it up? I don't know.

Anyways. He never remembers anything about me. 1-2 visits a months for 6 years or so and it's horrible. Every single time he asks me who I live with. He forgets I have a brother and step father. He is always asking about my mom and what she's doing and how she's doing for some reason. Always asks certain things where the answer would have never changed. Like if my real dad is alive (he isn't). He doesn't remember that that's where I even got this illness from. Asks where I live. He asks me if I've ever tried "x" medication, but I have no memory, shouldn't he have the record? I got over that too.

But he also has to ask me what I'm taking at the moment! Shouldn't it be on his computer or something? He has no idea what meds I'm even taking. I don't either. I'm not stable enough to keep track of them on my own, someone does it for me. So I don't know the exact name of the meds or those dosage.

Then he acts like it's a huge pain to go and have to look through his papers to find out.

Then once he finally figures it out he has to ask me what pharmacy I go to and if I need refills of anything. Which I usually don't because I get them in a 3 months supply at a time.

My visits are literally 10 minutes a time. And 80% of that time he is staring at one of his 3 phones or typing something on his laptop when he's not asking me weird questions. When he asks if something is wrong and I tell him he just kind of looks at me like I'm insane and that the meds should be working. He's hesitate to even change them because he doesn't believe me I guess. I wrote in a note once (anxiety) that I was feeling very depressed and suicidal at the time and he dismissed it.

He's always asking if I'm seeing my therapist. (I'm not, she moved out of the state completely. They're in the same office and I told him many times!!) There is no other therapist in that building. So what therapist is he talking about?

Also asking me if I'm going to school. I can understand that question because the answer could possibly change. But I don't go to school. Right after high school I've been home bound. He doesn't recall that I can't drive.
He suggested TMS but it requires me being there many days a week for many weeks and I can't drive. He's asked if I can like 6 times now.

I understand he has a lot of patients and things to remember, but shouldn't he try a little harder or am I just being a jerk here?

[*Laurie*]

I've seldom had a doctor who bothered to remember my life information.

I think it's inexcusable. My belief is that the doctor (or any other person, except someone who is stricken with dementia) is simply not listening well.

[Pookyl]

No, I don’t think you’re being a jerk.
I’d be so cranky if my doctor kept forgetting things about me. Good doctors do a quick once over your notes before you enter the room.
Mine does ask the same questions often but that’s because the answers are different.

That's part of the problem with some pdocs giving only 10 mins, though they should at least scan their notes before you come in. I think that if he won't bother to remember any of your details, he should just concentrate on your symptoms and any side effects. He should definitely review your med list before your appointment.

My pdoc know ALOT about me. I do get 20 mins, but he oays attention and takes notes and reviews them. I'll admit I've gone to him for 12 years, but he knew and remembered a lot about me (little details) even after a few years. He's now in his mid 70s. He never looks at his phone or the computer during my session.

[99fairies]

My Pdoc makes me feel like I'm his only patient. He remembers lots about me and is so kind and gentle. I totally love my Pdoc.

[scatterbrained04]

My pdoc remembers some things and not others. He refers to his notes sometimes for details. But he remembers my general situation, such as what my job is, my diagnosis, that I'm a single mom, and my son's general situation. I've been seeing him for 6-7 years for 30 minute sessions, usually 4-6 times a year.

I imagine a pdoc's ability to remember highly depends on how many people they see. In busy clinics where they see a lot of people for 10-15 minute sessions would make it harder to remember. Mine doesn't take insurance and sees less people for longer sessions.

[jtassar93]

Makes sense I suppose. I require extra attention, lol. I guess I’ll be searching for a new one.

[emgreen]

It would bother me a bit if my pdoc didn't remember things relating to my life. I don't blame you for feeling uncomfortable. A 10-15 minute session is routine for me, as well, but my pdoc is very good about remembering my situation & the meds I'm on (he uses a computer to make notes). I'm lucky to have him. He's a little Indian dude whose demeanor reminds me of what Gandhi must have been like...makes me feel very peaceful, even when I"m in a bad space. I also see a therapist, so even if pdoc didn't remember details, I have support from my T. Maybe you should try to find another therapist? I hope you start to feel more acknowledged soon.