[TheSeaCat]

I am really worried about my upcoming appointment with the Psych PA and I just can't stop thinking about it. I haven't had good experiences with psych NP's in the past; in fact my therapist seems to reason that my PTSD might not be completely former employee based he seems to reason that some of the PTSD might be due to the past NP's who caused more depression and who meds she put me on caused me physical harm. I'm terrified that even though this guy comes highly regarded he is somehow going to do the same stupid thing both those NP's did. I know it's probably stupid for me to be worrying about something that is still practically a week away but I keep freaking out over it; best of all I only have two weeks of my Seroquel and Buspar so if he changes anything I'm up a creek since my doctor is in limbo and it would just be awkward as all heck seeing someone else for my mental issues, I know I could always see one of the other PA's or a doctor I work with; but then I feel like everyone would know that it really isn't exactly depression I have; granted that's the biggest part of Bipolar; I deal with; I couldn't even tell you the last time I was Hypo; but I can tell you in great detail my last depressive episode.

I just keep thinking I had trust of the NP who put me on Zyprexa and all the weight gained it caused; granted I have gotten rid of some it; I still hold a grudge for her putting me on it; my doctor even said that is not usually first line treatment; not to mention she asked if I was moody; everyone is moody; by her standards the entire world should be on some kind of psych medication, not to mention with her being psych she should have known to not just cold turkey me off Effexor my doctor when I went back to him said that could have really hurt me and that it was extremely reckless of her.

Then he finally gave me a referral to see a pdoc problem was none took my insurance so I saw another Psych NP at another practice and that visit was bad from start to finish and she gave me Latuda and basically her nurse laughed in my face when I called to report the muscle spasms saying that it wasn't a valid side effect and to continue the medication and basically called me a drug addict since I couldn't pee that day and that I had to be hiding something. I also couldn't sleep on that medication and had to wait a week for my doctor to come back from his vacation to fix my sleep issue and the spasms.

I guess the TL:dr point is how to I trust a Psych PA when every fiber of my body is screaming at me this is a bad idea; even though everyone I've talked to says he is honestly the best and the guy I am dating shadowed him. I just want to cancel the appointment when I know that is a bad idea. I guess the point of my rambling is how do I get over this feeling of hatred of psych providers and at least try and give this guy an actual chance.

[Victoria'smom]

You don't have to trust him. You just have to have an open conversation about what is going on. Tell him why you are nervous. what you are scared of. Your more worrisome side effects.

[Aurelius710]

I make the psych NP I see go through a back and forth for any treatment or med change. He makes his case, I ask about side effects, interactions, other cost/benefit type of stuff and we come to an agreement (or not). If we don't come to an agreement, that's the end of the discussion. It's never came to that for me, but if he tries to bully me into a decision, I'll walk away and not look back.

Perhaps that kind of dynamic would work for you. Not necessarily antagonistic, but keeping him professional where it counts.

You're right. The chemical lobotomy the community wish for you so you're out of self harm and destruction.

I still remember my first visit to a doctor. He rammed a spoon down my throat with some syrup. Probably why I can't stand the thought of eating honey.

Jump. Take a leap frog

[Fuzzybear]

I can’t trust pdocs either. You have my empathy

[~Christina]

If your current meds are working then all you need is refills. You don’t have to trust him if your doing well and just need refills

if it ain’t broke don’t fix it

[Guiness187055]

[Sunflower123]

I don’t have any words of wisdom. I just wanted to offer my support and let you know I’ll be thinking of you and be sending you supportive vibes for a successful (by your terms) appointment.

[Wild Coyote]

It can be very difficult to trust any doc, in my own experience.

I agree with Christina. What do you need to get from any pdoc/NP right now?

I hope your appointment goes well.
Thinking of you.

WC

[downandlonely]

Originally Posted by megabytesteve

You're right. The chemical lobotomy the community wish for you so you're out of self harm and destruction.

I still remember my first visit to a doctor. He rammed a spoon down my throat with some syrup. Probably why I can't stand the thought of eating honey.

Jump. Take a leap frog

I did not find this advice at all helpful. Psychiatrists are not trying to give you a "lobotomy". I have been seeing psychiatrists since I was 14. Without medication I would not be able to hold down a job or live by myself. I would be living with my parents and miserable. Comments like this to scare people away from medication that could be helpful (and in some cases lifesaving) are not helpful at all. I'm not sure what you are trying to accomplish by scaring someone away from psychiatrists and medication.

[sophiebunny]

Originally Posted by downandlonely

I did not find this advice at all helpful. Psychiatrists are not trying to give you a "lobotomy". I have been seeing psychiatrists since I was 14. Without medication I would not be able to hold down a job or live by myself. I would be living with my parents and miserable. Comments like this to scare people away from medication that could be helpful (and in some cases lifesaving) are not helpful at all. I'm not sure what you are trying to accomplish by scaring someone away from psychiatrists and medication.

Thank you. I have an amazing psychiatrist. He's been my Dr. for 23 years. We've learned over the decades how to communicate. I've gotten better at telling him what I need and he's gotten good at hearing me and responding. Our psychiatrists are only as good as the information we give them. It's a partnership. If you are in conflict with your MD, write him a letter and communicate what you are struggling with. Work with him, not against him. The two of you share the same goal, your mental health.

Bipolar 1 disorder with psychotic features