I'm currently drafting a letter to my pdoc that I plan to give him on Thursday about my concerns regarding my current medication regimen. I feel that I write better than I speak becauseI tend to stumble over words when I'm trying to think out loud and explain my thought processes.

Just wondering if anyone else has done this before. Is it weird?

Originally Posted by bluebicycle

I'm currently drafting a letter to my pdoc that I plan to give him on Thursday about my concerns regarding my current medication regimen. I feel that I write better than I speak becauseI tend to stumble over words when I'm trying to think out loud and explain my thought processes.

Just wondering if anyone else has done this before. Is it weird?

That is not weird at all! In fact, it can be quite helpful and even appreciated by them. Not that they don't want patients to talk, but I can say that my psychiatrist welcomed such things when I needed to communicate that way. I fully understand what you mean by sometimes being able to write more effectively than speak. I have written such letters (or long bullet lists, often) many times to hand to my psychiatrist. I have also written what I wanted to say in the form of poetry and read it out loud from my printout. Once I even sent him a card through the mail with a message about my sadness that he exchanged a certain painting in his office. It's all good, in my view. He never complained and never made me feel I was strange.

If anyone thinks that's weird, then you and I can be "weird" together

I think "weird" can sometimes be awesome! Didn't we discuss the word "weird" the other day?

With my last pdoc I would go into appointments with a paper with a bunch of questions/statements I wanted to ask or thought he should know because I have a horrible memory. He even writes his responses down on the same paper so I don't forget those either. It wasn't weird at all. I'm actually thinking about bringing my journal into therapy for similar reasons.

[Victoria'smom]

I write a lot. I often don't have a voice to explain what I'm going through. Letters tend to be taken more seriously then words. Try to keep it short and simple though.

[*Beth*]

Wow, blue, I think your idea is excellent. I bring a mood log and sleep tracker, sometimes notes of what I want to mention. A letter, though - that's a smart idea. For one thing, when someone reads a letter they take it all in without interrupting. And when they finish reading the letter they can ask you questions & clarifications. Good for you!

[Scooter9]

I have done that too.

It's really effective, but keep it to the point.

Here in Canada it became part of my chart so it's in my history now, which I don't mind because I was careful with what I said and how I said it. It shows I actively participate in my treatment.

[Wild Coyote]

Great idea, blue!

You are an excellent writer. Many of use share our thoughts, concerns, etc., with our pdocs in writing. As mentioned above, there are many ways in which to share in writing.

My current pdoc does not do email. She and I do not exchange anything in writing, except the checks I have written! Lol.
My last pdoc loved to exchange email. This method of communication had helped him to understand more about me than if we had never written. I tend to let my guard down more in writing.

I think any approach which helps you to be better understood is a wonderful approach!

In My case, my emails did become a part of my chart. Just something to be aware of. If you have concerns about this, please do ask your pdoc before sharing. If you have zero concerns about this, go for it! : When is your next appointment?

[~Christina]

Yes writing a letter can be so important and often gives your provider information they truly had no idea about

You write beautifully.

Please do this , I think it will improve your connection and address problems that your having with Med compliance and open door to more clear topics to discuss.

Great idea !!

[HALLIEBETH87]

I have done this
But he made me
Read it to
Him

[SorryShaped]

I have done this and think it's a terrific idea. I had a doctor say he couldn't read my writing and had me read it to him, which was ironically hilarious. We established much more fluid vocal conversation after that. Before the letter, I thought he was judging me constantly and not listening.

[Pookyl]

I don’t write letters as such but I do have a communication book.
I write stuff before each appointment as does DH most times. My pdoc and other doctors all write in it esp any instructions as my memory is stuffed.

[MrsA]

I haven't done exactly that, bit I did hand a letter to someone who wouldn't stop inrerrupting when I tried to discuss things. I totally agree that writing is better. It's hard to remember everything you meant to say when talking.

[xRavenx]

It's not weird at all. In fact, it is a good idea. I wrote a letter that was numerous pages describing my ups, downs, symptoms in detail, because I often forget to report certain things and have a difficult time articulating exactly what I'm thinking and feeling. My pdoc said she found it helpful and made copies of it to put in my chart.

[sophiebunny]

Originally Posted by HALLIEBETH87

I have done this
But he made me
Read it to
Him

Some of the most powerful breakthroughs I've had with my psychiatrist have come through writing and then reading my words to him. I asked for extra time in our session and I shared my trauma history with him in a way I could never do verbally. When I was done reading, his response was so gentle and caring his words made me weep. A bond was formed that day and it has lasted 24 years. I'm very blessed to have him. I strongly encourage reading to your psychiatrist. If what you have to say is intense and you need time, ask him for extra session time.