Beth's Keeping Track Post

I can relate to not trusting the providers. Sometimes they do not give us reason to trust them.

Sorry if I missed anything, I've been taking in a lot of information lately and my sense of time is essentially gone (as for many), but did you talk to the office about this stuff your pdoc said? I know you don't like phoning (not a big fan here either), but I think it might be very worthwhile to do so. If they don't know it's happening, they won't know to do anything about it. Be direct with them. Tell them exactly what she said. Don't make them guess or infer. It is your best bet for making the call effective. This pdoc NEEDS to be stopped from making such false statements. Informing the office of exactly what she's doing is how that can happen across the board, because she's undoubtedly doing it to others too.

Sending thoughts for strength. I know it's not easy, but a) those falsehoods need to be stopped and b) I think it might help *you* in the process as well. Instead of it churning around and around, you can rest in the knowledge that you've done something positive about it.

You are in my thoughts. Good luck.

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Originally Posted by bluebicycle Sorry to hear your pdoc is being stubborn like that. She is being VERY unreasonable about all of this. It sounds like she wants things her way and her way only, and so she's coming up with excuses to make her way happen. Not sure if you've done this or not, but have you talked to the front desk about your pdoc's recent excuses? Can you tell them why you cannot do video, and ask them why it's "illegal" for a doctor to practice psychiatry over the phone? They're of course gonna say, "no, it's not illegal to practice psychiatry over the phone. What makes you think that?" Then it makes them realize that your pdoc is feeding her patients a bunch of lies, and they will probably intervene. As for therapy -- if you feel that talking on the phone is very anxiety inducing, have you talked to your therapist about your nerves?

I'm about to speak with my therapist in a few minutes. I will explain to her was my pdoc (who works with her) has told me, and get her feedback. I am literally so shaken up by my pdoc that I am in a panic.

Thank you, blue. You are so kind. I will update!

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Originally Posted by Fuzzybear I can relate to not trusting the providers. Sometimes they do not give us reason to trust them.

So sadly true, dear Fuzzy I could not agree more. And it really hurts.

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Originally Posted by Innerzone Sorry if I missed anything, I've been taking in a lot of information lately and my sense of time is essentially gone (as for many), but did you talk to the office about this stuff your pdoc said? I know you don't like phoning (not a big fan here either), but I think it might be very worthwhile to do so. If they don't know it's happening, they won't know to do anything about it. Be direct with them. Tell them exactly what she said. Don't make them guess or infer. It is your best bet for making the call effective. This pdoc NEEDS to be stopped from making such false statements. Informing the office of exactly what she's doing is how that can happen across the board, because she's undoubtedly doing it to others too. Sending thoughts for strength. I know it's not easy, but a) those falsehoods need to be stopped and b) I think it might help *you* in the process as well. Instead of it churning around and around, you can rest in the knowledge that you've done something positive about it. You are in my thoughts. Good luck.

Thank you so much, Innerzone

I just spoke with my therapist and, believe it or not, the clinic actually is encouraging providers to do video whatever with clients because insurance doesn't want to pay for phone calls!!! To say I'm shocked is putting it mildly. The clinic serves low-income people...what are they thinking...maybe I'm in the smallest minority, but no way can I afford a webcam and I sure don't know how to set one up. Plus, stores are closed, even if I could buy a webcam.

My T assured me that our phone sessions will continue, etc. But I will not be surprised, if this lock down continues throughout the summer, if the phone sessions will have to be cut back or eliminated.

What I'm considering doing, however, is talking to the clinic director and getting the exact information for myself, not hearing it from anyone else except the director herself.

Beth, are you sure your computer doesn't have a webcam? My super-cheap one does and I can't remember the last computer I had that didn't have one. I'm sure they are out there without one but is it possible you have one and have just never used it? Mine looks like a little round dot on the top of the screen.When I connect with my therapist I just follow a link which asks me if I want to open my video and audio feeds and they open automatically after that and then I'm connected.

I'm so sorry you are dealing with this. In my state I think (not positive) they are allowing phone calls to be billed as sessions.

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Originally Posted by BeyondtheRainbow Beth, are you sure your computer doesn't have a webcam? My super-cheap one does and I can't remember the last computer I had that didn't have one. I'm sure they are out there without one but is it possible you have one and have just never used it? Mine looks like a little round dot on the top of the screen.When I connect with my therapist I just follow a link which asks me if I want to open my video and audio feeds and they open automatically after that and then I'm connected. I'm so sorry you are dealing with this. In my state I think (not positive) they are allowing phone calls to be billed as sessions.

Thank you so much, Rainbow. I have wondered if my computer has a camera. It's a PC (I'm not a high tech person). I don't see anything that indicates a camera. I'm pretty sure laptops have them. I just feel so lost with all of this.

Do you have a laptop or desktop? If it's a laptop, odds are it has a webcam.

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Originally Posted by downandlonely Do you have a laptop or desktop? If it's a laptop, odds are it has a webcam.

No, it's a desktop

Hmm... How old is your phone?

Does your pdoc use something along the lines of Doxy.me or VSee? If your pdoc does, I can try to walk you through how to set it up on your phone, whether it's iPhone or android.

BethRags

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Originally Posted by bluebicycle Hmm... How old is your phone? Does your pdoc use something along the lines of Doxy.me or VSee? If your pdoc does, I can try to walk you through how to set it up on your phone, whether it's iPhone or android.

You're an angel to offer, blue. I'm thanking you with all my heart

I have no idea how to answer your questions. The annoying party of it is that, while my pdoc is on me about using video, she is terrible with basic computer functions! The pharmacy complains to me because she often sends over the wrong med info.

I guess there's nothing to do but muddle through this weird time. Honestly, it would make sense to me if my provider could stand inside the clinic, I could stand outside - so we could see each other through the glass - and we'd both use our phones to speak. The clinic is 1 mile from my home...it shouldn't be so complicated.

BethRags

Ive seen alot of people ask why they cant go to there T's office and like you said talk through glass ..... But if they do not have a private practice they could be putting themself at risk to get infected by other employees..

My T and Pdoc are working from home, they are not going into the office..

The only people working in the office (doors are locked ) is the nurse because many people are on monthly injections and the office manager to take messages for clients if they need there T or Pdoc before next appt.

Life has just changed so much over a short period of time,, but we will all make it through.

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Originally Posted by ~Christina Ive seen alot of people ask why they cant go to there T's office and like you said talk through glass ..... But if they do not have a private practice they could be putting themself at risk to get infected by other employees.. My T and Pdoc are working from home, they are not going into the office.. The only people working in the office (doors are locked ) is the nurse because many people are on monthly injections and the office manager to take messages for clients if they need there T or Pdoc before next appt. Life has just changed so much over a short period of time,, but we will all make it through.

Well, my providers work in a clinic. They're all there, including some of the receptionists, supposedly keeping a 6' distance from each other. Since I haven't been in I don't know if they're wearing masks. They probably are. They are checked for a fever when they enter the building - but I have read some accounts of people who have had COVID and did not have a fever.

So, since the entire front of the building is clear glass, it doesn't seem impossible to do pdoc med checks by phone, each of us on one side of the glass. My pdoc's big concern is tremor. How easy it would be to show her through the glass, rather than go through all this crap with telemedicine.

I don't know where I left off. The Trilafon is a blessing. My level of anxiety is down substantially. I'm currently at 8mg. and hoping my psychiatrist will raise it to 10mg when I speak with her on Friday.

The only unfortunate side effect is that, as always with AP's, I am craving sugar and my appetite is (again) eat the nearest piece of paper, furniture, anything....

Just as I was starting the Trilafon I had lost 16lbs within a few weeks. My appetite was way down and sugar seemed yuck to me. I'm sure I have gained the lbs back, and probably more.

Since the med is so effective I have to practice discipline (if I can without feeling starved).

Some people here who gain weight on psych meds will use metformin or contrave to counteract the hunger. Not sure if you have heard of either med, but if you haven't, I recommend looking them up and reading about them because they could be an option for you if needed.

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Originally Posted by bluebicycle Some people here who gain weight on psych meds will use metformin or contrave to counteract the hunger. Not sure if you have heard of either med, but if you haven't, I recommend looking them up and reading about them because they could be an option for you if needed.

I haven't heard of Contrave, but I take Metformin. Do you know...the first week I was on Metformin my appetite decreased markedly. Then it returned to "Seroquel normal." I finally convinced my pdoc to stop the Serohell. My appetite decreased right away (with the help of the Metformin). I lost weight.

Trilafon is supposed to be a weight neutral...doesn't seem so, for me. *sigh*

Serohell, I was prescribed that (I'm not taking it now)

I find drinking a lot of water can help keep hunger pangs at bay. I did put on a lot of weight on a med quite a long time ago which I eventually stopped taking. I didn't drink a lot of water then I lost the weight when I stopped the med.

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Originally Posted by Fuzzybear Serohell, I was prescribed that (I'm not taking it now) I find drinking a lot of water can help keep hunger pangs at bay. I did put on a lot of weight on a med quite a long time ago which I eventually stopped taking. I didn't drink a lot of water then I lost the weight when I stopped the med.

Serohell is one med I wish I never, never would have heard of. Awful for me.

I love water, fortunately. I have 2 big eco bottles that are always near me. Yesterday I purchased ice to add to the water. I wish I could live on water and fruit

The water jugs are being sold out like mad here! The stores only allow 2 per shopper, so I have to keep going back for more.

Sero(hell)(kill) wasn't good for me either

hugs to you

Racing thoughts, thoughts piling up on each other, especially while I'm lying in bed trying to fall asleep. For the most part, the thoughts are meaningless images. Not anxiety producing, just really annoying. Spoke with my pdoc and she reluctantly agreed to raise my dose to 10mg. to find out if I can quiet my mind.

Started the 10mg yesterday. (Anxiety remains low!)

I think it's great you are willing to contact your pdoc and you get a helpful response from her! My pdoc has always been readily available and responds quickly. We are both very fortunate this is a part of our experiences.

It must feel good to get some relief.

I'd designed a way to quiet my mind. This might or might not be helpful to you. I'd wanted to take some time to share.

I grew up in a highly anxious environment. Once I'd left that environment, I'd found I was too "keyed up" for my new environment(s). I'd then realized just how much anxiety was eating up time, energy and interfering with peace of mind. I did seek treatment.

Over time I had further decreased my anxieties by identifying what was driving my anxiety. I was often "worrying." which was also habitual.

I don't know if you "worry" or not. Just wanted to share how I'd minimized any worry./decreased anxiety. I'd found worry fed anxiety which increased worry, which fed anxiety, etc.

I'd worked at managing my worry by assigning a time(s) when I'd allow myself to think about, even obsess about, certain topics. I might have assigned a time,like maybe 10am to 11 am. and maybe 6pm to 7 pm.

When I'd found myself habitually "worrying"(which fed anxiety and vice versa), I'd stop myself and remind myself a time was assigned to this type of thinking.
It took quite awhile to catch myself, to stop myself and train myself to limit any of that type of thinking to the scheduled times..

I did honor the times I had set aside to experience, express worry/anxieties during those scheduled times. Over time, with consistent practice, I'd significantly decreased the amount of anxiety. My days were no longer filled with anxieties.

Over more time, I'd decreased the length of the assigned times. I'd eventually influenced my own behaviors/habits so I very rarely worried and I was able to discontinue any/all anxiety meds.

It's been many years since and I continue to enjoy the drastic change in my life. I continue to enjoy the freedom. I am very blessed this type of "behavioral" based approach was so helpful to me.

I don't mean to minimize your experiences with high anxiety. It can be so overwhelming, even incapacitating. It can be, or can seem to be, free floating in nature. Sometimes we can find some added relief if/when we look into the sources of our anxieties.

As you know all too well, anxieties around things like trying to survive on disability pay can be so anxiety producing in an ongoing manner. The challenges are very real. I'd found stress/anxiety around these types of challenges incredibly difficult to minimize. Until people have been there, they just cannot understand the ongoing difficulties involved in meeting only the very basic needs.

Just wanted to share. Take anything helpful and leave the rest

Much Love to You!

Hugs and love to you