I need good stories of changing pdocs, please.

I need good stories of changing pdocs, please.

Well after my last Pdoc I had almost given up because all she did was say "how do you feel?" and if I said anything but fine then her response was to up my meds. Then I just gave up and said screw it went off all meds and almost ended up in the hospital. So I got back in T and she suggested a Pdoc in her office.

It was night and day! She really listens to me. We've tried several meds one made me EXCEPTIONALLY tired and even though it wasn't a listed side effect she believed me that it was the med and took me off it. MY old Pdoc would have told me I couldn't possibly be feeling what I said because it wasn't a listed side effect and probably would have upped the med. I know my Pdoc really cares and wants me to feel better. Since I've been on so many meds in the past she's actually taken that into account and is willing to try alternative therapies that don't always include meds. She is the best Pdoc I've ever had.

So the takeaway (if you don't want to read all that )is I went through a lot of crappy Pdocs and my last one almost broke me. Then I found Pam and she restored my faith in Pdocs. She respects my boundaries and truly listens to me.

After a series of horrible pdocs and NPs who were stupid and/or overmedicated the hell out of me, I was told (yet again) that my next appointment was going to be with someone else. I was scared, but this NP doesn't overmedicate me. In about two weeks I'll be on only one med which will hopefully be enough. She actually tapers me off meds instead of cold turkeying it and putting me through hell. When she notices something abnormal, she asks me about it out of concern instead of telling me to stop or making fun of me for it. I don't come home from my appointments screaming and crying anymore. I look forward to my appointments now.

Over the years, I've worked with a few different pdocs. Although each was a little different, each had his/her own gifts to bring to the table.
There were 3 different ones where I'd thought I could never work with them. I stayed with them a little longer and each of those relationships were very helpful.
I'd realized it was important for me to acknowledge each one's talents, to put my best foot forward and to look for the silver lining.

I have found it's important to express concerns about the therapeutic relationship directly to the pdoc. Often, any misunderstandings can be cleared up.
For some, its very helpful to journal such concerns first. If I recall correctly, you do very well with expressing yourself in writing, while you tend to have more difficulty verbalizing when meeting with a pdoc?
in this case, it may be important for you to mention this initially, in order to see if s/he is fine with this approach. I think most will be just fine with this approach. I have heard of some running into pdocs insisting otherwise.

If a pdoc does not listen, is not helpful and/or is abusive, it's time to move on.

I wish you well and hope you'll connect with the best pdoc for you!

I’ve only changed pdocs once because the one was moving to the VA. He was the best but could run super late. Current pdoc is more rigid but on the dot. She also has me fill out surveys for my mood so we don’t miss anything. There’s difference in any change but it’s not necessarily bad.

, you do very well with expressing yourself in writing, while you tend to have more difficulty verbalizing when meeting with a pdoc? Yes

Thank-you guys.

Good post. I especially agree with “If a pdoc does not listen, is not helpful and/or is abusive”... it’s time to terminate the relationship with them. I have consulted several providers (professionals) in my forest irl who had all of those negative characteristics

I also tend to express myself more clearly in writing if I have time to think, than if I am being questioned by a provider who has only a few minutes to offer me... I don’t think even the best speaker would thrive under those conditions

Thank you for allowing me to express my truth in your thread. I think the situation re mental health providers is much better in your forest than in mine (irl).

I think that writing down your concerns is a great idea. I hope you find a good new pdoc soon

Hugs and respect to all