[adamsgirl]

I have been doing really well managing bipolar disorder for the last 1 1/2 to 2 years. My doctor wants to gradually take me off my meds and wants me to see him every six months. It seems like a good idea---but I do not know if I am ready for that. What if I crash and burn? Any thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated.

[reddevil]

Does you Pdoc know about your concerns about doing this, and will you be able to see them more sooner than that if you need?

[adamsgirl]

Originally Posted by reddevil

Does you Pdoc know about your concerns about doing this, and will you be able to see them more sooner than that if you need?

My pdoc does not really know about my concerns. I feel like I will disappoint everyone in some way if I tell them about my concerns. I suppose I would be able to see him sooner, but he is talking about weaning me off meds altogether (except for maybe abilify). He thinks that this is something I can really do.

[reddevil]

You really ought to tell him, so that they can be properly discussed.

[adamsgirl]

It will be kinda hard---but I think you're right, I have to discuss my concerns with him---thanx for the advice.

[deliquesce]

my pdoc has previously tried to get me off my meds, but i was a bit anxious about that, so we delayed the decision.

i think if you do go off the meds, that it might be important for you to see him more often than 2x a year, at least initially to make sure everything goes well.

good luck with talking to him. let us know how it goes.

[bizi]

yes I agree, a monthly visit may be what youneed to do that is unless you have a therapist? then she can stay in touch with you on a regular basis.
beth
I live in lafayette

[adamsgirl]

I live in lafayette too

[bizi]

wow!
It is a small world for sure!
beth

[multipixie9]

the pdoc is being paid to take care of your health. he is your servant. so, what i am trying to say is that you do not need to hesitate to tell him what concerns you or bothers you or any fears you may have about this big change in treatment.

however, he cannot do his job properly for you if you do not give him full disclosure of what is going on with you in all important ways. he can't "read your mind" to know how you are doing, only you can tell him.

please make the most of your doctor appointment and get the best medical care you can - it is your life you are caring for. i wish you all the best in this new year of 2009!

leslie and the pixies

[Fuzzybear]

I agree with multipixie, doctors are our servants and not the other way around. Please make sure you get good care, and that you disclose all your concerns, you deserve the best!

Another good point is that no one, not even doctors are mind readers.

[sunrise]

adamsgirl, how often are you seeing your pdoc now? Will it be a big decrease to go to 2 times a year? While you are tailing off the meds, can you schedule more appointments (e.g. one every two months?), and then cancel a week in advance if you are doing well and don't need to see the pdoc? It might help to have the security of those appointments on the books just in case you need them.

[adamsgirl]

I see my pdoc once a month. Thanx for all the wonderful advice. I will take all this under consideration.

[bizi]

Oh good!
I thought you were going to only see your pdoc every 6 months.
This is all hard work that we are doing.
Do you have a therapist to help you cope with life?
I have had one off and on when things/issues came up that I needed help dealing with.
I have a new therapist that I am working with...I see her every couple of weeks for now....
hope you have a nice weekend.
beth

[theama]

Uh.. take you off your meds? Why? o.O
I don't even see my pdoc anymore, I see my physician every 1-2 months or so to report how my meds are working for me, get new subscription, and various paperwork.

But yeah, like the others said - if you feel anxious about it then tell him. Alternatively you could have your physician handle your medications and see a regular psychologist instead, and have your physician and the psych. work together.