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LB_mitralvalve
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Question Feb 11, 2013 at 07:37 AM
  #41
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Originally Posted by Anonymous29319 View Post
In another thread I saw a post where the person was not sure about seeing the doctor because She would have to explain about having DID. So I thought I would post how I told my doctor. Hope this helps a few people here.

I was diagnosed MPD (which is now called DID) back in 1989. From then on I refused to see my doctor for physicals and so on. then in 2001 I entered therapy after years away from it and this therapist and I were working on my DID and I had to see my primary physician (who is also my gyn.) for a physical and meds. I didn't want to go for many reasons my having to tell mental health history was one of them. She explained to me that I don't HAVE to diclose to him my DID but It would be in my best interest for example I always lose time during the internal and my records show that one time I laugh hysterically to the point where the equipment is pushed out, other times I stiffen up What happens if one of these time Margo (a violent memory piece) gets activated. I could get seriously hurt or transported to a mental health unit because my doctor does not know what is going on. I agree with her and say ok so how do I tell him?

She said think about what you know about DID, the basics.

Ok DID starts with dissociation.
yes. what is dissociation?
Daydreaming yourself into a mental safe place when there is no physical escape.
yes. what are NORMAL acts of dissociation?
Riding or driving a car and thinking about other things instead of hit the break here, turn the corner there, daydreaming during a boring class, getting so involved in a movie that you don't pay attention to anything outside the movie.
Yes. Do you think your doctor does any of those activities.?
Yea he drives a car and likes watching movies and he had to have had alot of boring classes to become a doctor.
So...
I get him talking about daydreaming during those activities first then tell him that I daydreamed to get away from my stepfather so much that now the Dissociation testing shows that I am a 9-10 on the dissociation scale.
You got it.

So I went to my doctor. First I had to get him to talk off the record because my lawyer told my therapist not to disclose my DID to the DHS caseworker at that time. That was easy. he's used to my saying "officially Im doing ok" since the DHS case has been going. So he did his official exam then hams it up by leaving the room and enters again saying oops wrong room I'm not here right now.

Then I told him just like my therapist and I rehearsed - I got him talking about daydreaming while working and so on then said theres tests called DES and DDIS that I took a long time ago and I was a 10 then.

He looked at me and said and now?
havent taken the test, lawyer says no because DHS will have access to it.
uhhuh hmmmmmmmmmm Can I have your therapist name and number since I am prescribing your medication for depression it won't ring any bells for her and I to confer about your depression/PTSD treatment plans.

I smiled and gave him the information and signed a release form so the two could talk.

Now during internals I take my walkman with me and his female nurse stands right next to me so that the two of us talk through the exam. at the least uncomfortable feeling, flashbacks and so on my primary physician ends the exam.

I have not lost time, or faded into my tunnel area during exams since and I am no longer afraid or dreading the internals.
I never tell my doctors for fear of being labled... Only my sphycologist really knows about this. I also fear what my family would think?
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ThisWayOut
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Default Feb 19, 2013 at 09:21 PM
  #42
I was up front with my gyn about the dissociation because it normally happens there. I just told her how to try to bring me back. My pcp wasn't old directly, but found out through hospital records and such during that year I was in and out about a million times. Both were very understanding, though both appeared quite frightened by it. I think overall my gyn took it better (she saw me through some pretty rough stuff related to the abuse), but both took it in stride (at least in front of my face, I don't really care what goes on behind closed doors when I'm not there... ok, I do care, but I try not to)...

Thanks for that post. I am still trying how to describe it all to my current therapist (a student) and to any dr I may find down here...
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Default Feb 20, 2013 at 05:12 PM
  #43
I have not read the whole thread...

but I wouldn't tell any more than you really need to.... phrases like "I tend to dissociate due to anxiety when..." might suffice?

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Default Mar 15, 2013 at 08:21 PM
  #44
Anonymous very brave of you sharing this. Pretty sure I won't be doing this but kudos to you!
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Rvnmpd
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Default Apr 01, 2013 at 07:44 PM
  #45
A primary doctor is in no position to even comprehend this. I do please feelmfree to talk. Only a preferrably psychologist can understand. Half of them dont even believe. I do. Rvn
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Default May 17, 2013 at 02:00 PM
  #46
Thank you so much for the post. This is something I have stressed about for a very long time. I really feel for getting the best medical help possible, my doctor needs to know, but I have never been sure what to say or what the reprocussions would be. I have feared him telling me that I am too screwed up and to get lost and find someone else for my general medical needs. You have given me hope. Thanks.
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Default Jul 20, 2013 at 05:46 PM
  #47
i think u are very brave to trust your pcp enough to understand. at least yours is trying. i wouldn't trust mine, but i don't dissociate like i did when i was young. if i was triggered so quickly & often like u , then i guess i'd have to find a knowledgable pcp or go w/o medical care.
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Default Jul 20, 2013 at 06:15 PM
  #48
i keep putting off my gyn visit too, worries me but just can't make myself go. ll
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Default Jul 26, 2013 at 11:06 AM
  #49
Wow, I'm sooo glad to know I'm not the only one! I've been avoiding any sort of physical checkup with my dr. I tried to tell her about my anxiety re: physicals, and she didn't even want to hear why. I got a lecture about how many other women go through the same things I have, etc etc. I'm sure it doesn't help that I am almost thirty and have only been able to realize/admit to myself (and slowly other people) that I'd been through any sort of trauma whatsoever. Always before I insisted that my childhood was fantastic. When you start remember this late, especially after mental health issues, many people see you as an attention seeker. Sigh, if only they knew.

I have contacted the local abuse medical centre, and am going to see if they can give me a name of a gentle, and very understanding gyn, and will do any sort of physical through him/her. I also have my t, who is also an MD, and he can let me know if different medical issues are caused by the ptsd and DID NOS, and then only actual medical issues will be discussed with my dr.

It is really sad that survivors/victims of abuse are often victimized again by the attitudes towards them

Anyways, thank you, so much for that!!
IJ

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