[Michah]

Hi there,

I have always had this issue with mental health making the trans-tasmin trip to the dx of physical illness. I have been chronically physically ill for the last 5 years and often my colourful and rich mental health history has gotten in the way of thorough physical investigation. Unless you have a second head growing out of your ear, or you are glowing green from radiation poisoning the doctor is often able to put all physical discomfort down to "mental degredation".

I am not saying that mental illness cannot effect physical health, on the contrary. It can, with missile capability. But if we stick to the notion of gravity(good on you Newton, you are arguing my case!), what goes up, must come down.....what about the remote possibility that physical illness can effect mental health? As it is in my case, with a misdx of Bipolar disorder due to the devestating effects of perimenopause and thyroid complications.....finally! It only took 5 years to work that out with me screaming constantly into the black, vacumous hole at doctors made of stupid putty.

I don't have a problem with me being dx bipolar......I have always taken the labels with a grain of salt.....and I would not trade one with the other. I feel like an angry ferret on crystal meth most of the time anyway.

Example and you guys are going to laugh at this one, it is so funny it is terrible......

Went to see FIRST Endocrinologist by advice of my surgeon( who by the way is not on my hit list. He is wonderful!). This is what wonder britches had to say......

Endo: So, are you on any medication?

me: yes, lithium and occasionally diazepam.

Endo: You have a mental health history?(ears perk, blood stirring)

Me: yes, I was originally dx borderline with schizoeffective 15 years ago and now bipolar(here we go!!!0)

Endo: Oooohhh....(eyes go blank, mouth in perfectly formed "O", leans back, arms cross across chest...yep...defensive, smug, got all the answers. I have seen this reaction so many times before, I can play it in slow motion in my mind. I immediately know what I am in for.) Have you shown this list of symptoms to your psychiatrist?

me: yes, he encouraged me to come and see you. He believes that there is a physical issue. We have explored the criteria for much psychosomatic and not fitting all of it. Inconsistencies.(no, you moron!! I am completely oblivious to the fact it might be a mental health issueSarcasm. I don't pay my shrinks to sit on their hands. You idiot!!)Keep smiling michah, don't show your fangs.....

Endo: Did you know that lithium effects the thyroid?(as she goes to her computer to tell me how it does. She is a consultant endo. she should know this off the top of her head)

me: (very calmly as my partner goes nuclear in the chair next to me) It is not necessary to consult your computer god, I will explain to you how lithium effects the thyroid(and so I do......hhhmmmm). I have done first year biology at uni and chemistry. I have also worked in a hospital. I do much research. I am quite learned(aaahhh here come the fangs......smile like a rictus without reaching my eyes. I am ready to launch attack. Sensing my "rage switch" my partner calmly puts his hand on mine. "Careful honey")

Endo: well I think you should get a job, you know, 4 hours a week. Just to get some ROUTINE IN YOUR LIFE!!"( What the?.....I am on a disability pension. I had to leave my job, defer my degree because of my psych hospital admission and the terrible physical symptoms. She knew this and she tells me to get a bloody job!!! I ALREADY HAD ONE!!)

me: I am going to leave now. I have never been so insulted in my life you stupid, nasty, insensitive woman. I am mentally ill, not a moron and I came here asking for your help with my endocrine system, not my seemingly misplaced responsibility to ROUTINE!! I want my freaking life back!!! ( I get up off the chair and she instinctively leans back as far as she can. I still have my rictus smile except my eyes have gone to slits and i have gone deathly pale. My partner knows whats coming and gets me out of that room quick smart.

That is a exerpt of all that is wrong with people. No wonder I am misanthropic. No wonder we are all terrified of our own shadow sometimes........ I wonder what has caused me more trauma, the illness or the gross negligence of supposed healers.

My God it makes me angry.......I have written a letter to the head consultant of that clinic......she isn't getting away with it.

[Simcha]

Originally Posted by Michah

Hi there,

I have always had this issue with mental health making the trans-tasmin trip to the dx of physical illness. I have been chronically physically ill for the last 5 years and often my colourful and rich mental health history has gotten in the way of thorough physical investigation. Unless you have a second head growing out of your ear, or you are glowing green from radiation poisoning the doctor is often able to put all physical discomfort down to "mental degredation".

I am not saying that mental illness cannot effect physical health, on the contrary. It can, with missile capability. But if we stick to the notion of gravity(good on you Newton, you are arguing my case!), what goes up, must come down.....what about the remote possibility that physical illness can effect mental health? As it is in my case, with a misdx of Bipolar disorder due to the devestating effects of perimenopause and thyroid complications.....finally! It only took 5 years to work that out with me screaming constantly into the black, vacumous hole at doctors made of stupid putty.

I don't have a problem with me being dx bipolar......I have always taken the labels with a grain of salt.....and I would not trade one with the other. I feel like an angry ferret on crystal meth most of the time anyway.

Example and you guys are going to laugh at this one, it is so funny it is terrible......

Went to see FIRST Endocrinologist by advice of my surgeon( who by the way is not on my hit list. He is wonderful!). This is what wonder britches had to say......

Endo: So, are you on any medication?

me: yes, lithium and occasionally diazepam.

Endo: You have a mental health history?(ears perk, blood stirring)

Me: yes, I was originally dx borderline with schizoeffective 15 years ago and now bipolar(here we go!!!0)

Endo: Oooohhh....(eyes go blank, mouth in perfectly formed "O", leans back, arms cross across chest...yep...defensive, smug, got all the answers. I have seen this reaction so many times before, I can play it in slow motion in my mind. I immediately know what I am in for.) Have you shown this list of symptoms to your psychiatrist?

me: yes, he encouraged me to come and see you. He believes that there is a physical issue. We have explored the criteria for much psychosomatic and not fitting all of it. Inconsistencies.(no, you moron!! I am completely oblivious to the fact it might be a mental health issueSarcasm. I don't pay my shrinks to sit on their hands. You idiot!!)Keep smiling michah, don't show your fangs.....

Endo: Did you know that lithium effects the thyroid?(as she goes to her computer to tell me how it does. She is a consultant endo. she should know this off the top of her head)

me: (very calmly as my partner goes nuclear in the chair next to me) It is not necessary to consult your computer god, I will explain to you how lithium effects the thyroid(and so I do......hhhmmmm). I have done first year biology at uni and chemistry. I have also worked in a hospital. I do much research. I am quite learned(aaahhh here come the fangs......smile like a rictus without reaching my eyes. I am ready to launch attack. Sensing my "rage switch" my partner calmly puts his hand on mine. "Careful honey")

Endo: well I think you should get a job, you know, 4 hours a week. Just to get some ROUTINE IN YOUR LIFE!!"( What the?.....I am on a disability pension. I had to leave my job, defer my degree because of my psych hospital admission and the terrible physical symptoms. She knew this and she tells me to get a bloody job!!! I ALREADY HAD ONE!!)

me: I am going to leave now. I have never been so insulted in my life you stupid, nasty, insensitive woman. I am mentally ill, not a moron and I came here asking for your help with my endocrine system, not my seemingly misplaced responsibility to ROUTINE!! I want my freaking life back!!! ( I get up off the chair and she instinctively leans back as far as she can. I still have my rictus smile except my eyes have gone to slits and i have gone deathly pale. My partner knows whats coming and gets me out of that room quick smart.

That is a exerpt of all that is wrong with people. No wonder I am misanthropic. No wonder we are all terrified of our own shadow sometimes........ I wonder what has caused me more trauma, the illness or the gross negligence of supposed healers.

My God it makes me angry.......I have written a letter to the head consultant of that clinic......she isn't getting away with it.

Micah... to some people who have bought into the system and don't ask questions, you must seem bitter, cynical, and paranoid...

BUT---to someone who has been there and has been both a consumer of the mental health system AND and employee of it, I can tell you that you are right on track. It's more than just the mental health system, but the entire medical system that is plagued by ignorance, bias, and complete lack of empathy to boot. To them we are nothing more than a commodity, expendable. How "dare" you take your own health into your own hands, right?

I gotta say I don't think reporting anything to the chief doctor there (or probably anywhere for that matter) will do anything, sorry to say. I find the system protects the system and those within it, except for the occasional sacrificial "fall guy".

I don't know what the exact right thing to do is, but the only thing that I know FOR SURE is to NEVER GIVE UP---be your own advocate. Your worth it, no matter how they try to designate you. Remember, NEVER GIVE UP!

[gimmeice]

(((((((((((((( Michah ))))))))))))))))))))
I too have run into doctors with similar attitudes, I know it can be difficult, I am sending you some hugs.
Good for you for writing a complaint letter, I think that is the right response.

[Michah]

Originally Posted by Simcha

Micah... to some people who have bought into the system and don't ask questions, you must seem bitter, cynical, and paranoid...

BUT---to someone who has been there and has been both a consumer of the mental health system AND and employee of it, I can tell you that you are right on track. It's more than just the mental health system, but the entire medical system that is plagued by ignorance, bias, and complete lack of empathy to boot. To them we are nothing more than a commodity, expendable. How "dare" you take your own health into your own hands, right?

I gotta say I don't think reporting anything to the chief doctor there (or probably anywhere for that matter) will do anything, sorry to say. I find the system protects the system and those within it, except for the occasional sacrificial "fall guy".

I don't know what the exact right thing to do is, but the only thing that I know FOR SURE is to NEVER GIVE UP---be your own advocate. Your worth it, no matter how they try to designate you. Remember, NEVER GIVE UP!

Cheers Simcha......yes, i have been fighting against mental health discrimination for a while now from the comfort of my housebound laptop. I am usually more clinical as I know health care professionals respond better to logic....as do I most of the time. Having worked with doctors, scientists and the like, I know how dogmatic they can be. When it comes to MY life, My son and being a good woman to my partner, I become extremely territorial and protective. It is like, "How dare you question my integrity when you nothing about me and you can see that I am suffering!!"

And yes I have had many years of stupid, all knowing looks from doctors.....Didn't matter, I just kept going and praying for their ignorant souls. But now that I am truly fighting for my life, in a way that is foreign to me after much years of trauma and getting mentally better......I say "Do not patronise me. I have fought many battles and won. Do not look at me like I am a victim of my own demise until you can PROVE that I am."

yes, I am cynical and bitter but triumphant as well. I have found good doctors now who want to help. Funnily enough, my close mental health professionals have always been supportive.......I have had a few horrible nurses and a Freudian psychiatrist that made me feel like an a nasty animal but on the whole, I have had good ones.

And as for the letter....it is a matter of principle. I do not expect a response. I do not think, even as charming and as persuasive as I am, that I can make a difference to her long term clinical practice or lack of bedside manner.

Thanks for your input babe......

[Michah]

Originally Posted by gimmeice

(((((((((((((( Michah ))))))))))))))))))))
I too have run into doctors with similar attitudes, I know it can be difficult, I am sending you some hugs.
Good for you for writing a complaint letter, I think that is the right response.

Thanks sweet cheeks.......nasty to be put in a cold box, told to get over it and die from hypothermia because the doctors convinced you it is "all in your mind", isn't it? No s%^t sherlock!! Of course its in my mind. I am terrified!!

[inkblot]

Originally Posted by Michah

<snip>

........ I wonder what has caused me more trauma, the illness or the gross negligence of supposed healers.

OOH I gotta reply on this one! Been there, STILL doing that!!!! I already had PTSD before all this with myself, and now I have similar issues because of the TRAUMA of being denied proper medical care because I have psych history! It's scary and emotionally painful to see doctors now and have to TRY and talk to them! Sometimes I feel like I will never be really diagnosed. I know what the Dx is--It's lupus. I emailed my regular doc if that's what he thought and he "replied" as yes by our special off-the-record communication method (he opens appointments in the schedule when I look online). He's the best! But I even have trouble talking to him enough to get things ON the record. What he knows he found out through email. It freaks me out just to think about going in and talking and being told "nothings wrong" and that I'm just psych. It hurts, it's traumatic, it PISSES ME OFF!!!!

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{Michah}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

[(JD)]

I, too, have been there, but with neurologists.

I may still 'be' there, I just don't bother trying to see a neurologist anymore. The inconsideration given and flagrant insults, and inuendos are uncalled for imo. Even if they are Bought by the system to not treat and to keep the insurance costs down, they don't have to be so absurd. But then, perhaps those masquerading as doctors are the only ones who can be bought?

One of the neuros I "saw" was so on target to deny me help, as we sat in his office he began to say, Now from the exam I find nothing wrong... when I had to inform him that he had not even examined me yet! He was flabergasted and ushered me into the exam room... I couldn't leave as that would have put a mark against me for "non compliance." But, of course, the neuro's report was the same. GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!

[Amazonmom]

Yeah, the tendency for health "professionals" to ignore the other health concerns of mentally interesting people has always pissed me off. I always thought they were being amazingly bad doctors, nurses, etc. Being a nurse myself, I never understood why they would act this way. This was before I was declared mentally interesting myself!

When I went into the ER to be checked due to a sudden whole body Lamictal rash, the nurse was way cool. The doc was a jackass. He barely looked at the rash at all. He just said to stop taking the Lamictal and to call my pdoc in the morning. First of all, I don't see a pdoc, so stop telling me to call one. I decided to call the psych NP I see instead. Second of all, if someone presents with a severe rash who is on Lamictal they should be carefully examined for the deadly rashes (that are rare). He told me to take large amounts of antihistamines...not the best choice for people on Lithium as they reduce thirst. YES! I can come back into the ER with Lithium toxicity!!!!! He should probably have given IV steroids, since I take lithium, there was very little risk of mania.

I got the feeling he thought I was just another one of those crazies. I wonder if I had said I had a seizure disorder, would I have been treated differently?

[thelionkinglives]

Michah

I am not saying that mental illness cannot effect physical health, on the contrary. It can, with missile capability. But if we stick to the notion of gravity(good on you Newton, you are arguing my case!), what goes up, must come down.....what about the remote possibility that physical illness can effect mental health?
Absolutely, in fact it has been proven...many people after an injury or a heart attack have come down with depression & anxiety issues.

As it is in my case, with a misdx of Bipolar disorder due to the devestating effects of perimenopause and thyroid complications.....finally!
You have had a misdx of bi-polar too? This seems to be a growing trend..

It only took 5 years to work that out with me screaming constantly into the black, vacumous hole at doctors made of stupid putty.
Unfortunately we can't assume all doctors are created equal just because they wear a white lab coat & have a piece of paper on their wall. I always have the approach that they have to prove to me that their dx is correct...

I don't have a problem with me being dx bipolar......I have always taken the labels with a grain of salt.....and I would not trade one with the other. I feel like an angry ferret on crystal meth most of the time anyway.
the farret made me laugh...i like to laugh...it makes me feel sparkely

Endo: well I think you should get a job, you know, 4 hours a week. Just to get some ROUTINE IN YOUR LIFE!!"( What the?.....I am on a disability pension. I had to leave my job, defer my degree because of my psych hospital admission and the terrible physical symptoms. She knew this and she tells me to get a bloody job!!! I ALREADY HAD ONE!!)
Yuck...jobs...yuck...barf....I jst want to smile my way through life


That is a exerpt of all that is wrong with people. No wonder I am misanthropic. No wonder we are all terrified of our own shadow sometimes........ I wonder what has caused me more trauma, the illness or the gross negligence of supposed healers.

(((((Michah)))

Would you like her to spontaneously combust

LK

[Calm]

Hi Michah, so sorry you have experienced medical negligence and rudeness from those who took an oath to do *NO HARM* to patients. Being a woman we already have one strike against us, and that is the general assumption women tend to be hysterics. Then add mental health issues to that, and our fate is almost doomed when it comes to the medical establishment. I, myself, have experienced medical mistreatment and one incident nearly cost me my life. It was a life threatening situation, and I was not only misdiagnosed by the ER doctor but also by the primary care dr. we had at the time. Very scary stuff to say the least. You do have to be your own advocate and research anything a dr. tells you, especially with medications. I do give credit to a few exceptionally good doctors I have had and wish all the doctors out there were as sharp, professional, and caring. I could go on and on with a few stories here but suffice it to say I've had my share. The bad experiences do leave their mark and makes it more difficult to have trust in those who we really do need to trust. I hope your health issues will be resolved and you receive the right treatment. Until then you take care of yourself as best as you can. Calm

[Simcha]

Originally Posted by Michah

Cheers Simcha......yes, i have been fighting against mental health discrimination for a while now from the comfort of my housebound laptop. I am usually more clinical as I know health care professionals respond better to logic....as do I most of the time. Having worked with doctors, scientists and the like, I know how dogmatic they can be. When it comes to MY life, My son and being a good woman to my partner, I become extremely territorial and protective. It is like, "How dare you question my integrity when you nothing about me and you can see that I am suffering!!"

And yes I have had many years of stupid, all knowing looks from doctors.....Didn't matter, I just kept going and praying for their ignorant souls. But now that I am truly fighting for my life, in a way that is foreign to me after much years of trauma and getting mentally better......I say "Do not patronise me. I have fought many battles and won. Do not look at me like I am a victim of my own demise until you can PROVE that I am."

yes, I am cynical and bitter but triumphant as well. I have found good doctors now who want to help. Funnily enough, my close mental health professionals have always been supportive.......I have had a few horrible nurses and a Freudian psychiatrist that made me feel like an a nasty animal but on the whole, I have had good ones.

And as for the letter....it is a matter of principle. I do not expect a response. I do not think, even as charming and as persuasive as I am, that I can make a difference to her long term clinical practice or lack of bedside manner.

Thanks for your input babe......

Anytime Micah. I like reading posts from other like minded folks like yourself. Keep the faith--someone's got to.

[Simcha]

Originally Posted by Amazonmom

Yeah, the tendency for health "professionals" to ignore the other health concerns of mentally interesting people has always pissed me off. I always thought they were being amazingly bad doctors, nurses, etc. Being a nurse myself, I never understood why they would act this way. This was before I was declared mentally interesting myself!

When I went into the ER to be checked due to a sudden whole body Lamictal rash, the nurse was way cool. The doc was a jackass. He barely looked at the rash at all. He just said to stop taking the Lamictal and to call my pdoc in the morning. First of all, I don't see a pdoc, so stop telling me to call one. I decided to call the psych NP I see instead. Second of all, if someone presents with a severe rash who is on Lamictal they should be carefully examined for the deadly rashes (that are rare). He told me to take large amounts of antihistamines...not the best choice for people on Lithium as they reduce thirst. YES! I can come back into the ER with Lithium toxicity!!!!! He should probably have given IV steroids, since I take lithium, there was very little risk of mania.

I got the feeling he thought I was just another one of those crazies. I wonder if I had said I had a seizure disorder, would I have been treated differently?

Professional nurses like yourself fight an uphill battle against the dysfunctional medical establishment. It's a shame to have to experience it on the other side, an in a way more devastating, because you are more likely to really know how it all works and what is going on. Scary.

I've been in a very similar situation recently with severe allergic reactions and pompous, ignorant ER doctors. I've only had two good ER doctors in my life--the rest were scary. I'm a bit paranoid now about doctors, ER's, and anyone medically related, but not without reason. After all, it's my life; I have to take care of it. If they don't like it, well I know a good garbage receptacle where they can shove it...

[Michah]

Originally Posted by inkblot

OOH I gotta reply on this one! Been there, STILL doing that!!!! I already had PTSD before all this with myself, and now I have similar issues because of the TRAUMA of being denied proper medical care because I have psych history!PTSD!! Well, well. As your stupid doctor and knowing you have PTSD I am going to try my HARDEST to trigger all your core schemas of vulnerability, fear and hypervigilance by being a complete insensitive Ba456ard! Ha. (So sorry you have had to go through that too, babe) It's scary and emotionally painful to see doctors now and have to TRY and talk to them! Sometimes I feel like I will never be really diagnosed. I know what the Dx is--It's lupus.I hope you are getting treatment for that. Nasty autoimmune I emailed my regular doc if that's what he thought and he "replied" as yes by our special off-the-record communication method (he opens appointments in the schedule when I look online). He's the best! Good, At least someone is helping you But I even have trouble talking to him enough to get things ON the record. What he knows he found out through email. It freaks me out just to think about going in and talking and being told "nothings wrong" and that I'm just psych. It hurts, it's traumatic, it PISSES ME OFF!!!!I hear you babe. I am with you

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{Michah}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

Thanks for the hugs......lets keep battling on the TRUTH is out there!!!! Hope you are feeling okay.

[Michah]

Originally Posted by _Sky

I, too, have been there, but with neurologists.

I may still 'be' there, I just don't bother trying to see a neurologist anymore. The inconsideration given and flagrant insults, and inuendos are uncalled for imo.Man, neurologists. They are truly the keepers of the gate. They should be the most open-minded of them all(forgive the pun) But its true!!! Even if they are Bought by the system to not treat and to keep the insurance costs down, they don't have to be so absurd. But then, perhaps those masquerading as doctors are the only ones who can be bought?So true Sky. Don't know what your health system is like but from what I have seen on here, it is not so good.

One of the neuros I "saw" was so on target to deny me help, as we sat in his office he began to say, Now from the exam I find nothing wrong... when I had to inform him that he had not even examined me yet! He was flabergasted and ushered me into the exam roomHa Ha!! stupid doctor... I couldn't leave as that would have put a mark against me for "non compliance." But, of course, the neuro's report was the same. GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!OOHhh babe, I so feel that one. How frightening! Keep going you shall triumph

Thinking of you babe and hope it gets better........

[Michah]

Originally Posted by Amazonmom

Yeah, the tendency for health "professionals" to ignore the other health concerns of mentally interesting people has always pissed me off. I always thought they were being amazingly bad doctors, nurses, etc. Being a nurse myself, I never understood why they would act this way. This was before I was declared mentally interesting myself!Hear hear to that!! Must be difficult for you sweetie, to see colleagues being less than therapeutic sometimes

When I went into the ER to be checked due to a sudden whole body Lamictal rash, the nurse was way cool. The doc was a jackass. He barely looked at the rash at all. He just said to stop taking the LamictalYeah, thats a GREAT idea! Got any anti-psychotics when I start to feel like crap? and to call my pdoc in the morning. First of all, I don't see a pdoc, so stop telling me to call one. I decided to call the psych NP I see instead. Second of all, if someone presents with a severe rash who is on Lamictal they should be carefully examined for the deadly rashes (that are rare). Very true He told me to take large amounts of antihistamines...not the best choice for people on Lithium as they reduce thirst.Ah! yes!! Stupid doctor YES! I can come back into the ER with Lithium toxicity!!!!! He should probably have given IV steroids, since I take lithium, there was very little risk of mania.

I got the feeling he thought I was just another one of those crazies. I wonder if I had said I had a seizure disorder, would I have been treated differently?

Oh yes......or a coronary. I had an experience with my GP that I have been seeing for 13 years. About 3 months ago, I went to him because I had a sore jaw, swollen tongue, numb teeth and shooting pains in my shoulders. He said "anxiety. Increase your diazepam." I was on thyroxine at the time to reduce goiter. So I went home and took my drugs like a good girl but over the next few weeks, it got worse. I went to emergency because I could not put up with feeling so sick. I was in triage and the nurse pulled me in straight away. I was thrown on a bed, whisked into a cubicle, doctors all over me, EKG strapped to me, monitors going of like fire sirens(looking at my partner, going "what the hell"). Everyones barking orders.....IV fluid and diazepam......close monitoring. Then I meekly ask "can someone tell me whats going on?" You have a heart rate of 180. We think at this point you are thyrotoxic. We will watch your heart. Sinus tachycardia. On beta blockers. Sent home after 6 hours. Phew. They were fantastic. Restored some of my faith. Found out that the symptoms I had gone to my GP with were indicitive of a heart condition. He didn't even take my pulse or my blood pressure! I have had to let him go.

[Michah]

Originally Posted by thelionkinglives

Michah

I am not saying that mental illness cannot effect physical health, on the contrary. It can, with missile capability. But if we stick to the notion of gravity(good on you Newton, you are arguing my case!), what goes up, must come down.....what about the remote possibility that physical illness can effect mental health?
Absolutely, in fact it has been proven...many people after an injury or a heart attack have come down with depression & anxiety issues.Yep hear you on that one!!

As it is in my case, with a misdx of Bipolar disorder due to the devestating effects of perimenopause and thyroid complications.....finally!
You have had a misdx of bi-polar too? This seems to be a growing trend..Remarkably so!! I agree

It only took 5 years to work that out with me screaming constantly into the black, vacumous hole at doctors made of stupid putty.
Unfortunately we can't assume all doctors are created equal just because they wear a white lab coat & have a piece of paper on their wall. I always have the approach that they have to prove to me that their dx is correct...Yep me too, but if it feels like you are getting blood out of a stone, they are not the right doctor for you

I don't have a problem with me being dx bipolar......I have always taken the labels with a grain of salt.....and I would not trade one with the other. I feel like an angry ferret on crystal meth most of the time anyway.
the farret made me laugh...i like to laugh...it makes me feel sparkelyMy ferrets!! I also have a three-legged badger.

Endo: well I think you should get a job, you know, 4 hours a week. Just to get some ROUTINE IN YOUR LIFE!!"( What the?.....I am on a disability pension. I had to leave my job, defer my degree because of my psych hospital admission and the terrible physical symptoms. She knew this and she tells me to get a bloody job!!! I ALREADY HAD ONE!!)
Yuck...jobs...yuck...barf....I jst want to smile my way through lifeLaughing my head off.....good one!!


That is a exerpt of all that is wrong with people. No wonder I am misanthropic. No wonder we are all terrified of our own shadow sometimes........ I wonder what has caused me more trauma, the illness or the gross negligence of supposed healers.

(((((Michah)))

Would you like her to spontaneously combustYES, can you arrange that. I have tried to do it by telekinesis but hasn't worked.

LK

Thanks for the hugs LK........I feel like a worn out dishrag.

[mlpHolmes]

I am very sorry this outlook still exists. Maybe one day ....

{{{{{{{{{{{{{ MICHAH}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

Much Love,
Holmes

[Michah]

Originally Posted by Calm

Hi Michah, so sorry you have experienced medical negligence and rudeness from those who took an oath to do *NO HARM* Ah yes, Hippocratic Oath.....more like Hypocrite(ic) Oath!! to patients. Being a woman we already have one strike against us, and that is the general assumption women tend to be hysterics.Yep, got you on that one!!! Then add mental health issues to that, and our fate is almost doomed when it comes to the medical establishment. I, myself, have experienced medical mistreatment and one incident nearly cost me my life. It was a life threatening situation, and I was not only misdiagnosed by the ER doctor but also by the primary care dr. we had at the time. Very scary stuff to say the least.Oh sweetie, thats really yukky. I hope it has been resolved You do have to be your own advocate and research anything a dr. tells you, especially with medications. I do give credit to a few exceptionally good doctors I have had and wish all the doctors out there were as sharp, professional, and caring. I could go on and on with a few stories here but suffice it to say I've had my share. The bad experiences do leave their mark and makes it more difficult to have trust in those who we really do need to trust.Yeah, that is a BIG one I hope your health issues will be resolved and you receive the right treatment. Until then you take care of yourself as best as you can. Calm

Thank you. And I am glad that you finally have some people to look out of the box

[Michah]

Originally Posted by mlpHolmes

I am very sorry this outlook still exists. Maybe one day ....

{{{{{{{{{{{{{ MICHAH}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

Much Love,
Holmes

Cheers Holmes.......your hugs are HUGE!! Thank you, it will get better.......eventually.

[DivideByZero]

I feel your pain. Keep up your hope.

[susan888]

Michah,

I am so sorry that you were treated like that but am very happy to see that you stood up for yourself. I work for a hospital in the states (administration) and the things I have seen have made me jaded about physicians. My daughter has a chronic bladder disease which requires frequent visits to the emergency department (mostly for pain control) and even though we go the hospital where I work, frequently she is still treated like a drug seeker. She has had this condition since she was 14 years old and is now 25. She absolutely refuses to go to the hospital without me. While I understand that....It is sooo hard.

I think seeing what I have seen with her has made me fearful of getting the help that I need (stigma)

I wish I was brave like you to tell them the truth. Sometimes I wonder why they even went into the medical field if they are so uncompassionate ($$$$).

I hope you are well and thank you for inspiring me to try to be a little more vocal!

[(JD)]

An additional note: my mom was in hospital recently, and they had FOR THE 7TH TIME put her back onto prednisone... totally ignoring the DC (discontinue orders.)

When trying to convince the doctor that my mom has a real problem with this medication, and described how it was causing her to behave, he felt I was just a family member in denial (that my mom is 89 and dying?) ... he knew NOTHING about Prednisone Psychosis!!! A medical doctor telling me prednisone doesn't cause anyone problems!

[Simcha]

Originally Posted by Michah

Oh yes......or a coronary. I had an experience with my GP that I have been seeing for 13 years. About 3 months ago, I went to him because I had a sore jaw, swollen tongue, numb teeth and shooting pains in my shoulders. He said "anxiety. Increase your diazepam." I was on thyroxine at the time to reduce goiter. So I went home and took my drugs like a good girl but over the next few weeks, it got worse. I went to emergency because I could not put up with feeling so sick. I was in triage and the nurse pulled me in straight away. I was thrown on a bed, whisked into a cubicle, doctors all over me, EKG strapped to me, monitors going of like fire sirens(looking at my partner, going "what the hell"). Everyones barking orders.....IV fluid and diazepam......close monitoring. Then I meekly ask "can someone tell me whats going on?" You have a heart rate of 180. We think at this point you are thyrotoxic. We will watch your heart. Sinus tachycardia. On beta blockers. Sent home after 6 hours. Phew. They were fantastic. Restored some of my faith. Found out that the symptoms I had gone to my GP with were indicitive of a heart condition. He didn't even take my pulse or my blood pressure! I have had to let him go.

SCARY!!!
I'm so glad your okay!

[Simcha]

Originally Posted by _Sky

An additional note: my mom was in hospital recently, and they had FOR THE 7TH TIME put her back onto prednisone... totally ignoring the DC (discontinue orders.)

When trying to convince the doctor that my mom has a real problem with this medication, and described how it was causing her to behave, he felt I was just a family member in denial (that my mom is 89 and dying?) ... he knew NOTHING about Prednisone Psychosis!!! A medical doctor telling me prednisone doesn't cause anyone problems!

Whoa dude, I'm on Prednisone (for a severe allergic reaction to a substance) right now and I'm telling you I've been delusional as all get out! I'm still slightly delusional if you want to know the truth of it (and I don't have any sort of delusional/psychotic disorder or anything), but I'm kinda questioning the delusons at this point because my taper has been lowered.
Prednisone and all other corticosteroids are well known to cause a variety of negative mental affects. You gotta have good people around that can watch you if something like that should happen.

Luckily my delusions haven't been harmful and I'm not elderly. My T has been really helpful.

[Pomegranate]

Wonderful writing. I spent a year in a wheel chair before my doc figured out I had hypothyroidism! I guess I was so weak, or something, from low thyroid hormone levels that I could not walk more than a few feet without falling over and feeling faint. As soon as he started me on levoxyl, I arose from my wheel chair and walked. It was amazing but made me very angry.

Then I had to spend years fighting for pain meds because my pain "was just from depression" and I needed to get a job (I too had already had one and was on disability) or find something to do to keep me more active!!! Turned out I have fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue and arthritis in my lower back and sciatica. You describe perfectly the look on doctor's faces as soon as they hear my med list or that I have major depression and PTSD. GRRRRR.