Preparing for first Pdoc visit.

I am preparing to see a Pdoc for the first time. I am wondering if members could give their suggestions of what I should bring in for my first visit.

I have collected my last three blood tests and a printout from the pharmacy to show my medications I'm prescribed.

My husband thinks I should write down my previous traumas for the Pdoc, I've begun that list and it has been too hard to complete all at once.

Will that list my husband suggests be of use, in your opinions? And what else do you think I should consider doing prior to the visit?

I know many here have had extensive experiences with Pdocs. I'd appreciate anything you can do to help me prepare.

Thanking you in advance,
KarenSue

Hi KarenSue

Meeting a P'doc for the first time can be daunting. It is a good idea to write things prior history down. Don't be too worried if you can't manage it all, other things can and will come later. It takes more than one visit to be helped. You will be assessing them as much as they will be assessing you. You may also wish to give him a brief overview of how you cope with life.

Have questions for your p'doc. P'docs have differing styles. Some will only ever see you 5 minutes max and they only write out scripts. Other P'docs will be able to write scripts but the may also use therapy as part of your treatment. Ask them how they do their job. Do they even like their job? Do they like people? Ask them what they think their strengths/specialties lay.

We can forget that we are paying a p'doc to help us. We are their employers and if their manner makes us uncomfortable then it's unlikely you will be able to make much progress with them.

I have had a couple of P'docs. It is most important that you feel like there is some form of emotional connection, even if it is just the smallest bit at first. Without that you may find yourself just marking time.

Most importantly relax. Give yourself plenty of time to get there. If you need to for the first time have some-one take you to the appointment. They don't have to go in with you but just wait. Maybe have a coffee/tea afterwards to shift your head back to the present.

Thank you for the good advice, possum. It has certainly helped me!

I think that having tangible pre determined objectives when starting therapy is a good idea, as vague expectations tend to cloud our resolve. Having pre written notes for reference is certainly a big help, including previous meds and history. I agree with Possums advice...just try to relax and take it a day at a time.

Be kind to yourself KarenSue

Thank you so much, Quarter life, for the additional information.

Relax. It's fun.

I agree with the previous members advise. It is going to be hard to relax... I would say be honest with the podc. You will also need to learn to trust this person, so it is super important you like the doctor Good luck

Thank you everyone. Today's the day and I feel prepared, but still nervous, of course. I will do my best to relax.

Thanks again!

Hope it went ok

Really hope it went okay too. We are here is you would like to talk about it.

Hope your pdoc visit went well.

Good Luck and have a great day!!

Let us know how it went. First impressions do really matter, so I hope this one managed to connect with you and the he's someone you can see yourself working with.

Thank you. I feel it went really well. The psychiatrist spoke to me for an hr and 15 minutes. No extra fees! I go back in a month for the 30 minute visit and to see how my meds are doing. She is switching me to a different depression med, and she gave me samples! She looked up comparative prices for medication on a website, she gave me the website! Google "Good rx" and it compares prices on all the pharmacies and offers coupons to print to make them even cheaper. I like that in a doctor, one who considers your stressful finances and helps you out with that, too. That showed me a level of care that she is accustomed to giving her patients.

I definitely like her and feel she will be a positive influence.

Thank you all!

Sounds like a very positive visit and that you felt some kind of connection with her. Kudos to you. Hope the new meds also play their part in the road you travel.

Glad to hear that your visit went well.

Sounds like a positive experience, I'm happy for you

Relax I say too. I think the onus on delving into things during the first session is on the psychiatrists - that is their job. It is up them to make a diagnosis and we should try to refrain from doing it for them. Great idea though about taking the list of medications and arming yourself with your medical history.

With that said, I think it is fair to assist the prysichiatrist in establishing agendas for subsequent sessions.