[WikidPissah]

Yikes...appt with new primary in an hour. How do I explain T...how do I explain Pdoc....how do I explain mental meds...how do I tell him my dx???

FREAKING OUT!!!

You just do it. He is your doctor and he needs to know your history, particularly your meds. I know it's nerve wracking and potentially embarassing, but you just have to bite the bullet and give him ALL of your information. Totally understand the nervousness. Been there, done that, have the t-shirt. But I found my physician to be very receptive and in fact he really didn't make much of a deal out of it. You won't be the first patient he's had that is on psych meds.

[swimmergirl]

I agree with Farmer. You just have to do it. (((((((((hugs))))))) Maybe if you are overwhelmed.........tell him this and let him help you organize the info by having him ask you the most important questions. And you answer that. And then you don't have to share your whole life story........just the pertinent info. good luck!

[Gently1]

I freeze and "up until now" become a deer in the headlights.
So I carry a small binder/folder with an updated list of meds - from drugs.com as well as family history of cancer, list of procedures- surgeries results. I am 50 so keeping it in my head under stress does not work.
And the all important questions that I have for that appointment.

And for my psychiatric history a timeline as I get confused it has be 3 years and only know I seem to be finding meds that are working.

This idea I read about- I think the (Lance Armstrong site) then very slowly started building my file. There is not enough time to do this before your appointment. The other benefit for tracking your own health when looking back I see progress! IF not patterns to my health.

I have an annual checkup file where I add questions and experiences during the year to get the most of my check up.

It is my responsibilty for my health and if the team does not know what is going on for you, they can not help you.

Hope your appointment went well.
G1

[googley]

Hi Wikid~
It is scary to go see someone new. Remember that you are not going to be this docs first patient who has been to a T or a pdoc. He probably went to school with people who became Pdocs. He may even have had a rotation in psych. So this should not be all new to him. I know it is hard to share the information. You might want to write it out before you go so if it gets too hard you can just give him the information on a written page. Also, if he doesn't respond well, then you will know that you need to find a new PCP. You can do this.

[sunrise]

Maybe you don't have to go into great detail. I don't think my PCP knows I see a therapist. You could tell your new doc the meds you take and then answer any questions he/she has about them. Like if he/she asks why you take a med, you can say "for depression" or "for sleep" or whatever the cause may be. He/she will probably just note it in the chart.
Good luck today.

[WikidPissah]

yikes. He was cool...but he wanted to know a lot about the cancer and I welled up...tears on first visit. If that's not bad enough when he asked what the Trauma was in PTSD I said too much to explain in 5 minutes...then teared up again. Dammit all these stupid girly hormones I hate them.

[Sannah]

There isn't anything wrong with tearing up about cancer and trauma. You are acting pretty normal if you ask me........

[lastyearisblank]

Maybe you inspired him by speaking from the heart is that possible? Sorry it was such a hard appt but at least things are settled now. Glad he is "cool"

[skeksi]

Originally Posted by WikidPissah

If that's not bad enough when he asked what the Trauma was in PTSD I said too much to explain in 5 minutes...then teared up again.

Ugh, that's a difficult situation. It comes off as insensitive, although perhaps he was probing to see if there was a related issue (i.e. sexual assault that might mean you needed certain accommodations for exam, etc.). But you spoke up truthfully, you didn't get pushed into saying more than you were comfortable with, and that's awesome. Good for you.