[ErinBear]

Hi,

Not sure where to post this - hope it is okay to post this here.

I have had a very rough time of it the past six months or so - really the past year, since my counselor moved away, I guess. But the past six months have been particularly bad, with worsening depression. I've been in the hospital for problems with depression three times. We've tried multiple medications and treatments for depression, including ECT, and nothing has really been helpful. I've also been having a very hard time finding a psychiatrist in my area who would accept Medicare, which has really complicated the situation. I've been searching for months.

Wednesday, I have an appointment to see a new psychiatrist at a clinic which is supposed to take Medicare patients. I don't know how this will go. It's hard to even keep trying antidepressant medications when I've been trying them for about 20 years now without much success. But I don't have many other ideas at the moment, and it seems like a very difficult time.

I guess I am asking for good thoughts and wishes if folks feel up to it. I feel scared and nervous about this. Thanks in advance.

Take care,
ErinBear

hey erin. i know how it feels to go through it all again with a new doc. i am on my 6th pdoc, and around my 15th medication, and i am only 26 years old! it took 8 years, and tons of antidepressants for my last 2 pdocs to decide........... hey! you need a mood stabilizer! so i am on one, but still don't know if it's working.

it can be very, very exasperating, i know.

you are in my thoughts, and i wish you luck. let us know how it turns out.

[ErinBear]

Hi Pinksoil,

Thanks for your note. Sorry to hear you've been through such an extended maze of medications and physicians, trying to get your psychiatric meds worked out. I hope the new medications will be more helpful for you.

And thanks for the good wishes! I sure appreciate that....

Take care,
ErinBear

[MissCharlotte]

((((ErinBear))))

It is hard to keep trying but you are worth it. And, you already have the appointment, a huge first step. Maybe while you are waiting for Wednesday to roll around you can begin to write down the different meds/combos you have tried. This might help the pdoc to help you better.

Do you have a T? Talk therapy is an important part of the depression rx. If you can't find one who takes medicare, you might try calling NAMI in your area. They have an 800 number.

Good luck Erin.

Erinbear, I hope things go ok for you next week!

[ErinBear]

Hi Sister,

Thanks for the note. Yes, I do have a therapist. Medicare will pay for psychiatrists, but seeing a psychologist or counselor is something one pays for independently....it's not covered by Medicare. My therapist does have a sliding scale, though, which helps, and I really appreciate that about him. I'm not sure how long we'll be continuing. We don't seem to be a very good personality match, but at least for now, we're meeting.

Thanks again....

Take care,
ErinBear

[ErinBear]

Thank you so much, Mouse!

Take care,
ErinBear