This new pdoc-- Hey, I like him.

Last night around 8, the new pdoc called me and stayed on the phone with me for 20 minutes.

He told me that he is concerned about the amount and severity of symtpoms that I described to him and because of that, feels that the best choice would be Lithium. He explained to me that he understands that I like my therapist a lot and while other types of therapies are something to think about, he will not push the issue; we will focus on the medication issue. He talked for a long time and then said to me, "Ok, now I've said a lot-- time for you to talk and ask questions."

I asked about 437 questions and never once did I feel rushed. He answered each one completely and did not end the phone call until he made sure I had said everything I wanted to say.

He told me he doesn't like to focus on a diagnosis, particularly for someone like me who has been dealing with symptoms without relief for so long. He said the goal is to acknowledge the symptoms and try to relieve them, not dwell on what category to fit them into.

He told me that he likes to call prescriptions into the pharmacy because he really likes to touch base with the pharmacist when a patient is starting a new medication.

As far as the Lithium, I don't know. He is calling it into the pharmacy today. He will be sending me a fact sheet in the mail about Lithium along with a starting schedule, detailing when I would be taking it and when I would have my blood monitored.

Oh and he also made sure to give me his assistant's phone number and said, "She always knows where I am during the week so if you need anything you can reach me that way." So I asked him, "If I am freaking out and need to ask you questions, I can call this number and you will get back to me?" He said yes.

I am very scared about all of this, plus I am having some problems with my huband dealing with and understanding some of the things that are going on with me. I am at work and have already cried on the way here and once at my desk. I have been on the edge of calling T for three days but have not done so yet. I see him tomorrow. I was thinking of calling him in a few minutes because right now I feel as though he is the only one who truly understands how I am feeling.

Sounds too good to be true...

I'm so glad you have found a pdoc you seem to like. He sounds like he puts the patient before the doctor which is good and rare. That he took the time to explain things IMO is great.

Don't get frustrated with the amount of time is could take before you feel "better".

Even after all the years of med, pdocs, treatments, hospital my husband doesn't understand. We've been to pdocs and therapy but well.....that's not important.

Keep posting.
tc

Wow Pink, hold on tight to this one! I am very very happy for you girl! He is FOCUSED on helping you.

Sorry you're freaking. I hate that when something really good happens and "scares" one because it's so good and I feel like I'm not "ready" yet or something. Hope your work calms you down a bit and/or you come up with a "plan" for calling your T or waiting it out or whatever.

pink, that phone call with your new pdoc sounded really great! When someone takes the time like that to answer your questions and take your concerns seriously, it can go a long way toward alleviating apprehension about starting a new med and working with a new practitioner. And good for his comments on your T! I especially liked what he said about not focusing on a diagnosis. He is seeing you as a unique person, rather than just a collection of symptoms to fit into a box. Yay!

I have called my T and hung up before the beep about 837626273 times. I have felt very depressed starting on Monday with things getting more confusing and scary after my pdoc appointment. T doesn't even know I saw the pdoc, I forgot to tell him last week that the appointment would be on Tuesday. I don't know what is going on. I want to call him so badly, but i don't want to call him at all. I keep thinking that I don't have an "important" enough reason to call him. That I need to be in complete crisis, on the verge of who knows what, in order to call. I was thinking... what is the point of calling... I am going to feel so stupid... so I didn't. I see him tomorrow anyway. An hour and a half with T.

I am glad that you have found a pdoc that seems to be positive for you. Let us know how the lithium goes.

Wonderful. I'm so glad you didn't fire him!

Good luck with new meds. I hope you find some relief.

pinksoil - so glad you found a good pdoc! I have one like that and he is a jewel. It will be a good compliment to your therapy. I'm sorry you're having a hard time, though. I often worry about calling in as well. I mean, I don't want to bug anyone and I feel sheepish like I might get in trouble. In your case I think a phone call would have been good. How did the session go? Are you doing any better?

Oh - saw your other thread about how the session went. Good for you. Lots of decisions ahead for you, but it sounds like you have lots of support too.