Posted by Adam on July 13, 2001, at 17:51:47
In reply to Re: I may need help.... » Adam, posted by shelliR on July 13, 2001, at 9:02:53
> Adam. If possible try to calm yourself until your blood tests are back.
That's good advice. I'm probably freaking out a bit.
>If they come back negative, ask your pdoc for a referral to a doctor. If she knows you well, she will know that it is not your tendency to be a hypochondriac, and she can relay this information to the doctor.
The sad truth is she doesn't know me well. No doctor does. I haven't been able to hold onto any physician for more than a year since I left college. I had a pretty nice PCP before, but she left my HMO, so that was that. I have since been scrambling just to find a doctor who could see me by the end of the month. Emergency rooms have been no help whatsoever. As it is, I've gotten the same story from everyone, even a psychiatrist I spoke to at McLean "Are you experiencing any undue stress lately? Problems at home? Have you had any thoughts of hurting yourself? Hearing any voices?" I mean, come on. I had to ask the guy, point blank "Are you wondering if this is psychosomatic?" His reply "Well, yeah." I have been forthright as can be about my medical history because I thought it would help RULE OUT some of this stuff. The result has been that they fixate on it. I have no reason to believe my current pdoc wouldn't do the same, and, besides, I can't seem to get in contact with her. Very frustrating.
>I think you need to find a doctor that you >respect and trust to help you through this.
Yeah, I'll say.
>
> I'm sure that your ability to advocate for yourself will in the long run get you whatever treatment you need. I would, however, stay aware from emergency rooms for this type of diagnosis. I think in general they're only helpful for broken bones, heart attacks. etc. Nothing subtle.
>My fear, at this point, is that, barring a positive blood test, they will just bounce me back to the psychiatrists to fix my head. Given my experience so far, that wouldn't suprise me one bit. I can't see a doctor they don't refer me to without paying out-of-pocket, unfortunately, and I'm already researching that angle, so at least I can spend my money wisely.
> Keep writing and let us know what is happening.
>
> ShelliThank you for your concern, I will.
poster:Adam
thread:69963
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010708/msgs/70045.html