Posted by Mitch on December 18, 2001, at 23:29:01
In reply to Re: It's been awhile...need some help » Mitch, posted by bob on December 18, 2001, at 13:02:35
> I highly doubt many doctors are looking at this board. Any time I've ever mentioned opinions, ideas, facts, or suggestions gleaned from this board, I hear about how only people with "problems" (i.e. the complainers) post to boards like these and that you should be careful about any info posted here. I agree that you can't believe everything you read... but at the same time, I think they're discounting the vast experience base represented here -- as well as the fact that many of these posters are extremely knowledgeable about pyschopharmacology. They claim that if you get a good response to a medecine, you wouldn't be on this board. Where does that leave the non-responders???
I must admit that you are correct about your assumptions and I have been too optimistic. I have aggressively switched docs in recent years and not allowed myself to get stuck with docs that are just marking x's on their calendar until they retire. Most folks are uneasy about "shopping around" for a pdoc.
There also is an interesting contrast of "non-responders" (treatment-resistant folks), and treatment-intolerant folks. The treatment-resistant people probably will get more attention (just by the nature of the problem-and justifiably so), while treatment-intolerant folks will get the worst "discounting" that you mention ("It is all in your head-these side effects are just b.s.").
My current pdoc agrees with me that you can't just go on statistical/clinical generalizations when it comes to dx and treatment options. If you are "falling outside the middle of the bell curve" you need individualized treatment (which is what you are supposed to get anyway!). It takes a truly insightful pdoc to treat you uniquely and not get too hung-up with getting the dx "right" and using the treatment which works for most with the most general symptoms.
Mitch
poster:Mitch
thread:87146
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011213/msgs/87361.html