Posted by magic potion on May 20, 2003, at 22:09:26
In reply to Medical Lottery, posted by whiterabbit on May 20, 2003, at 15:27:07
> Yep I was all geared up for my first appointment with my fourth psychiatrist and they asked me to re-schedule because the doctor has to go to a funeral. Hope it wasn't a patient.
Plenty of people die everyday. I'm sure it was just a colleague. If he or she lost a pt, I'd be surprised if they'd even bother to go to the funeral.
I completely know what you mean, though!
The whole process is so frustrating. You're on your fourth...I'm on my--oh who's counting anyways. I really can't remember what any of them even look like...it's all a blur.
CBT...RET...LSD...D.O.C :)(the last two aren't true, btw)
One thing's for sure, there is no "standard of care" when it comes to mental health. They're all out there doing their own thing.
Where are they measuring the quality of these practitioners? And who is doing the testing, the OOMPA LOOMPAS?
I used to dabble in Improv. I'm sorry about your bad experience with the foreign doctor (number three?), but I must say that it is some seriously good material. I can see the scene perfectly: a person in desperate need of help--completely on the edge--this is her last hope--and low and behold she can't understand a word of what the doctor has to say...except when he says "and this is critical." And, I think his barking out orders can easily be worked in. Having the doctor turn around and treat the "low self-esteem, depressed" patient like a piece of crap would be excellent. And, he would need to say to the patient, "Sorry, I'm late, but I just came from the funeral of one of my patients." :P
You have a terrific way of recounting your experiences.
Keep notes on these crazy pdocs you keep running into...they're good material!
I had one who yawned incessantly and could barely keep his eyes open. I used to get seasick from watching his head bob. I felt bad talking about my problems because I didn't want to wake him. I would just sit quietly and then cough when my time was up. It all goes back to Maslow's hierarchy of needs: you can't possibly be a good therapist if your basic need for sleep isn't being met.
> Well, I need a good psychiatrist, but I don't need the attitude. Maybe Thing Four will be the
> man...I hope this last one works out for you (funerals aside). I just cancelled on my psychiatrist. And tomorrow I plan to call my psychologist and cancel my next appt with him, too. I just can't do it anymore. The whole song and dance...I vomit out painful details of my life...they listen and give me a few 'uh, huhs'...they say time's up...I write out a check. I'm not sure how any of this is helping me.
I really went off course. I'm sorry! Focus hasn't been one of my strong points lately. The point is, there are plenty of ineffective pdocs out there...you have to shop around. There have to be some who are effective, caring, and civil...that's not too much to ask.
And, I've seen many posters who really like their pdocs...so that should give you some hope.
You just have to keep trying! Keep on keepin' on, Gracie!!!
:)
poster:magic potion
thread:227917
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20030517/msgs/227987.html