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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 22 of 22. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Phillipa on December 9, 2007, at 13:45:36
Been waiting for over two months for a new pdoc appointment card in mailbox he can't see me til March this appointment was first week of January. I quit. No one can help me it's a losing battle. Love Phillipa
Posted by sunnydays on December 9, 2007, at 15:18:26
In reply to I Quit!!!!!, posted by Phillipa on December 9, 2007, at 13:45:36
Are there other pdocs in your area that might be able to get you in sooner? If not, call and leave a message and say you need to speak to your pdoc and ask him to give you a call. Then whatever your concern is that cannot wait until March, talk to him over the phone. He can call in any med changes to the pharmacy. My pdocs have done this for me before when they couldn't fit me in sooner.
Don't give up Phillipa. It just takes patience. You probably know from being a nurse that the medical system in the US has its problems. It's really really frustrating, but keep at it. You deserve help, so keep fighting for it.
sunnydays
Posted by bleauberry on December 9, 2007, at 18:14:52
In reply to I Quit!!!!!, posted by Phillipa on December 9, 2007, at 13:45:36
Jan, I know it's frustrating for you. Bigtime. Makes my heart ache.
You know what though? Maybe this is God's way of steering you in another direction? I mean, haven't you been down this psychiatrist road for so long with no real results to show for it? Why would you want to keep on that road? Do you really believe this doctor or any new pdoc is going to have some brilliant idea that will suddenly end the suffering?
You've been here for a long time. You've learned a lot. You were a nurse. YOu know a lot. You're smart. The absolute best person in the world to manage your care is...you.
I might suggest going through the phone book and calling a few dozen GPs that are near you. Ask for ones that are comfortable and experienced with psych meds. My current GP for example does stuff like zyprexa, seroquel, lithium, depakote, benzos, stimulants, etc as routine. My previous GP on the other hand said if I wanted to switch meds I would have to be referred to a pdoc. Just changing doses was a big deal to him. So GPs are quite different. Get on the phone and find one you like. A GP stands a better chance of seeing the whole picture, the whole body, rather than a pdoc who is going to only see your mood symptoms. Preferably the new GP should also be comfortable with thyroid treatments and hopefully food sensitivities.
Regardless of the doc's specialty, the most important things are:
A doc who is easy to get to.
A doc who is accessible on short notice.
A doc you can have a good relationship with.
A doc who is well versed in psych meds.
A doc who is open minded enough to listen to what you would like to do.I say dump the worthless pdocs. They have been of no benefit to you. Find a real doc. One who cares, one who will work with you as a partner. They do exist. Call 20 at random, probably one of them will fit the bill.
Posted by Phillipa on December 9, 2007, at 18:35:22
In reply to Re: I Quit!!!!!, posted by bleauberry on December 9, 2007, at 18:14:52
Thanks old babbler here lives near me and says she knows a good doc. Not sure if she still likes him though as they missed lung cancer in her Mom. Will email and ask if it was him who missed it or someone else. And he does psych meds. Phillipa
Posted by bleauberry on December 9, 2007, at 18:51:33
In reply to Re: I Quit!!!!! » bleauberry, posted by Phillipa on December 9, 2007, at 18:35:22
> Thanks old babbler here lives near me and says she knows a good doc. Not sure if she still likes him though as they missed lung cancer in her Mom. Will email and ask if it was him who missed it or someone else. And he does psych meds. Phillipa
Excellent!
Now, don't stop there. Call a BUNCH of doctors. Create as many options and opportunities you possibly can because one of them will be a diamond. You might miss the diamond if you don't overturn every rock.
Posted by elanor roosevelt on December 9, 2007, at 19:20:19
In reply to Re: I Quit!!!!!, posted by bleauberry on December 9, 2007, at 18:51:33
yes, check out the GP's
my GP has helped me out a few times
the pdoc who keeps putting off your appointments is not someone you want to see anyhowhang in there
Posted by sunnydays on December 9, 2007, at 22:27:24
In reply to Re: I Quit!!!!!, posted by bleauberry on December 9, 2007, at 18:14:52
You seem to have a big problem with pdocs in general. I don't know your history, so I don't know why, and I don't think it really matters for what I am going to say. Not all pdocs are like you are insinuating... worthless was your word I believe. I have had two that cared very much about me. One I did not like her personality, but I know she cared, so I switched to this one who I like much better.
And they have been to med school, done all the training, done residency just like GPs, so to say they are not 'real' docs is kind of demeaning to their profession and the years of study they have had, I believe.
Your list of qualities in a doc is excellent. But I would like you to consider that there are pdocs out there who fit those criteria. Calling 20 pdocs would probably have the same result as calling 20 GPs, and more of them would probably be well versed in psych meds.
There are pdocs that care. Phillipa, keep searching.
sunnydays
Posted by Abby Cunningham on December 9, 2007, at 22:43:43
In reply to I Quit!!!!!, posted by Phillipa on December 9, 2007, at 13:45:36
Jan,
Please don't quit! I have a new primary care md because my former one left town. He has a wonderful nurse practitioner who is a gem, as blueberry said; they do exist!This nurse practitioner diagnosed my friend's daughter who happens to have borderline personality disorder, a very difficult diagnosis to make yet was confirmed later by pdocs and she has been treated for it for several years now although there are really no cures for it; but the point is, there are really great medical practitioners out there; you just have to put some effort into looking! Ask several other people who you trust if they know a good doctor, things like that.
Abby
Posted by Phillipa on December 9, 2007, at 22:51:09
In reply to Re: I Quit!!!!! » bleauberry, posted by sunnydays on December 9, 2007, at 22:27:24
I'm just so tired of the fight and battle each day. Don't know how much longer can keep going. Everytime I go to a doctors they find something else wrong with me. Phillipa
Posted by Bonnie_CA on December 10, 2007, at 0:15:27
In reply to I Quit!!!!!, posted by Phillipa on December 9, 2007, at 13:45:36
Yep, I know the feeling. I didn't get a reminder call and I missed my pdoc appt, after being rescheduled because his mother died in early October, so I haven't seen him since July. I am gonna see him at the end of January. It's been too long. :-\
-Bonnie
Posted by Netch on December 10, 2007, at 6:53:44
In reply to Re: I Quit!!!!! » Phillipa, posted by Bonnie_CA on December 10, 2007, at 0:15:27
Try to get another psych phillipa
/Netch
Posted by bleauberry on December 10, 2007, at 19:56:20
In reply to Re: I Quit!!!!! » bleauberry, posted by sunnydays on December 9, 2007, at 22:27:24
I apologize if my comments sounded antagonist towards pdocs. Yes I have had bad experiences with them, at least 8 of them, except one real old guy who was awesome (and then sadly retired). But that was not the reason behind my post. The reasons were: Phillipa is limited on money...GPs are cheaper; Phillipa needs more whole body care diagnosis, not just mood symptom diagnosis, thus a GP; Phillipa needs more accessability and choice...thus a GP.
I've been visiting pbabble for probably 12 years. I've seen magnificent success stories, here and in my own personal circle of aquaintances. Rarely did they have anything to do with a pdoc's strategy. They were one of these: The patient "sold" their own idea to a pdoc; The patient prescribed their own treatment; The patient had a good GP who found the cause of the depression, often simple common things like gluten reactions, other reactions, thyroid antibodies, heavy metals, or a simple need for heavy supplementation of magnesium, taurine, folate+B12, etc.
This post would be way long, but I could share with you amazing stories of people I know who have found brand new reborn lives following decades of pdoc failures.
I just think Phillipa has a better future with a good open minded well rounded GP than a pdoc.
I guess my slightly suspicious attitude toward pdocs is based on 2 things: 1)I rarely see huge success stories as a result of what a pdoc did; 2)They learned all the right stuff in their medical school textbooks and proceeded to forget it when they turned their focus to psychiatry.
If I saw as many huge success stories from what pdocs did, versus what patients or GPS did, I would feel more optimistic. I know there are good ones, and my heart is joyed with those who have them.
> You seem to have a big problem with pdocs in general. I don't know your history, so I don't know why, and I don't think it really matters for what I am going to say. Not all pdocs are like you are insinuating... worthless was your word I believe. I have had two that cared very much about me. One I did not like her personality, but I know she cared, so I switched to this one who I like much better.
>
> And they have been to med school, done all the training, done residency just like GPs, so to say they are not 'real' docs is kind of demeaning to their profession and the years of study they have had, I believe.
>
> Your list of qualities in a doc is excellent. But I would like you to consider that there are pdocs out there who fit those criteria. Calling 20 pdocs would probably have the same result as calling 20 GPs, and more of them would probably be well versed in psych meds.
>
> There are pdocs that care. Phillipa, keep searching.
>
> sunnydays
Posted by Phillipa on December 10, 2007, at 20:18:07
In reply to Re: I Quit!!!!!, posted by bleauberry on December 10, 2007, at 19:56:20
Blueaberry thanks for you continued support to back it up let me try and cut and paste the e-mail just got from my therapist who knew I'd been waiting a long time to see someone else . The one I have now just got a bill and she's charged me $35.oo for a phone call and to call in a script. Phillipa
Posted by Phillipa on December 10, 2007, at 20:22:39
In reply to Re: I Quit!!!!!, posted by bleauberry on December 10, 2007, at 19:56:20
Well here it is would be interested in comments as isn't a therapist supposed to at least be empathetic? Not hiding identity as she has a website and her pic. Phillipa
Jan,
Please follow your Dr.'s orders. If you are uncomfortable, please let the Dr. know and if they do not know yet, let them know about the other physical complications so they can work with you on this.
Dr. [xxx]
-----Original Message-----
From: Jan
Sent: Dec 9, 2007 3:02 PM
To: [xxx]
Subject: Thanks
Dr. [xxx] now I'm really in a bind that psychiatrist supposed to see through Presbyterian first week of January cancelled til March and didn't see the one in Greenville. We called she said cut valium and up a tiny bit luvox. Now I'm sleeping til noon and I don't know what to do. The surgery and all that. Please help. Jan Blake
Posted by johnj on December 10, 2007, at 21:29:04
In reply to Re: I Quit!!!!!, posted by Phillipa on December 10, 2007, at 20:22:39
Phillipa:
I am not sure what to tell you as you have trouble sleeping and that is a problem and now you sleep too much and that is a problem. I don't mean to give you tough love but it seems you really need to ignore some feelings and let things pass. You read too much into things, and I know because I do it all of time. It is something I have been working on and it is hard.
One thing about quitting a benzo and I was on one for over 10 years as I had increase sleep/REM when I quit. It lasted about 6 weeks to be honest. You might want to get off of the benzo (give it some time) and then figure out what to do with the luvox. Playing with various meds leave one quite confused on which one is causing what. You don't know if it is withdrawal or side effects.
regards,
johnj
Posted by Phillipa on December 10, 2007, at 23:24:00
In reply to Re: I Quit!!!!! » Phillipa, posted by johnj on December 10, 2007, at 21:29:04
I know and now surgery and holidays and all sorts of things. I think I'll leave things the way they are til I see a doc. Love Phillipa sounds like we have ocd.
Posted by Deputy Dinah on December 11, 2007, at 7:26:46
In reply to Re: I Quit!!!!!, posted by Phillipa on December 10, 2007, at 20:22:39
> Well here it is would be interested in comments as isn't a therapist supposed to at least be empathetic? Not hiding identity as she has a website and her pic. Phillipa
Please don't post private communications from others or identify them without their permission. Your therapist may have a website, but that doesn't imply permission to post her communications to you with her identifying information.
If you or others have questions about this or about posting policies in general, or are interested in alternative ways of expressing yourself, please see the FAQ:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil
Follow-ups regarding these issues should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration. They, as well as replies to the above posts, should of course themselves be civil.
Dr. Bob is always free to override deputy decisions. His email is on the bottom of each page. Please feel free to email him if you believe this decision was made in error.
Dinah, acting as deputy to Dr. Bob
Posted by Phillipa on December 11, 2007, at 11:51:34
In reply to Please follow site guidelines » Phillipa, posted by Deputy Dinah on December 11, 2007, at 7:26:46
Sorry Dinah it was the last straw and I acted too quickly . I apologize and reviewed the guidelines. I am wrong. Phillipa
Posted by Dr. Bob on December 12, 2007, at 11:11:26
In reply to Re: Please follow site guidelines » Deputy Dinah, posted by Phillipa on December 11, 2007, at 11:51:34
Posted by florence on December 15, 2007, at 4:20:49
In reply to I Quit!!!!!, posted by Phillipa on December 9, 2007, at 13:45:36
> Been waiting for over two months for a new pdoc appointment card in mailbox he can't see me til March this appointment was first week of January. I quit. No one can help me it's a losing battle. Love Phillipa
Jan,
I felt like quitting too...bed-ridden; depression; can't take it with xmas coming. Oh and i forgot my bday 12/11...so i came here cuz i dread going to sleep. i dread facing another day... it/s 5am.. sick of pills, drs.--i got a notice about jury duty AGAIN so i was forced to call my pdoc to get a letter.
she was "not in" ....finally they admitted she was on vacation...i forgot how many drs take trips over the holidays.
Babblemail me if u want. i never do anything or go anywhere..... Vent all you want. I understand.
I can look up a dr for you if u babble me your area. (on another group i belong to (Immune Support)Please don't quit..You are an angel to us all.. A very precious one!
florence
Posted by yxibow on December 17, 2007, at 3:11:32
In reply to I Quit!!!!!, posted by Phillipa on December 9, 2007, at 13:45:36
> Been waiting for over two months for a new pdoc appointment card in mailbox he can't see me til March this appointment was first week of January. I quit. No one can help me it's a losing battle. Love Phillipa
I think the holidays have a lot to do with this Jan, it is going to be difficult but not INSURMOUNTABLE to find a psychiatrist who will listen to you.
The other choice is to bite the bullet and go to an ER that you trust even if you incur expenses and get a decent referral from the psychiatrist on staff telling them that you have no psychiatrist.
I have been spending this whole weekend mired in myself and the one thing that comes down to it all is being ALONE, feeling ALONE. That's something that can be fought and overcome not by drinking myself under the table like I did, even as I am listening to sad music at the moment and crying. (And by the way I was safe and did not take my medications until all the alcohol was gone.) Also *trigger* don't get this as an idea.
There is a way of having a life for everyone, some semblence of finding inside yourself a little hobby, a church group, a social club of any sort, and I mean any, that can give you some feelings of acceptance. I say this as I struggle with this as my own highest difficulty so maybe I'm reading a bit in but I know that you have issues with marriage that I won't post because those are privy to us only.
Have the happiest of holidays that you can, get out even if you have to bundle up and just be among people, not crowded last minute shoppers but some place, and I give you this as a task, creative, museum, whatever, where you can see people.Then when shop opens so to speak in the new year, if you haven't gotten anything by the 31st I give you as a task for your LIFE to go thee and scour C*, N*, US for someone to help you.
-Look to this day For it is life, the very life of life. For yesterday is but a dream And tomorrow is only a vision But today well lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness And tomorrow a vision of hope. Look well, therefore, to this day Such is the salutation of the dawn.-
- Kalidasa
-- Jay
Posted by Phillipa on December 17, 2007, at 20:30:21
In reply to Re: I Quit!!!!! » Phillipa, posted by yxibow on December 17, 2007, at 3:11:32
Jay you've always been here for me let me be there for you. We mail each other let this one be about you. It's tough for you I know and you are suffering right now. Hugs and kisses for you Jay love Jan
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