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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by RyRy1982 on May 2, 2012, at 7:43:17
So, I got word that my PDOC is moving out of state. I really like her a lot. It took me quite a few interviews to find her. Furthermore, she is one of the few experts (published) and does active research on my specific condition.
I take a low dose benzo daily (no dose escalation klonopin) and another med that is considered off-label and unconventional (it's used for dementia traditionally, but is in clinical trials for my condition). I've been on this regiment for about 4 years and am doing pretty good. This isn't the first time I've had to do this... My PDOC I saw all through college also moved out of state,and I found the process of finding a new one awful. The raised eyebrows and scare tactics about the benzo... "You're addicted!" The looks of, "Why are you taking that?? Do you have dementia??" when it comes to my other med. So many uninformed providers out there that it frightens me...
She is is moving about a state over. I actually don't mind traveling there to see her at her new practice (about a 6 hour drive or pretty cheap round trip ticket) and she has stated she will gladly take me as a patient there... I only see her quarterly. But I wanted to do a gut check on this.
I don't want a new PDOC. I like her. The idea of having to interview all of those doctors in a box (they don't stay current in their field, are owned by HMOs... are benzophobic and tied to the SSRIs as though they are God's greatest gift to man...) makes me anxious. But is it really realistic to see a doc who is out of state? I mean, really? Does this happen often. I really feel like she is the best that I've had in years, but I also feel that I need to take a step back and look at this from all angles. How does it work if I end up in crisis... All of these questions. Ugggh.
I'm not sure what I should do here... I'll be seeing her in about three months before she goes. I don't even know what questions to ask her about transitioning over to her new practice... or how to get refills while I look for someone else if I decide not to go with her. Has anyone else seen a doc that was a substantial distance away? How did it work for you? Is it common?
Posted by Phillipa on May 2, 2012, at 10:18:14
In reply to PDOC moving away... awesome, posted by RyRy1982 on May 2, 2012, at 7:43:17
Me used to drive 275 miles each way in a day to see my pdoc for same reason.Used to be gone at least l0 hours. Traffic food and gas and bathroom stops. Had husband as driver. Did it for years every two months for same reason she was older and didn't mind benzos at all. It worked fine til she retired this last winter. Now see one here and it's not the same. I say stick with your current doc. Phillipa
Posted by Roslynn on May 2, 2012, at 11:09:28
In reply to Re: PDOC moving away... awesome » RyRy1982, posted by Phillipa on May 2, 2012, at 10:18:14
You could stay with same pdoc but have her give you the name of another local doc who shares her medication philosophy and who is close by in case of emergency.
I have heard of people on this board traveling quite a distance to stay with a pdoc.
Best of luck!
Roslynn
Posted by Solstice on May 6, 2012, at 8:51:32
In reply to PDOC moving away... awesome, posted by RyRy1982 on May 2, 2012, at 7:43:17
Might need to make sure there are no restrictions on filling scripts written in another state (might depend on whether it's controlled substance)..
Maybe keep seeing her, but ask her for local PDocs she thinks would be comfortable with your meds, and then interview them over time? I'd just be worried about needing someone I could get to local and quick. My adolescent daughter needed emergency care earlier this year, and b/c of the medication changes and the severity of her relapse, we had to see the PDoc many, many times in a short period. That's the main issue I'd have with staying with a PDoc who was far away. But if you interview others that she recommends, you might find someone local that's comfortable with your meds.
Solstice
This is the end of the thread.
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