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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 11 of 11. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by zonked on March 5, 2013, at 5:47:27
I tagged some of you guys because you (despite different pathologies, histories, and parts of the world) remind me very much of myself.
Look, let's just be fair - we know quite a bit more than *some* of the professionals charged with treating us.
I see my primary care physician today. Nervous, always, with a new doctor. My ADD is bugging me so much, and causing me so much anxiety I basically want to run in there with abstracts and BEG for my Dexedrine.
I'm not going to do that, obviously. I hate this little dance we have to play when we need a controlled substance in order to function. The doctor should have my chart from California, I am just hoping, beyond hope, she will oblige and prescribe my Dexedrine until I see the psychiatrist - date unknown, I was going to let her do some of the legwork for referral, someone she prefers to work with.
To the nitty-gritty: When you're seeing a new provider, do you have to suppress your medical knowledge? I am usually inclined to talk the way they do amongst themselves, not to impress them but to be efficient for someone unfamiliar with my history.
Negative ego reactions are common, as are commendations and compliments. I have been advised by an actual doctor (not psych, unfortunately) friend of mine to simply stick to the facts and shut my *ss up unless necessary.
Wish me luck, guys; I am tired of feeling disabled.
By the way, how do attitudes in other countries vary when you need controlled substances to function? Of course, I had to move to Washington state which has an extremely high prescription drug abuse rate, sigh...not far from a downtown Seattle light-rail station I (and everyone else) were being offered Xanax "bars" (slang for 2mg tablets) when I had just filled my 1mg script myself...
-z
Posted by joe schmoe on March 5, 2013, at 6:55:06
In reply to PCP appoinment today: jono, SLS, jedi, * ?, posted by zonked on March 5, 2013, at 5:47:27
I tend to conceal my knowledge because otherwise you are exposing the naked power relationship and the fact you are not there for their expertise, you are there because the 1956 law gives them a monopoly on access to medicines that you need, and you have to ask permission for the meds even if you have been taking the same meds for years or even decades.
In my case the cost of seeing a pdoc every 3 months to get "permission" exceeds the cost of the actual meds for 3 months. It's ridiculous.
Posted by zonked on March 5, 2013, at 7:09:09
In reply to Re: PCP appoinment today: jono, SLS, jedi, * ?, posted by joe schmoe on March 5, 2013, at 6:55:06
> I tend to conceal my knowledge because otherwise you are exposing the naked power relationship and the fact you are not there for their expertise, you are there because the 1956 law gives them a monopoly on access to medicines that you need, and you have to ask permission for the meds even if you have been taking the same meds for years or even decades.
>
> In my case the cost of seeing a pdoc every 3 months to get "permission" exceeds the cost of the actual meds for 3 months. It's ridiculous.**: Dude: Do you know what I am spending on cigarettes, energy drinks, and caffeine pills just to barely make it through the day?! My copay is $1.15. All I need is a *** piece of paper with the right magic numbers on it, and a whopping $1.15 and I am covered for an entire month. **
When I was not on government assistance, I saw an expert psychopharmacologist even though I had very, very good PPO health insurance (I never even bothered to submit receipts for reimbursement from the carrier) for about $400 a quarter, simply because there was no b*llsh*t involved, and the doctor I saw was on the cutting edge of everything.
This is, indeed, ridiculous. I have it better than many, though - due to having BOTH Medicare and Medicaid, I have, essentially, private health coverage which is better than the uninsured or those with Medicaid alone. I opted to join a Medicare/Medicaid Medicare Advantage plan when I moved here, because otherwise it seemed like I was limited to county clinics. They are notorious for serving a large amount of drug addicts and being very very wary about anything with a "C" from the DEA...
I have to accept that, having moved out of state, this is unfortunately a rather tedious and annoying process to find someone who will prescribe a MAOI + psychostimulant together. I was very fortunate in California.
Can you believe this - the University of Washington psychiatry department doesn't even TREAT ADD?!
As we speak, I am looking at my catastrophic mess of a room and thinking about 1000 things at once, unable to find the .. whatever it is.. to get started on anything, let alone complete a task.
*Sigh*. I'm with the libertarians on drug regulation, sometimes...
Some of the best doctors do not even accept insurance because they are so good at their craft and prefer to practice it without bureaucratic interference. I do so hope, one day, I will be in the financial position to see whomever I please.
Beh!:(
-z
Posted by Phillipa on March 5, 2013, at 10:04:44
In reply to Re: PCP appoinment today: jono, SLS, jedi, * ? » joe schmoe, posted by zonked on March 5, 2013, at 7:09:09
That seems to be the trend the good ones are cash only so only the more affluent can afford them. But do they really get better docs or those that are dodging the insurances? As for what to say hid you knowledge state what you are on and that it's a good combo for you that took a lot of years to find with your other doc. See what happens and good luck in sincerity. Phillipa
Posted by jono_in_adelaide on March 5, 2013, at 20:20:20
In reply to Re: PCP appoinment today: jono, SLS, jedi, * ? » zonked, posted by Phillipa on March 5, 2013, at 10:04:44
I'm not sure what to say Zonkes, except to go in there and state your case clearly and without emotion.
I wouldnt show excessive knowelege of meds, incase it makes you seem a bit too well informed, like a drug seeker - seem knowelegable and confident without being obsessed with meds
Posted by zonked on March 5, 2013, at 21:15:27
In reply to Re: PCP appoinment today: jono, SLS, jedi, * ? » joe schmoe, posted by zonked on March 5, 2013, at 7:09:09
OMG.
I got *all* my scripts refilled, plus a referall to a psychiatrist for follow up - including my Dexedrine.
I couldn't find a pharmacy that stocked it today (partials are not allowed due to federal regulations for CII drugs - if you fill a partial, the rest is void); but that is unimportant.
Tomorrow, I'll start calling around. My California psychiatrist warned me of a "chronic Dexedrine shortage", which, apparently, is more problematic in Washington than in California - I always knew two pharmacies where I lived previously who carried it every single time. I am unconcerned, if I have to, I will call Barr (they make the generic I always get), the brand owner (yep, it's still made), and my mail order drug plan to get it filled.
My ADD won't bug me as much, because I know now it will soon be treated. I can wait, but not the "week or two" that Rite Aid quoted. Target and Walgreens said it was not even orderable right now.
Has anyone encountered this problem with a medication?
Thx, sorry about being so frustrated - I always get very nervous with meeting new doctors because of how I've been treated in the past by some of them. Good and bad in every profession...
Other good news: Benzodiazepines are now covered by Medicare part D plans! (Previously, by federal statute, Medicare Part D could not pay for benzodiazepines, barbituates and one other class of drugs - the reason being related to falls in the elderly. Stupid, really.) I was surprised to not have to pay cash. Really surprised. :-)
Good job, APA, for lobbying for this. I was surprised not to have to pay cash for my Xanax.
Remission, I am ready for ya! Zonked is coming into his own, again...
-z
Posted by Phillipa on March 5, 2013, at 21:37:06
In reply to Re: PCP appoinment today: WENT PERFECT!, posted by zonked on March 5, 2013, at 21:15:27
Congrats glad it went well. I know the feeling of not knowing whether a doc will continue your meds. So far they have. As for the benzos being covered. It's because antipsychotics were being prescribed and the additional side effects like weight gain etc and falls now has taken the burden off docs to write the scripts for benzos and yes mine cost $4.00 and something each for a month. Phillipa
Posted by jono_in_adelaide on March 6, 2013, at 0:15:22
In reply to Re: PCP appoinment today: WENT PERFECT!, posted by zonked on March 5, 2013, at 21:15:27
Congratulations Zonked, great outcome!
There are some caring doctors out there, and it looks like you've found one
Posted by SLS on March 6, 2013, at 6:46:05
In reply to Re: PCP appoinment today: WENT PERFECT!, posted by zonked on March 5, 2013, at 21:15:27
> Remission, I am ready for ya! Zonked is coming into his own, again...
Go for it!
- Scott
Posted by zonked on March 6, 2013, at 7:56:06
In reply to Re: PCP appoinment today: WENT PERFECT! » zonked, posted by SLS on March 6, 2013, at 6:46:05
> > Remission, I am ready for ya! Zonked is coming into his own, again...
>
> Go for it!
>
>
> - ScottHow are *you* buddy? Last I checked in you were recovering at a measurable pace...
Posted by SLS on March 6, 2013, at 16:31:26
In reply to Re: PCP appoinment today: WENT PERFECT! » SLS, posted by zonked on March 6, 2013, at 7:56:06
> > > Remission, I am ready for ya! Zonked is coming into his own, again...
> > Go for it!
> How are *you* buddy? Last I checked in you were recovering at a measurable pace...
Yes. My rate of improvement is slow, but I'll take what I can get. The trajectory seems to be towards remission, but nothing is certain. I can read a paragraph or two word-for-word instead of having to skim. That's a pretty big deal for me. I am thinking more rapidly and clearly. I don't stare off into space as much. Food has taste, music sounds better, and things look more colorful. I would like to have more energy, but I think that will come with time.
Thanks for asking.
:-)
- Scott
This is the end of the thread.
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