![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
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 ELA on December 28, 2001, at 15:04:16
A lot of the doctors and nurses I have seen lately have been very unsympathetic and off-hand regarding my concerns about my illness and subsequent treatment. I'm starting to feel that no-one is really interested in what's going through my mind right now. My parents have been particuarly anxious about the fact that I'm on antidepressants and I wonder if I'm just being silly. Is this a common thing and will it last?!
Posted by akc on December 28, 2001, at 15:57:23
In reply to i feel stupid, posted by ELA on December 28, 2001, at 15:04:16
To start with, you are not being silly, stupid, or anything that those who would try to minimize your illness try to label you as. I especially am saddened that you are not receiving support from your family right now -- it can be such a boost when you need it most.
Not all doctors and nurses minimize what you are going through -- and you need to surround yourself with those who will give you the best support. I do not know your situation that well (such as what flexibility you might have in who you see under your medical plan), but seek out the best care you can find. It is hard sometimes when we are struggling with depression and anxiety to find the energy to switch doctors or seek out a specialist (a psychiatrist), but if you can find the right caregiver, it can make a major difference, both by making sure you are on the right medications and by getting the right assurances and support you deserve.
Your family may need to be educated. There are many resources, some on the net, many can be found at a bookstore. Some of my family members learned a lot just by reading a few books on depression -- the type that mix a person's story with a lot of facts about mental illness. It could be that if your family just learns more about mental illness, they will be more supportive. I hope that is the case.
I'm glad you found us -- I found the board the same way, I stumbled upon it. And have been here several months now. I have made some really close friends. This is a great place.
akc
Posted by Sourceror on December 28, 2001, at 18:50:17
In reply to i feel stupid, posted by ELA on December 28, 2001, at 15:04:16
ELA,
I can relate to what you are going through right now. I have to go to a veterans hospital right now because I have no private insurance. At this facility it seems like I don't matter and that they are there for just those types you would see in "One Flew Over The Coocoo's Nest". So me with having a job and being bi-polar (a.k.a. manic depressive) I don't seem to matter even with me being suicidal (which seems to be being downplayed). Check with your insurance company and see if you can get a new doctor if the one you have is not meeting your needs. I had to fire one of mine because they just didn't meet my expectations. Are you being seen by a psyciatrist or just a general practitioner. You NEED to have at least a psyciatrist and preferably a psycologist to get through this. Well let us know where things are so we can help as well. If you don't understand some of the terms we use feel free to ask that too. We all want to help each other cause it is hard enough to deal with the illnesses we have let alone try to do it alone. This board has helped me out tremendously and I hope you have the same results.L8R,
The Sourceror
Posted by Katey on December 28, 2001, at 18:58:48
In reply to i feel stupid, posted by ELA on December 28, 2001, at 15:04:16
my general practitioner was like that. he would ask for a yes/no answer and read me a list of symptoms before handing me the new miracle drug. thats why its taken four years for me to start getting on track. its not your fault. dont ever feel like it is. you deserve the best treatment available and all of the respect owed to any human being, unfortunately humanity is struck with ignorance, stupidity, and apathy, so even when you feel like you cant push yourself to reach out, its still your job. and as for you family, i can definately relate. this year when i started going through one medication after another (it can take several tries to get the right thing going) my father told me to my face 'what we're trying to figure out is if you need medication or a good kick in the butt to motivate you'. encouraging, huh? hang in there, things start to slowly get better, and you get more comfortable with all of this. we're here for you if you need us.
> A lot of the doctors and nurses I have seen lately have been very unsympathetic and off-hand regarding my concerns about my illness and subsequent treatment. I'm starting to feel that no-one is really interested in what's going through my mind right now. My parents have been particuarly anxious about the fact that I'm on antidepressants and I wonder if I'm just being silly. Is this a common thing and will it last?!
Posted by kid_A on December 28, 2001, at 19:10:03
In reply to i feel stupid, posted by ELA on December 28, 2001, at 15:04:16
ela,
some doctors can be overbearing jerks, they went to school for so many years so that they could earn a degree that affords them that luxury... you shouldn't have to put up with this type of treatment and if you have the resources, you should try switching to a doctor that can better take care of your needs.I don't particularly like my doctor, he's very abrubt with me and doesn't seem to like being challenged... It's a good thing that I deal more with his assistants who are very attentative to my needs, or else I'd dump him.
Every patient is a human being and obviously one in need of some assistance, its difficult enough dealing with illness and depression, you don't need to have even more difficulties with your doctor.
Shop around and find a doc that suits you best.
Posted by ELA on December 29, 2001, at 6:40:04
In reply to Re: i feel stupid, posted by Sourceror on December 28, 2001, at 18:50:17
> ELA,
> I can relate to what you are going through right now. I have to go to a veterans hospital right now because I have no private insurance. At this facility it seems like I don't matter and that they are there for just those types you would see in "One Flew Over The Coocoo's Nest". So me with having a job and being bi-polar (a.k.a. manic depressive) I don't seem to matter even with me being suicidal (which seems to be being downplayed). Check with your insurance company and see if you can get a new doctor if the one you have is not meeting your needs. I had to fire one of mine because they just didn't meet my expectations. Are you being seen by a psyciatrist or just a general practitioner. You NEED to have at least a psyciatrist and preferably a psycologist to get through this. Well let us know where things are so we can help as well. If you don't understand some of the terms we use feel free to ask that too. We all want to help each other cause it is hard enough to deal with the illnesses we have let alone try to do it alone. This board has helped me out tremendously and I hope you have the same results.
>
> L8R,
> The SourcerorThanks for that. My GP, when I actually get to see her directly (always "away") is not very sympathetic and the medical doctors and nurses I am seeing aren't much better. I keep breaking down in tears in front of them which makes me feel silly but the whole thing is just so frustrating! I am so glad that I found this site, thanks for writing.
Posted by ELA on December 29, 2001, at 6:43:56
In reply to dont feel stupid, posted by Katey on December 28, 2001, at 18:58:48
> my general practitioner was like that. he would ask for a yes/no answer and read me a list of symptoms before handing me the new miracle drug. thats why its taken four years for me to start getting on track. its not your fault. dont ever feel like it is. you deserve the best treatment available and all of the respect owed to any human being, unfortunately humanity is struck with ignorance, stupidity, and apathy, so even when you feel like you cant push yourself to reach out, its still your job. and as for you family, i can definately relate. this year when i started going through one medication after another (it can take several tries to get the right thing going) my father told me to my face 'what we're trying to figure out is if you need medication or a good kick in the butt to motivate you'. encouraging, huh? hang in there, things start to slowly get better, and you get more comfortable with all of this. we're here for you if you need us.
Thankyou, again. I'm struggling to cope with the aftermath of blood clots in my lungs as well as the depression which followed them. GP is useless and the medical specialist I'm seeing just keeps increasing my dosage all the time. I can't stand being in crowds of people at the mo and I'm shaky and panicky all the time. I hope this will pass. I also hope that this site continues to be as useful to me as it already has after only a couple of days.
Posted by bonnie_ann on December 29, 2001, at 22:25:08
In reply to whats happened to my life?! » Katey, posted by ELA on December 29, 2001, at 6:43:56
> Ela,
I find the Dr office a bit itimidating myself.
It took a lot for me to finally go and when I did I felt like an ass. I was crying and feeling afraid and ashamed. I don't recall what med you are on but it did take a good 4 weeks for me to see an improvement. The medication helped to level me out from constant anxiety to a clear head. I also decided on therapy too- I never thought I could do that either. It's a bit awkward at first - but it has done wonders for my self esteem - I can honestly say I'm not ashamed anymore - Whats really important is that you are getting help and thats the first step. Fourtunately for me - I haven't had trouble with my Dr but it sounds as if you may want to look elsewhere.
Good Luck and keep posting!!!
Bonnie
Posted by Katey on December 30, 2001, at 11:25:47
In reply to whats happened to my life?! » Katey, posted by ELA on December 29, 2001, at 6:43:56
what meds are you taking? sometimes those are the *cause* of the panic and the shaking- one of mine makes me shake a lot of the time. have you tried seeing a psychologist? sometimes cognitave therapy is more successful than chemical, especially when its due to a situation, which is what yours sounds like. just a thought. hang in there, eventually things get better, like when you have the joy of firing a doctor =)
> > my general practitioner was like that. he would ask for a yes/no answer and read me a list of symptoms before handing me the new miracle drug. thats why its taken four years for me to start getting on track. its not your fault. dont ever feel like it is. you deserve the best treatment available and all of the respect owed to any human being, unfortunately humanity is struck with ignorance, stupidity, and apathy, so even when you feel like you cant push yourself to reach out, its still your job. and as for you family, i can definately relate. this year when i started going through one medication after another (it can take several tries to get the right thing going) my father told me to my face 'what we're trying to figure out is if you need medication or a good kick in the butt to motivate you'. encouraging, huh? hang in there, things start to slowly get better, and you get more comfortable with all of this. we're here for you if you need us.
>
> Thankyou, again. I'm struggling to cope with the aftermath of blood clots in my lungs as well as the depression which followed them. GP is useless and the medical specialist I'm seeing just keeps increasing my dosage all the time. I can't stand being in crowds of people at the mo and I'm shaky and panicky all the time. I hope this will pass. I also hope that this site continues to be as useful to me as it already has after only a couple of days.
Posted by ELA on December 31, 2001, at 11:00:29
In reply to Re: whats happened to my life?! » ELA, posted by Katey on December 30, 2001, at 11:25:47
I'm taking citalopram and amitriptyline for the depression and sleeplessness I was having, am also on warfarin as I had blood clots in my lungs. Unfortunately at the moment, my blood is clotting again - something's going wrong with the warfarin and I'm at risk of more clots which can be fatal. I was very lucky to get through it in the first place so now I'm feeling worse than ever and none of them really seem to give a shit? My friends have been supportive but I don't think that most of them really understand the severity of what happened to me and how difficult I'm finding things now because of it. The panic thing is getting worse and I it wasn't happening before I started the antidepressants I'm wondering whether I should stop taking them?
> what meds are you taking? sometimes those are the *cause* of the panic and the shaking- one of mine makes me shake a lot of the time. have you tried seeing a psychologist? sometimes cognitave therapy is more successful than chemical, especially when its due to a situation, which is what yours sounds like. just a thought. hang in there, eventually things get better, like when you have the joy of firing a doctor =)
>
>
> > > my general practitioner was like that. he would ask for a yes/no answer and read me a list of symptoms before handing me the new miracle drug. thats why its taken four years for me to start getting on track. its not your fault. dont ever feel like it is. you deserve the best treatment available and all of the respect owed to any human being, unfortunately humanity is struck with ignorance, stupidity, and apathy, so even when you feel like you cant push yourself to reach out, its still your job. and as for you family, i can definately relate. this year when i started going through one medication after another (it can take several tries to get the right thing going) my father told me to my face 'what we're trying to figure out is if you need medication or a good kick in the butt to motivate you'. encouraging, huh? hang in there, things start to slowly get better, and you get more comfortable with all of this. we're here for you if you need us.
> >
> > Thankyou, again. I'm struggling to cope with the aftermath of blood clots in my lungs as well as the depression which followed them. GP is useless and the medical specialist I'm seeing just keeps increasing my dosage all the time. I can't stand being in crowds of people at the mo and I'm shaky and panicky all the time. I hope this will pass. I also hope that this site continues to be as useful to me as it already has after only a couple of days.
Posted by Katey on December 31, 2001, at 15:48:28
In reply to Re: whats happened to my life?! » Katey, posted by ELA on December 31, 2001, at 11:00:29
dont stop taking them until after youve talked to your doctor. if you end up going off them, itll be slowly most likely because withrdrawel from AD's is not a pleasant experience (first hand). i'm not familiar with the meds your on, but they could easily be causing panic- AD's can do that, you might want to talk to your Doc about switching instead of going off, or atleast give it a try. hope things start getting better.
> I'm taking citalopram and amitriptyline for the depression and sleeplessness I was having, am also on warfarin as I had blood clots in my lungs. Unfortunately at the moment, my blood is clotting again - something's going wrong with the warfarin and I'm at risk of more clots which can be fatal. I was very lucky to get through it in the first place so now I'm feeling worse than ever and none of them really seem to give a shit? My friends have been supportive but I don't think that most of them really understand the severity of what happened to me and how difficult I'm finding things now because of it. The panic thing is getting worse and I it wasn't happening before I started the antidepressants I'm wondering whether I should stop taking them?
>
>
>
>
> > what meds are you taking? sometimes those are the *cause* of the panic and the shaking- one of mine makes me shake a lot of the time. have you tried seeing a psychologist? sometimes cognitave therapy is more successful than chemical, especially when its due to a situation, which is what yours sounds like. just a thought. hang in there, eventually things get better, like when you have the joy of firing a doctor =)
> >
> >
> > > > my general practitioner was like that. he would ask for a yes/no answer and read me a list of symptoms before handing me the new miracle drug. thats why its taken four years for me to start getting on track. its not your fault. dont ever feel like it is. you deserve the best treatment available and all of the respect owed to any human being, unfortunately humanity is struck with ignorance, stupidity, and apathy, so even when you feel like you cant push yourself to reach out, its still your job. and as for you family, i can definately relate. this year when i started going through one medication after another (it can take several tries to get the right thing going) my father told me to my face 'what we're trying to figure out is if you need medication or a good kick in the butt to motivate you'. encouraging, huh? hang in there, things start to slowly get better, and you get more comfortable with all of this. we're here for you if you need us.
> > >
> > > Thankyou, again. I'm struggling to cope with the aftermath of blood clots in my lungs as well as the depression which followed them. GP is useless and the medical specialist I'm seeing just keeps increasing my dosage all the time. I can't stand being in crowds of people at the mo and I'm shaky and panicky all the time. I hope this will pass. I also hope that this site continues to be as useful to me as it already has after only a couple of days.
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Social | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.