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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 23 of 23. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by johnnyj on November 2, 2006, at 13:18:34
There must be something wrong with me. Today my pdoc fired me. He was a new doc for me, someone that finally gave me a good dx. I saw him 4 months ago, twice and then had to wait until a few weeks ago to see him. We talked about me trying therapy first and went over all of my stuff. He didn’t appear to remember a lot of my stuff from the first two visits but he said he wanted to see me again last time, so today I went. He said he respected my try at therapy but that I ask too many questions and it is a waste of his and my time. He seemed like he had decided to fire me before I came.
I told him I am having problems with lunesta and I was dizzy, and nauseated and had vivid drams., and that it appears a lot of people are too and that I thought I had some lithium withdrawal. He said “THERE is NO such thing.” He told me I was against all meds and I told him I was afraid. Basically, I was making everything up and I wonder if I have been? Am I just so ill as I don’t know it? The funny thing is I went there ready to give meds a try and he wouldn’t hear it. He said “go get a second opinion” “you don’t listen to my recommendations” “We go over the same thing, and you ask questions about meds”
I told him I hadn’t started the meds he suggested yet and we hadn’t even gone over the dosage, He said we “did go over that” The guy gave me ambien to try last time instead of lunesta and then says “I didn’t know you were on lunesta” today WHAT??? I was shaking and stunned as I left the office. I guess I am some big screw up. Where do I go now?? I am alone.
johnnyj
Posted by Phillipa on November 2, 2006, at 13:43:59
In reply to Doc fired me today, posted by johnnyj on November 2, 2006, at 13:18:34
Johnny exact same thing happened to me. I know the shock. He has to give you a referral to someone else or a list of names and tell you to call with any problems. At least mine did that. And he didn't even answer your questions today? I'm also afraid of meds. You can babble me any time. Love Phillipa
Posted by foreigner on November 2, 2006, at 14:05:58
In reply to Re: Doc fired me today » johnnyj, posted by Phillipa on November 2, 2006, at 13:43:59
I don't like pdocs. Don't bother them. There is always a better one. One time I asked one of them that I am using a drug and It works well for me. I only wanted her to encourage me and standardisize my dosage. She said me that she didn't know much about that drug and she wrote me a prozac. After that I found someone who knows drugs. They think they know everything but most of them don't.
Posted by johnnyj on November 2, 2006, at 14:35:15
In reply to Re: Doc fired me today » johnnyj, posted by Phillipa on November 2, 2006, at 13:43:59
Thank you
The thing is I was ready to give something a try, like luvox, but he turned his back on me. I didn't deserve the abuse he gave me, nobody does. If he can't remember what we talked about or what he said how can he make sweeping generalizations like that? I don't hate meds, I am afraid.
I realize now that he just wanted me to do what he said and he didn't really support me trying without meds. He didn't support any self-realization that I have had or interested in me coming to my own decision on when to give meds a try. He was offended that I didn't bow down. What an egotistical jerk. He also had a black eye too. I bet he was a jerk to someone else and they popped him. What he did today to me will come back to him as someone cannot treat people like that forever. What disservice to his profession of "first doing no harm". Check you ego at the door buddy.
Posted by ed_uk on November 2, 2006, at 15:01:29
In reply to Re: Doc fired me today » Phillipa, posted by johnnyj on November 2, 2006, at 14:35:15
On the bright side.....
Now that you will no longer have to see this awful doctor, you can find someone much better instead.
Ed
Posted by Racer on November 2, 2006, at 15:02:46
In reply to Re: Doc fired me today » Phillipa, posted by johnnyj on November 2, 2006, at 14:35:15
It sounds to me as though you really need to find two things: a pdoc whom you can communicate with better, someone who's got a bit more of a bedside manner as well as knowledge of psychopharmacology; and a psychotherapist. The second one may be able to help you find the first.
Even if you had great meds, therapy is a very helpful adjunct. And a lot of therapists do understand the need to have a pdoc who treats anxious patients well. They can be hard to find, but I'm told it's worth it when you do.
When looking for a therapist, make sure you've found someone you're truly comfortable with. Not someone you think you should feel comfortable with, if you know what I mean. And ask about meds.
Good luck! I hope that helps. I'm another who gets freaked out by meds and pdocs, and I'm also just now trying out a new pdoc. I'm following his directions, and doing my best to give it a fair trial. I'm hoping it's worth it for me, and I hope it's worth it for you, too.
Posted by ed_uk on November 2, 2006, at 15:14:49
In reply to Re: Doc fired me today, posted by Racer on November 2, 2006, at 15:02:46
I think that's excellent advice Racer.
Ed
Posted by johnnyj on November 2, 2006, at 16:49:23
In reply to Re: Doc fired me today, posted by Racer on November 2, 2006, at 15:02:46
Thank you
I have a therapist and we have been working hard the last few months trying to do it med free (almost that is). That was what we talked about 4 months ago with the pdoc and since it isn't progressing as well as we would like I have decided that the pdoc may have been right that I need meds also. But then I went to talk about the next step and BAM he throws me out.
FWIW I think he hit the nail on the head with my problem being anxiety and ocd. Nobody ever dx the ocd before and I have been working on that. It has improved but my sleep is still horrible hence the realization I may need meds to get me farther ahead. I thought that was the plan: therapy, then meds if needed. I am still shocked at what took place.
Posted by johnnyj on November 2, 2006, at 16:54:09
In reply to Re: Doc fired me today » Racer, posted by ed_uk on November 2, 2006, at 15:14:49
Today has been a very hard day for me. Because it feels like I am not a good person. I tend to blame myself for everything but today was not all my fault. That is part of what is going on, the illness doesn't make me totally rational but today the pdoc seemed to blame me for not being totally rational. If I was feeling fine I wouldn't have gone and seem him.
Posted by gardenergirl on November 2, 2006, at 17:35:34
In reply to Thank you all » ed_uk, posted by johnnyj on November 2, 2006, at 16:54:09
> Today has been a very hard day for me. Because it feels like I am not a good person. I tend to blame myself for everything but today was not all my fault.
It certainly does sound like that was an awful experience. I can relate to feeling like it's your fault and/or that there's something wrong with you because someone else treated you poorly. Good for you for thinking through this rationally and recognizing that it's *his* problem, not yours. And your comment about the black eye, I think you're probably right. That was a good clue.
Despite how lousy your appt. went, I bet it feels pretty good to find yourself looking at it with clear eyes and not taking it all onto yourself. :)
As far as that doc...what a jerk! I'm sorry you had to experience that. But I agree with Ed, the upside is that you won't have to deal with him again, and it gives you the opportunity to find someone who will work *with* you instead of *at* you.
Take care,
gg
Posted by Phillipa on November 2, 2006, at 18:49:53
In reply to Good for you » johnnyj, posted by gardenergirl on November 2, 2006, at 17:35:34
I agree with above . I haven't been fired by this pdoc but I do have an appointment with one up here. GG or Racer maybe you can help with the double quotes for the name of the book . But the name of the pdoc I going to see is V. Sagar Sethi and he wrote "Solving Psychiatric Problems". Read the book I believe Amazon does have it but he's Indian and appalled at the care being given today in hospitals and with pdocs. He explained there used to to be three pshch hospitals in Charlotte and two had to close due to money and that the reason pdocs are going into practice together is because of the paperwork and the insurance companies. Most pdocs can't afford to have a solo practice anymore. My Daughter is seeing him and she loves him. I have an appointment in two weeks with him. By then I hope I have the endo results back and know what's going on with my thyroid, cortisol, and pituitary. I'm getting angry in a moments notice and don't know why. And barely funcitioning. This is not supposed to be an about me post it's really to explain something I've learned about the health care system. I aplogize for including myself. Love Phillipa
Posted by johnnyj on November 2, 2006, at 20:37:01
In reply to Good for you » johnnyj, posted by gardenergirl on November 2, 2006, at 17:35:34
Thank you for your support. It is much appreciated.
My wife knows everything that is going on and she said does a doctor really say "you are wasting my time?" He was getting paid a lot of money to help me on this journey and he basically kicked me when I was down. I had a plan with my other pdoc, she left private practice for the VA, and I thought this new guy was on the same page. He made me think he was but he wasn't. I was ready to take the next step but he wasn't even listening to me.
I think HE needs help. Nobody should treat a patient that has poured their emotions out and is asking for advice. I wasn't discounting what he said as I believed he made a good dx. It seemed he didn't take enought time to recall or look at his notes on what we had previously discussed. Another thing is he asked me again this week how the klonopin was doing. I told him again I WASN'T taking it. He hadn't even written me a prescription yet! So I couldn't be taking it....geez.
Thank you again.
johnnyj
Posted by johnnyj on November 2, 2006, at 20:40:16
In reply to Re: Good for you, posted by Phillipa on November 2, 2006, at 18:49:53
Thank you for including yourself, it is not all about me. You DESERVE to feel better Phillipa.
I good doctor is worth their weight in gold.
You reminded me of another thing. This new doctor had me get blood work done a few weeks ago and NEVER brought it up today. Thanks again jackass doctor.
Posted by jules354 on November 3, 2006, at 21:34:08
In reply to Re: Good for you » Phillipa, posted by johnnyj on November 2, 2006, at 20:40:16
Hi jonnnyj,
I'm so sorry to hear this happened to you. A pdoc terminated me over the phone (!!) when I was experiencing severe side effects on a new med. She told me they weren't serious and that I was asking too many questions. I called my therapist, who told me to call Poison Control, who told me to stop taking the med immediately and go to the ER. I did land in the hospital a couple of days later. My therapist was so pissed at the pdoc. I thought about filing a complaint with the licensing board, but it was too overwhelming and I had to focus on myself. To this day I think something about my depression triggered that pdoc and she freaked out. (She said some inappropriate things about her brother's depression during our sessions.) Who knows; they're as flawed as the rest of us unfortunately.
I hope you can remember that this wasn't your fault. It sounds like you were just focusing on your own care. You deserve all the support that's available to you.
take care,
jules
Posted by Racer on November 3, 2006, at 22:04:46
In reply to Re: Good for you » Phillipa, posted by johnnyj on November 2, 2006, at 20:40:16
>
>
> You reminded me of another thing. This new doctor had me get blood work done a few weeks ago and NEVER brought it up today.You can request copies of those blood tests. I do it all the time -- whenever a doctor orders blood tests, I request a copy of the results. I do it for my cat, too.
Good luck.
Posted by johnnyj on November 5, 2006, at 15:27:40
In reply to Re: Good for you » johnnyj, posted by jules354 on November 3, 2006, at 21:34:08
Hello Jules:
How are you doing? Thank you for the kind words.
I am still hurting from the pdoc's abusive way he treated me but I will not feel bad about taking an active role in my treatment. I believe that pdoc, although very good at dx, has some problems of his own. I would never go back to him. I see now that he was offended when I just didn't take what he wanted me to take. I was not being disrespectful, it is just part of my ocd/anixety to be cautious and ask questions. He couldn't see that I guess and a doc should see that is part of what is going on with me.
He even told me that remeron is bad but does not have that bad of withdrawal. We know better don't we? Many of us know about remeron.
Right now, I am on the 3rd day of no lunesta. My sleep is very odd right now, lots of dreaming and interrupted sleep. But, that is better than no sleep. I will see my family doc this week and take a look at my plan and if I can't get some sleep I will have to try luvox or another ssri. I have never really tried one and they help with ocd stuff so I am told. I have given it a good try being med free after 14 years but quality of life is not good.
I have been having some anxiety issues recently and I think for me, benzo's may not work. They seem to make me depressed. That may be why lunesta caused a problem with me too. I am off the lithium for about 4 or 5 weeks now and feel better off of it so the doc that was mean helped me some too. I also have been taking stuff for allergies so I was hoping that it was the lithium and allergies causing sleep issues. We will see how things play out the next couple of days or so.
I hope you are doing better.
johnnyj
Posted by johnnyj on November 5, 2006, at 15:30:05
In reply to Re: Good for you » johnnyj, posted by Racer on November 3, 2006, at 22:04:46
I will be getting my entire file from that quack. I don't trust him with my information now at all, something is not right at that office.
I don't know if I have the right to take the entire file but I want it. I just don't know if I have the energy to argue with the office ladies.
johnnyj
Posted by Phillipa on November 5, 2006, at 18:54:36
In reply to Re: Good for you » Racer, posted by johnnyj on November 5, 2006, at 15:30:05
Oh you do that belongs to you. Some pdocs will give you a copy most won't they will forward it to your new doc or any doc that is treating you. You will have to sign a consent with the doc to have it sent to them. Love Phillipa
Posted by johnnyj on November 6, 2006, at 9:02:02
In reply to Re: Good for you, posted by johnnyj on November 5, 2006, at 15:27:40
nfm
Posted by jules354 on November 6, 2006, at 12:33:59
In reply to Re: Good for you, posted by johnnyj on November 5, 2006, at 15:27:40
Hi johnnyj,
I'm still struggling with anxiety, it comes and goes in waves it seems. I'm using some CBT to address it and just started using ativan occasionally for when it's super difficult. my sleep is okay once i can get to sleep, though - i'm no longer waking up at the crack of dawn thank goodness. i've been struggling a bit with depression too but not enough to go back on an AD at this point, for me - but i'm keeping an open mind about that. i'll go back on the remeron if i feel i need to.
i have heard that anxiety is notoriously difficult to treat with meds. i'm sorry you haven't found something that works...i wonder if it would make sense to see an ocd specialist? i know someone who does that and it's really helpful.
take care,
jules
Posted by johnnyj on November 6, 2006, at 14:14:31
In reply to Re: Good for you » johnnyj, posted by jules354 on November 6, 2006, at 12:33:59
Having been off the lunesta for 3 days my sleep is getting bad. I woke up about an hour or so after sleeping and was able to sleep about 5 hours. I then awoke at 4 and was sooo restless the rest of the night. The funny thing is I don't feel anxious at all today, just dog tired from not sleeping. I think things are going numb and I wonder if it is my brain trying to stem the anxiety flood.
I am thinking that I will have to try luvox or an ssri. My sleep is so out of whack right now. I have done cbt and it helps but not enough to calm me for sleep. I just can't get that restfull, blissful sleep like I used to. I worry about start up anxiety with an ssri. It seems so many people have done well with lexapro, etc., after the initial start up so I am hopeful.
Have you ever tried an ssri Jules? I know the only dose of remeron that I can take is 3.75. I know the docs won't believe it but it is enough to help me sleep without all of the sponge head problems. Although I have head fatigue due to not sleeping well. It is a tought decision and I don't want to wait until I am so bad I am not functioning at all.
I hope things work out for you. We deserve better.
johnnyj
Posted by Phillipa on November 6, 2006, at 17:54:03
In reply to Re: Good for you, posted by johnnyj on November 6, 2006, at 14:14:31
Boy something really must be wrong with me. As in the hospital one time I was on l5mg of Remeron, xanax, chloral hydrate, and klonopin. And only 4 hours sleep. Funny now I take l5mg of valium initially for sleep and go to sleep fine but still only sleep for 4 hours. Then I take the left over 5mg of valium for another 4 hours. Wonder why my body cycles like that? Love Phillipa
Posted by jules354 on November 7, 2006, at 17:31:29
In reply to Re: Good for you, posted by johnnyj on November 6, 2006, at 14:14:31
hey johnnyj. i didn't have luck with ssris, only remeron. if things don't improve w/ my depression i might go back on it. i actually tolerated it really well, it was just the w/d that was difficult. i wonder now if it was also acting on whatever anxiety i didn't realize i had.
i hope something works for you very soon. i admire your courage!
take care,
jules
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