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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 14 of 14. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Poet on August 28, 2005, at 22:48:38
I know it was only my second time seeing her, but it was like she didn't even take a few minutes to glance at her notes.
She suggested another new med and wrote it down for me to *research.* I asked *what about abilify?* She wrote it down on the same note paper and then crossed it out after I said *you suggested it last time.* I got a blank look.
I told her that I need a prescription for ambien. She gave me a look like *you have trouble sleeping?* I did get the RX, but really shouldn't she have known I have insomnia? She wrote enough notes about it!
Absolutely no mention of my negative thoughts that she talked about so much last time.
She is supposedly ordering me a book on Asperger's syndrome, not that I have it, but I will find similarities between myself and those with it. That came about after she asked if I am more comfortable this time and I said no, I am only comfortable when I am alone.
What I should have said is *I'd be more comfortable with a doctor who at least glances at the notes from the last visit.*
I did make another appointment, but can cancel it. My T said that if I do see pdoc again, I should write down all my concerns and hand them to her.
My T told me that it took her awhile to get used to how uncomfortable I am with her. She wasn't excusing pdoc's lack of note reading, but that perhaps she was more concerned with why I am so uncomfortable with other people. Ex pdoc used to ask if there was anything he could do help me feel safe and when I said no, that was the end of the discussion.
I dread finding another pdoc and going through a psych eval again, but I am not sure she is right for me. I suppose I could give it one more shot and tell her to read my concerns out loud that way I know she'll read it. One of them would be that she should stop reading right now and read over her notes.
I do like her ideas about not grabbing onto negative thoughts, but am angry/worried that she didn't bring it up.
This time she told me to find something to carry with me that will help me feel safe and comfortable. A brick wall is too heavy to haul around, so I'm thinking of a small key that I can use to mentally lock people out of my space. Though I am concerned she won't mention this idea next time.
I saw her at 9 a.m. and there was no patient with her when I got there. Couldn't she have just glanced over the notes for the major things? That worries me. When I worry I obsess. I do not need this. All I wanted was to be less depressed, not fearing another psych eval with another pdoc.
Advice please!
Poet
Posted by All Done on August 29, 2005, at 0:55:41
In reply to Pdoc Issues, posted by Poet on August 28, 2005, at 22:48:38
Yuk. It stinks that she wasn't prepared for your appointment. I feel like we get so little time with our pdocs, we need them to be as prepared as possible.
It does sound like she has some qualities and ideas you're looking for. Might be worth giving her another chance. But I agree with your T, it would be good to let her know what your concerns are. Can you give her a call before your next appointment, though? Then, you'll be able to get an idea of whether or not she's going to be open to working on your concerns. If you feel she's not responsive, then cancel. If she is, you'll feel comfortable keeping the appointment *and* she'll be prepared when you see her instead of using your appointment time to address your concerns and then hoping she changes for the appointment after that.
Good luck, Poet.
Laurie
Posted by gardenergirl on August 29, 2005, at 2:12:25
In reply to Re: Pdoc Issues » Poet, posted by All Done on August 29, 2005, at 0:55:41
I think Laurie gives great advice in her post. I like the idea of calling ahead to get a sense of whether she will be responsive. You could even fax your notes or list to her ahead of time.
I'm sorry she wasn't more prepared. I agree, since pdocs don't usually see folks as often as T's do, they need to review.
And what's with you having to "research" meds? Um, isn't that her job? It almost sounds like she expects you to just tell her what you need and then off with you.
Grrrrr.
Take care,
gg
Posted by holymama on August 29, 2005, at 7:47:04
In reply to Re: Pdoc Issues, posted by gardenergirl on August 29, 2005, at 2:12:25
Hi Poet,
Funny, I was telling almost the exact same story a few weeks ago.I had my second appointment with a bipolar 'specialist' in Boston. She couldn't remember anything about me or what meds I was on, giving me many blank looks and suggesting "I think you should try Lithium" (I'm on Lithium and have been for over a year). "Have you ever tried Paxil?" (I just got off of Paxil after being on it for a year). She obviously had made no attempt to look at her notes from the first visit/evaluation. I felt really uncomfortable with the idea of putting my life in her hands.
I even brought my husband with me for this second visit because I had a bad feeling about her the first time and wanted to see if he agreed.
I'll tell you what I did about it. I made an appointment with another pdoc who was recommended (even so, each one is just a shot in the dark, right?) and I had one appointment with her so far. I LOVED her. Completely attentive, intelligent, full of ideas, and made me feel like I am in really good hands. It was so worth the extra work.
I think that half of our feeling better is feeling taken care of by someone we trust. I know that when I have a pdoc I don't trust (I've had a few); I don't feel grounded, safe and I feel very alone.
I hope this doc either smartens up or that you can get the strength to move on to someone else.
Best of luck to you,
Autumn
Posted by fairywings on August 29, 2005, at 9:30:12
In reply to Pdoc Issues, posted by Poet on August 28, 2005, at 22:48:38
Geeze, who needs that kind of treatment? I'm with you, if it doesn't improve, I'd be looking for a new p-doc before you waste too much time with this one.
fw
Posted by Poet on August 29, 2005, at 22:50:02
In reply to Re: Pdoc Issues » Poet, posted by All Done on August 29, 2005, at 0:55:41
Hi Laurie,
Letting pdoc know my concerns before I see her is a good idea. I'm thinking of faxing it to her. This is really eating at me and I hate to wait three weeks to let her know how I am feeling.
I do like some of the things she's suggested, it's the lack of follow up that is disturbing. She needs to know that I am thinking of firing her over this and I've only seen her twice.
You have really been a great help. Thanks for your ideas and understanding.
Poet
Posted by Poet on August 29, 2005, at 23:00:16
In reply to Re: Pdoc Issues, posted by gardenergirl on August 29, 2005, at 2:12:25
Hi GG,
I agree with both you and Laurie- I am going to fax her my concerns before my next appointment. She'll see exactly what I am worried about and can call me to discuss it further.
I don't get the research this, no wait, research this other thing approach to meds management. Granted my pdoc experience is limited, but my regular doctor doesn't ask me what I think will work.
I'll let everyone know what she says. It might be very interesting.
Poet
Posted by Poet on August 29, 2005, at 23:06:22
In reply to Re: Pdoc Issues, posted by holymama on August 29, 2005, at 7:47:04
Hi Autumn,
I am going to fax her my concerns and see what she says. I openly admit I am afraid to call her- I'm having an anxiety attack thinking about it. Besides this way she sees exactly how I am feeling without me stammering and apologizing.
You are so right that every pdoc is a shot in the dark. I hate managed health care as I have to choose from a list and then call to see who is accepting new patients. If she doesn't clear up my issues, maybe I can call my ex pdoc and see if he knows anybody in the health plan system. He was in it and left, which is why I left him.
I'm glad that you found the right pdoc. I hope mine comes through for me, I hate going through all those questions again. Ugh.
I haven't seen you on the boards in awhile or maybe we just haven't been on the same ones. It's good to hear from you.
Poet
Posted by Poet on August 29, 2005, at 23:09:45
In reply to Re: Pdoc Issues » Poet, posted by fairywings on August 29, 2005, at 9:30:12
Hi Fairywings,
She really seemed great at the first appointment, but this has me worried. I am going to fax her my concerns and hope that she calls me to discuss it. Otherwise I cancel and go back to selecting from the list provided by my health insurance.
My T would probably call her for me, if I chicken out on the fax, but I am going to try to write it and send it this week.
The quest for sanity is driving me further insane!
Poet
Posted by holymama on August 30, 2005, at 6:35:40
In reply to Re: Pdoc Issues » holymama, posted by Poet on August 29, 2005, at 23:06:22
Dear Poet,
Good plan. I hope you have the strength to say all you need to in the fax and that she responds in a way that gives you new hope in her.
Difficult letters can be written in a delicate way. Take your time with it.
And remember that she isn't necessarily your 'new pdoc' until you decide you want to keep her. Right now she might just be 'a pdoc you are interviewing' to see if she's the right one, or maybe it will be someone else.
Yes Poet, I was off the boards most of the winter, since I was doing well, but back this summer, mostly to the med board. I've had a lot of trouble this summer, off all meds and in hospitals and all that. I don't know how much we've posted, but I do remember at least reading your old posts back when you were having trouble, (going into the hospital maybe?) so I have always had a soft spot for you when I see your name posted.
Good luck writing the letter. ~~Autumn~~
Posted by fairywings on August 30, 2005, at 7:09:14
In reply to Re: Pdoc Issues » fairywings, posted by Poet on August 29, 2005, at 23:09:45
Hi Poet,
Don't you hate it that we agonize over their "behavior", and yet we're sure they close the door and forget about us! ARGH! Just another patient.
It's good that you had high hopes for her the first appt, Your plan to fax her is really good, no point in holding on to all of that for 3 weeks! Maybe point out to her what you liked and what went so well that first appt., as well your concerns, which would have me scared off.
I don't understand why she'd have you research something either unless she wants you to take a look at it to see if it's something you'd even consider trying. I guess sometimes they write prescriptions that don't get filled, and only find that out at the next appt.
Maybe if she doesn't return your call, your T can follow up, just so she knows someone else "has your back". she might think twice that way, you never know.
> The quest for sanity is driving me further insane!
>
Geeze, that's the way I felt with my last T! If that keeps up, run for the hills! I got to the point where I had anxiety attacks and was grinding my teeth at night. How's that for sanity? LOLI LOVE my p-doc he's awesome. I hope it turns out you likeher as much as I like him, or you find someone you like as much as I like him.
fw
Posted by Dinah on September 4, 2005, at 17:05:24
In reply to Pdoc Issues, posted by Poet on August 28, 2005, at 22:48:38
Interviewing pdocs is a pain, but it's important to have one that is at least tolerable. I haven't much reason to expect more from pdocs so far.
Someone once suggested writing down all that tedious first interview information so you don't have to go over it over and over again.
Posted by Poet on September 7, 2005, at 19:48:25
In reply to Re: Pdoc Issues » Poet, posted by Dinah on September 4, 2005, at 17:05:24
Hi Dinah,
I'm having trouble just writing down what I want to say to this pdoc. I'm going to let my T read it tomorrow and see if she thinks I should add anything. She offered to talk to pdoc for me, but I think that makes me look even more *different.*
Though I suppose *different* is better than just plain nuts. I'm a macadamia nut, thank you.
Poet
Posted by fairywings on September 7, 2005, at 20:25:47
In reply to Re: Pdoc Issues » Dinah, posted by Poet on September 7, 2005, at 19:48:25
Try to do some positive thinking before you go in there. sounds to me like she was pretty harsh last time, or at least not as thoughtful as she should have been. you're okay, you're okay, you're okay! ; )
(((hugs)))
fw
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