Sort of frustrated with p-doc and pain

By LifeontheIsland Wednesday, February 25, 2009

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I just got back from my appt. with my psychiatrist. Last time I saw her was two weeks ago and she said then that she wanted me to cut down on the Abilify and wean myself off of it, which I did.

I started to feel slightly manic when I was off of it for only a few days (shakey, anxiety, no appetite), so I was wondering if it was the right thing to do.

Well, today and she said that she didn't want me off of the meds, she'd only wanted me to cut down to a lower dose.

Now, I KNOW what she said two weeks ago - she said to wean myself off, and today she said that was not what she said at all. I know what I heard and I hate it when Dr.'s treat us like we're idiots. I would not have gone off of the meds if she didn't tell me to. UGH! I'm so frustrated!!

I'm having back surgery in 12 days and I am in a lot of pain. The pain is getting worse every day now, so I'm in even more pain today than I was a few days ago. It really sucks, but the surgery will help, so I am grateful for that. But my patience isn't what it normally is because I am hurting so bad. It was hard for me to even go to the appt. today because sitting in the car is excruciating.

I normally sew everyday for my small couture-design line of girls clothes, and I can't even do that now, so I have nothing to do but sit and watch TV and be in pain all day. I have meds to sleep at night. I didn't need to be treated like a dummy by my p-doc.

Has anyone else ever had that happen with a Dr.? Have them say one thing and then go back on it? Or be treated like an idiot?

Husband is on his rampage again

Comments (8) | Add comment

tabby

2/25/09 10:48pm

Oh sug... I can tell you some stories about me and my current Neurologist or another doc or two I've had in the past but... there isn't enough internet space to put it all out here.

With one doc I had... I finally kinda "played" stupid and asked that she "write" down the med instruction on a piece of paper because I'd have trouble remembering sure enough, I told her. I have to say, this particular one grumbled a bit but sure enough she wrote down the instructions whenever something changed.

Another, wouldn't write it down but I would on a piece of paper & then I'd show her what I wrote to get her agreement.

Sorry though that there was this mishap and hopefully, you've re-started it. I also, so know about pain and how it keeps one from functioning as we would like to do.

Here's hoping some medicinal relief is found soon for you in that regards as well cause having this disorder, and having physical pain from something else along with it, just makes both issues that much more harder to deal with at times.

LifeontheIsland

2/26/09 10:42pm

Writing it down is a good idea. Thanks for the reply. You always write great replies! I appreciate them very much.

Rosebud

2/26/09 9:11am

I also ask my pdoc to write down instructions when things change. The pdoc I see is part of a very busy practice. Each client is given a 20 minute appt. and they frequently run overtime and therefore they are always behind. Sometimes, if I am there only for a prescription, she rushes through my appt. I just don't get up out of my chair until I feel I have gotten everything I need out of the appointment. Yes, my pdoc treats me like an idiot. Recently, I just flat out stopped all my daily medication (Lamictal @ 300 mg./Abilify @ 30 mg / Prozac) OMG, I was the Queen of Mania. I cooked, cleaned, organized and if the weather had been nice outside, I would have power washed the house and scrubbed the roof !!! My Mom dragged me into the pdoc and she was LIVID with me. Had to restart from square one after 2 years of successfully controlling mood swings and BP. I only resumed the Lamictal and I too have noticed an anxiousness' about my daily life. Couldn't put my finger on it till I read your post. I am losing weight, tho. I really hope once you get your physically pain relieved your mental anguish will fall in line also. Good luck with the surgery and hang in there.

LifeontheIsland

2/26/09 10:53pm

Thank you Rose, for your reply. My appts. are only about 20 minutes, but they are usually running on time, thank goodness, since even driving to the store causes me anxiety. It's hard to type because I am having anxiety... It's hard to do anything. I am really missing sewing, but even the thought of sewing stresses me out because I'm afraid of making mistakes. It's silly and it doesn't make any sense to me. I feel a little (a lot maybe) crazy right now. I want to keep building my Spring/Summer line of girls dresses, but just can't right now. The boredom is suffocating.

The physical pain is contributing to my feeling 'off', and the anxiety about how I'll be able to deal with the pain until I have surgery is driving me crazy. Thank god for Xanax.

I hope you are feeling better soon, too. Thank you for your reply!

Rosebud

2/27/09 8:40am

Be very careful with the xanex. It can be a god sent, but the more you take the more your anxiety will increase and then you take more and it becomes a cycle that's hard to break. Push through your anxiety and pain and keep posting here on this site. It's a wonderful place to ask advise, talk or just vent. We can relate and we're all out here in cyberspace routing for you. This is probably the hardest time of your life. Hang in there. There is light at the end of the tunnel and it's not a frieght training coming to run you over .... Rosebud .... When is surgery scheduled?

LifeontheIsland

2/27/09 12:24pm

Thanks for your responce Rosebud. Surgery is March 9, a Monday. Almost a week away. I can't wait to get this pain over with.

My Dr. doesn't prescribe too much Xanax, I'm limited to taking two per day. So, hopefully that amount won't make me dependant on it.

Thanks again!

Michele Campbell

2/27/09 11:54am

I am so sorry you are the victim of one of he referenced individuals for your pdoc. I am very lucky, when I looked for my pdoc, I actually inteviewed him to determine what kind of relationship we would have.

I stated that my doc had to be extremely knowledgeable about meds and keep me informed about new knowledge of the disorder, (2) understand that I know my body and behavior better than anyone, (3) be willing to listen to me,(4) discuss and agree upon the proper treatment and/or medication (5) detail what each medication is designed to do, side effects, what to do if I am having a bad reaction to either adding or quitting. And (6) recognize that I am intelligent and want to be totally informed about my treatment and disorder so I will make good decisions. That way, if necessary, I can explain it to another doc, therapist, etc.

Finlly, I repeat back to him what he has told me to be sure that we are in agreement and everything is clear. You may want to consider either discussing these items with your current pdoc or "interview" some others to find one who will treat you with respect. It is bad enough to manage the disorder without being treated with disrespect.

I hope your pain situation is soon solved. I don't know if you are on pain medication, but I take a homeopathic remedy for back pain which contains Arnica among other things. Arnica is an effective, non-addictive, natural pain reliever. Just a piece of info for your consideration.

Watch the xanax -- if you start needing more and more, you might ask your pdoc about Clonazepam. I find it works more effectively on my anxiety.

Didn't mean to write a book here; but I get my soapbox out when we are treated poorly. Take care and good luck. Michele

LifeontheIsland

2/27/09 12:28pm

Michele, Thank you for your reply. That is good advice. I was able to pick my p-doc as well, and this is the only time this has happened. Usually she is very nice and informative. Maybe she was just having an off day, but I know what she said the last time I talked to her. I know I am right.

I will start to write things down from now on, so there is no problem in the future.

Thanks again!

Sort of frustrated with p-doc and pain

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