Today is my dreaded quarterly visit to my psychiatrist of long-standing. I usually leave there feeling worse, because I know he has not listened to me, he has just written me the same prescriptions.
I am going to try something new. Mom is going with me today and she is going to ask him to treat the whole person rather than the illness. He has always listened to her better than he has me. I am ready to try a different medication, perhaps one of the older ones. I have only tried Haldol on a limited basis but it seemed to work well with no side effects. Maybe he can switch me from Zyprexa to Haldol. I just hope he sees my mom as someone involved in my care and support and take her seriously.
I am trying to feel hopeful but actually feel a little depressed. There are several sources of stress in my life right now, two of which are of my own making. I feel things need to be said, then I sometimes regret saying them. Especially when family is involved. I hope my words to my psychiatrist today are not perceived as emotionally overwrought; I want to be calm and make a rational appeal.
Will report back later.
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Later: The appointment turned out very well. He noted I have gained 20 lbs and said "something has to be done." This is the first time he has acknowledged that the weight gain is something to worry about. I asked to try Geodon again, even though it caused restlessness in the past. I'm hoping that will go away after a while. He said if I can't take the Geodon, that I can switch to Zyprexa Zydis. He said it has less chance of causing weight gain than Zyprexa.
Carolyn
