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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by pathetic_n_useless on March 20, 2002, at 12:45:40
hmm what to say to my GP really. Given up on pdoc- he just tells GP not to bother with meds cos they wont help- if I'm depressed at all its 'reactive' so no point! Meanwhile anxiety n flashbacks are unbearable. All GP says is exercise, get out of bed, do something I used to enjoy once a week etc etc. I keep telling her none of that works but she says do it anyway. I'm totally exhausted and feel like no ones listening. Another GP is an option- another psychiatrist it seems not! She refuses to refer me to another one even tho i hate the one i have n not seen him in 18 months. feel very stuck, suicidal a lot (GP just says well if I carry on being suicidal I'll have to see the psychiatrist i saw before- NO WAY! so I don't even tell her anymore) and had enough of life really. don't know what to do. Feel like giving up and can only see one way out. sorry. I'm sure theres nothing any of u can do either.
Posted by sjb on March 20, 2002, at 13:53:09
In reply to ideas please, posted by pathetic_n_useless on March 20, 2002, at 12:45:40
Don't like the sound of the advice your PDoc gave you. Can you elaborate? You probably are better off getting your meds from a PDoc, but I understand your frustration. I got so mad at one PDoc I was seeing when I felt suicidal, he acted like he could care less, couldn't wait to get off the phone, and I was NOT one of those pesty, pesky patients. It was the only time in 6 months that I had made an emergency call. I digress. Don't give up but I think you should find another PDoc.
Posted by kiddo on March 20, 2002, at 13:55:56
In reply to ideas please, posted by pathetic_n_useless on March 20, 2002, at 12:45:40
Your post has prompted several questions: (sorry)
1.) Does your insurance mandate a referral?
2.) Since your pdoc says that your depression is 'reacttive' has he recommended alternative ways of overcoming it?
3.) Do you see someone else for therapy? If so, have you discussed it with them? If not, is seeing a therapist an option? How about a nurse practictioner?
4.) If you are admitted into the hospital and refuse to allow a certain doctor to see you, I don't know how they can refuse you?
5.) Have you discussed this with your insurance company?
Don't give up. Regardless of what's happening, there has to be another option-suicide is permanent and can't be undone. Your attempt may fail and leave you permanently damaged/scarred for life. Do you have family or friends that you can talk to? Have you attempted suicide in the past? What about calling a crisis line?Changing your PCP (primary care physician) is definitely an option. Perhaps there are some you could call (even anonymously) and explain the situation and ask if they would be willing to work with you?
Have you tried keeping a journal-for moods, anything that triggers them, how long they last, sleeping and eating patterns. Try excercising or something the GP suggested-even though it doesn't work. Document it, and after a while take it in and show them-
Has your PCP or Psych suggested anything for the anxiety and/or flashbacks?
I'm sorry you're having such a hard time right now and hope things get better soon.
Kiddo
Posted by colin wallace on March 20, 2002, at 15:23:03
In reply to ideas please, posted by pathetic_n_useless on March 20, 2002, at 12:45:40
Pathetic and useless?? Yeah, I'm saddened to have to say that that just about sums up the quality of mental health expertise available to patients on the NHS.I faced exactly the same scenario a while back (I posted last week on an absurd encounter I'd had with a psychiatrist who refused to accept that high dose meds were responsible for my suicidal state of mind).If i'd stayed with him, and my original GP, i wouldn't be around right now.No exaggeration.
The way around your difficulty is actually very simple.You immediately open the yellow pages, and look for another docs. surgery near you.
Ring them up, ask whether they are accepting new new patient enrollments.You'll just have to call in at the surgery, fill in a quick form, and get a nurse's health check (takes 10 mins).Chances are that the practice will have more than one GP.
Be cheeky and ask the nurse which one she'd recommend- you have the choice.
You do NOT have to give any reason for changing from from your previous docs.This is YOUR prerogative, and no-one will ask you to justify it.Also, you do NOT have to inform your current GP. You are simply transferred to the other practice, who send for your med. records.
When you get to see your new GP.,once he's delved into your condition etc., ask him for a psychiatric referral.Again, this is your right.
(If you're lucky enough to land a really good, sympathetic GP., you may feel satisfied to just stick with him/her)>but remember, they can't give you an hours undivided attention if you need to talk.Sounds like you do.
If the psych. referal happens to be with your nemesis psychiatrist from before, simply tell your GP. that you'd prefer to see someone else.
Unfortunately, it can seem a little daunting when your severely depressed (it took me a year of very shabby treatment before I got round to doing all of the above- but it was well worth it.Remember, you, the patient, pay their wages (if indirectly).Don't be bullied by an insensitive doc.
A good one makes all the difference.Good luck,
Col.
Posted by pathetic_n_useless on March 20, 2002, at 17:55:33
In reply to Re: ideas please, posted by colin wallace on March 20, 2002, at 15:23:03
Changing GP practices is an option. I already moved GPs within the practice I'm at now which got me nowhere. I just don't know if I can be bothered right now. At least the old GP before this one listened even if he said not much he can do and refused to refer me to another psychiatrist. Ah well
> Pathetic and useless?? Yeah, I'm saddened to have to say that that just about sums up the quality of mental health expertise available to patients on the NHS.I faced exactly the same scenario a while back (I posted last week on an absurd encounter I'd had with a psychiatrist who refused to accept that high dose meds were responsible for my suicidal state of mind).If i'd stayed with him, and my original GP, i wouldn't be around right now.No exaggeration.
> The way around your difficulty is actually very simple.You immediately open the yellow pages, and look for another docs. surgery near you.
> Ring them up, ask whether they are accepting new new patient enrollments.You'll just have to call in at the surgery, fill in a quick form, and get a nurse's health check (takes 10 mins).Chances are that the practice will have more than one GP.
> Be cheeky and ask the nurse which one she'd recommend- you have the choice.
> You do NOT have to give any reason for changing from from your previous docs.This is YOUR prerogative, and no-one will ask you to justify it.Also, you do NOT have to inform your current GP. You are simply transferred to the other practice, who send for your med. records.
> When you get to see your new GP.,once he's delved into your condition etc., ask him for a psychiatric referral.Again, this is your right.
> (If you're lucky enough to land a really good, sympathetic GP., you may feel satisfied to just stick with him/her)>but remember, they can't give you an hours undivided attention if you need to talk.Sounds like you do.
> If the psych. referal happens to be with your nemesis psychiatrist from before, simply tell your GP. that you'd prefer to see someone else.
> Unfortunately, it can seem a little daunting when your severely depressed (it took me a year of very shabby treatment before I got round to doing all of the above- but it was well worth it.Remember, you, the patient, pay their wages (if indirectly).Don't be bullied by an insensitive doc.
> A good one makes all the difference.
>
> Good luck,
>
> Col.
Posted by fachad on March 20, 2002, at 20:40:21
In reply to ideas please, posted by pathetic_n_useless on March 20, 2002, at 12:45:40
Is your health insurance limiting you? Do you need a referral to go to a pdoc?
Call you Health Insurance Company and ask about your Behavioral Health Benefits. Many insurances don't require a referral to see a pdoc. Some require you to go to a psychologist first.
As a last resort, look into your local government funded Behavioral Health Services. Your State Department of Health Services provides them. Look in the "blue pages" (how appropriate – blue - for government listings) of the phone book for #s.
Posted by pathetic_n_useless on March 21, 2002, at 4:45:44
In reply to Is Insurance Limiting You? » pathetic_n_useless, posted by fachad on March 20, 2002, at 20:40:21
> Is your health insurance limiting you? Do you need a referral to go to a pdoc?
>
/not insurance no- I live in the UK so you have to get a referral from a GP to see any kind of specialist! Well unless you go private which I can't afford! 2 GPs so far have refused to refer me to anyone else but I see no reason why my current pdoc is still involved when I never see him or talk to him- he has a meeting once a year with my therapist and GP and thats it!!!!
> Call you Health Insurance Company and ask about your Behavioral Health Benefits. Many insurances don't require a referral to see a pdoc. Some require you to go to a psychologist first.
>
> As a last resort, look into your local government funded Behavioral Health Services. Your State Department of Health Services provides them. Look in the "blue pages" (how appropriate – blue - for government listings) of the phone book for #s.
This is the end of the thread.
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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