Problems with pdoc

I have been dealing with this issue for a couple of weeks now. I have a psychiatrist, and I really liked him at first.

The first session he upped my Lithium, and I reluctantly agreed. I am now feeling better.I have been worried about the weight gain, but, like being stable. I do what, I am supposed to do to take care of myself.

The problem is he asked me if, I wanted to stay out of the hospital,when, I have never been in a hospital, and told me they weren't going to cater to me, and just give me whatever, I want. He also keeps lying about the fact that Lithium is a weight gainer.I have scoured the internet on Lithium, and most people who take Lithium gain some weight.

The second visit, was fine, but the third visit, I told him, I was still having episodes, and he gave me the bipolar is an illness talk, and asked me if, I was happy with my weight. I told him the truth, and he keeps telling me Lithium doesn't cause weight gain, and I need to be more active, and eat better. He was practically laughing at me, while he was saying this. I have been on a diet for 3 mos, and work out at the gym, and have 4 kids, and garden. I have just hurt my hip, so, I told him, I wasn't able to work out. He proceeds to tell me I can still do alot with a torn lower back.

So, then he asks me if, I just got off of Zyprexa. I said, i haven't been on Zyprexa for 6 yrs.

So the problem, I have is .. He has never read my file, and he , and the last pdoc have ignored the fact that inspite of being on the Lithium, I am still having severe episodes. This is why I went and got help a year ago. I practically had to yell at the last pdoc,and she gave me Zyprexa as a PRN to take when, I think, I am going to have an episode.

I haven't taken it yet. My new pdoc did the same thing.When, I told him, I had an episode he asked me if, I had quit taking my meds.

Is this me, or has he already made up his mind, that, I am a typical bipolar patient? It feels like he has an opinion of me already, and he doesn't even know me.

He and the last pdoc, who are in the same office are so dead set on keeping me on the meds, I am on,but are ignoring the fact that, I am still cycling.

I feel he asks me a question, and didn't want to hear the truth. Then he put it off on me as if, I am not doing my part, and laughs at me, and assumes something else about me, that isn't true.

I was so mad. My PSR worker was there with me, and tried to talk to him, too, and he just ignored her.

She came over, and was mad, too.

Anyway, I am going to go talk to him next week. I talked to my therapist about it, and she suggested, I confront him. I am a little nervous.

What, I want to know is if other people have had similar problems or any problems with pdocs?

Thanks for letting me vent. I have been chewing oon this for awhile.

I bet others have problems from time to time with this issue. Developing rapport with a doctor who listens and allows your participation in your own treatment is important. Be assertive. And speak up about what you don't like, Gypsy. You are a smart gal.

I found my first pdoc by shear accident. You know my story so I won't bore you with details. I'll just say that he was the psychiatric chief of the hospital where I was admitted. He took me on as a patient after release.

He made up his mind that I was SZA very early on, and I don't think he ever really seriously considered that I could have any other illness. I told him several times that Welbutrin made me feel worse. His response was to increase the dosage...I went long periods without taking it and I never told him. I also told him several times that I was having mood swings that would lead to psychotic thoughts. His response was that I was having PMS. He continued to tell me that even after I went through early menopause at 43.

I stayed with this guy for 11 years for a number of reasons, but I thought I was doing ok for the simple reason I had avoided another hospitalizaiton. I finally got tired of driving 6 hours just to see him, and found a pdoc here in the town where we had moved.

She is remarkable. She actually listens and encourages me to participate in my own treatment. She does not get upset if I question my diagnoses, which she has changed to BP.

You are a bright, articulate, assertive woman. I'm sure you can make this Dr listen to you. I don't think my former pdoc was necessarily bad. He is actually considered among the top in the state. I think sometimes they just get it in their heads you need X medication, and just can't think outside the box.

If he won't listen to you, would it be possible for you to find one that you feel more comfortable with? It's unfortunate, but sometimes that is the only way to get the treatment that works best.

I wish you great things. If you feel you are headed for an episode, we are here to help you.

*hugs*

DC

Good Luck my friend

I am afraid, I will let him have it, and make a fool out of myself, and then he will really think, I am crazy...LOL

My therapist says that Whatever, I do, I have to confront him. It will be good for me. I have my boyfriends support, my therapist's, and my PSR workers...LOL I just keep getting confused about whether I have a good case or not, or whether I am being difficult. Passive agressive? My bipolar?etc...

I don't think you are any of those things. This Dr. is refusing to listen you, and even worse, he is apparently mocking you. You have a right to participate in your own treatment. You have a right to be heard. You have a right to good care.

I like Norma's idea of writing down. That makes good sense to me. Even if you need to confront him verabally, having it written down would maybe keep you on track with what you want to say.

DC