How to talk to my doctor about medication
I have state insurance and about 3 doctors to choose from. Today I had a horrible experience with a nurse trying to make an appointment and ended up in tears. I am agoraphobic, SAD, clinically depressed, and cannot sleep more than two hours a night. These state doctors do not like to prescribe benzos, but I don't know how I'll even get out of the house without them because my physical symptoms are so bad. I can't sleep and it's affecting my health and adding to my anxiety. I can barely even leave my room anymore. I did have one understanding doctor, but he passed on 2 years ago. I cannot afford private insurance and these medi-cal doctors seem to be totally lacking in compassion. I really feel that I cannot go on like this. I want to change doctors, but I am so afraid I'll get the same disconnected, uncaring attitude I always get. Are there ways or strategies to talk to a doctor about my need for medication? I'm desperate, I can't live like this anymore. thank you all-danielle (flynnsmom)
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Guest
Hi Danielle!
When I first started with my anxiety I was borderline agoraphobic. I'm in Canada so we get free medical care...that doesn't always mean good things either. I was away for College when I first started having issues and I had to go to a walk-in clinic....he threw me on anti-depressants, and something else to calm me down....he had never met me...spent 5 minutes with me...and threw meds at me to get me out of the office so he could see the next patient. It was the worst experience because it didn't help me at all...didn't explain to me why my body was doing this...
My advice to you is keep calling as many Dr's as it takes to find the right one. It's frustrating and it will take some time but you can do it. Don't give up on the medical profession completely...there are good Dr's out there. You just have to find them. If someone tells you they can't help you, simply move on to the next... Don't stress over it. There are people out there that can help. You need to keep positive and have faith. You deserve good things too and medical treatment just like everyone else. Just keep strong and don't give up.
Maigan!
When I first started with my anxiety I was borderline agoraphobic. I'm in Canada so we get free medical care...that doesn't always mean good things either. I was away for College when I first started having issues and I had to go to a walk-in clinic....he threw me on anti-depressants, and something else to calm me down....he had never met me...spent 5 minutes with me...and threw meds at me to get me out of the office so he could see the next patient. It was the worst experience because it didn't help me at all...didn't explain to me why my body was doing this...
My advice to you is keep calling as many Dr's as it takes to find the right one. It's frustrating and it will take some time but you can do it. Don't give up on the medical profession completely...there are good Dr's out there. You just have to find them. If someone tells you they can't help you, simply move on to the next... Don't stress over it. There are people out there that can help. You need to keep positive and have faith. You deserve good things too and medical treatment just like everyone else. Just keep strong and don't give up.
Maigan!
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Guest
Flynnsmom, I'm so sorry to hear that your experience was unpleasant. I'm pleased that you are seeking help to make the next one work out better for you!Originally posted by flynnsmom:
Today I had a horrible experience with a nurse trying to make an appointment and ended up in tears. ..
Are there ways or strategies to talk to a doctor about my need for medication? (flynnsmom)
My strategy would be two-fold. First, I would expect no compassion from the doctor. If you get any you can be pleasantly surprised. Second, I would WRITE DOWN the multiple issues that you are dealing with and HAND it to the doctor. You only have 5 minutes to convince him/her of what medications you need to get back into balance. It's tough to remember everything you need to say, so writing it down and having someone else read it first and cut out everything that isn't medical will be a great start. If you had a medicine that has already worked be sure to TELL them that as it's very important information.
Also, if you can it's AWESOME to take a family or friend with you to help advocate for you and help you remember EVERYTHING you want to tell the doctor and everything the doctor told you!
Also, you might find a way to get a counselor as that's where you'll find the compassion you're hoping for. Unfortunately, doctors match people to prescriptions but don't have the time to chit chat. Sad, huh!
Hugs,