Posted by Gracie2 on October 24, 2001, at 0:39:26
In reply to Re: Looking for some advice before I see the psydoc » JGalt, posted by JohnX on October 23, 2001, at 11:26:39
I disagree about not being totally honest with your psychiatrist. In the first place, doctors
have no reputation for being stupid. In the second place, you are there to establish a relationship with him on which he will base your treatment; a dishonest relationship will result in treatment that may be unneccessary for you.
When you walk into a new doctor's office, you are a blank slate to him; once you tell him about your experience and education, he can talk to you on your own level; otherwise, he must assume you know nothing about psychiatric medication or treatment. Once he is familiar with your knowledge, you can ask him for a specific medication and have a reasonable conversation with him if he disagrees.
You may or may not find this a relevant example:
a couple of years ago, my son hurt his knee. I took him to a doctor at the orthopedic office where I worked, and he told me immediately that my son needed surgery, that therapy and medication would not help. Normally, if we had been regular patients, he would have recommended an MRI to confirm his finding of a torn meniscus.
However, since I was a medical professional and familiar with the symptoms (known as a "locked knee") and knew this doctor to be an excellent surgeon, I consented to surgery without an MRI, which would have cost me quite a bit out-of-pocket
after insurance.
My point is, because he knew that I had the education and experience to understand him, he
explained everything to me instead of recommending a very expensive procedure that would only confirm what he was sure of in the first place. Although he wasn't quite sure what to do when I burst into tears - any surgery involving anesthesia cannot be considered minor-
I knew my son would be alright, and he was.I would be truthful, if I were you. I would be proud of my education and my capability to discuss medication, and I would consider any previous drug usage as an indication and starting point for continuing medication.
-Gracie
poster:Gracie2
thread:81980
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011015/msgs/82144.html