Posted by JohnX on October 24, 2001, at 1:30:48
In reply to Re: Looking for some advice before I see the psydoc, posted by Gracie2 on October 24, 2001, at 0:39:26
Thanks for playing Angel's advocate. ;)I was hoping someone would chime in with
a different viewpoint.I think it really depends
on what you really need from the doctor. The
1st visit is really tough. I have found that
if they ask me any question pertaining to
learning *anything* from the internet, then
I am almost immediately dismissed as neurotic.
I have doctors tell me "wow, you know a lot
about medications" and then refuse to treat me
when I suggested that their treatment outline was
not best for me (and trust me I was right and
the doctor was wrong).
However, *THE GOOD* doctors have not had this
problem. But they are not usually the ones with
closed apointment books. That's why I recommend
balance. Give the symptoms he needs to make a
good diagnosis, but don't overload with your own
analysis. I never believe in being dishonest to
the doctor, just in being careful on rate of
disclosure.regards,
john>
> 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:JohnX
thread:81980
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011015/msgs/82152.html