Posted by ramsea on August 9, 2004, at 5:32:04
In reply to Re: Gabitril is available in UK » TheOutsider, posted by Slinky on August 6, 2004, at 20:01:03
I think finding a pdoc that suits you is hard in the US and UK--and anywhere. But it is true of other doctors too. Just my experience in both places with all sorts of doctors and pdocs too. I have a brilliant pdoc NHS now, but that wasn't the case a few years ago. I had a truly unethical pdoc over 20 years ago in Florida but I had a doppelganger of him in the UK a few years ago. It is sooooooooooooo frustrating. I think bone/blood/skin/gut docs can be just as hard to deal with, but I bite my lip and let them do the repair or whatever. Maybe they are rude and brusque, and sometimes just not very talented.
I also tried private pdoc in UK and it wasn't satisfactory. Boy did she let me down!!!!!!!!!!! Long story. However, if you put up the couple hundred pounds, and get your private pdoc to just interview you and send requirements to your chosen GP, you will then be able to buy a long-term payment certificate that cuts the cost of scripts quite nicely. You may also qualify for benefits which can help--ie disability.
One more try---get your GP to write to Professor Farmer at (sorry I can't think of exact address) Maudsley Hospital, Institute for Bipolar Affective Disorder Unit. There's a waiting list, but the interview is free, NHS, and then you may find the quality of your bipolar care is upped a level or two. Prof Farmer is very well-respected in bipolar research. Hope this helps you know that you are not alone, and there are options.
poster:ramsea
thread:373547
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040805/msgs/375523.html