Posted by banga on February 4, 2005, at 11:47:02
In reply to Getting off the pdoc merry-go-round, posted by Optimist on February 4, 2005, at 10:50:52
Difficult question.
Pdocs out there are so different!
--My initial pdoc was quite OK, but was leery of polymedicine. We'd set sth up and it would work somewhat and his first comment was a hopful "then maybe in two weeks we can get rid of drug x and only take drug y."
--I then changed from yet another pdoc, who was wise, sympathetic and skilled, but openly admitted another pdoc may be better for me--who is willing to take more risks. (It is good to know she is there as back-up if I need someone to take full conservative control in the future.)
--And so I now went to the other extreme--a good pdoc who is well known to be...well, liberal is a light description. I have a LOT of say in what we decide, he is game to try it out, no qualms.
I would NOT be going to this pdoc if it weren't for my ability (and preference) to research things on my own, AND if it weren't for this board where I can get some hints an advice.
Seriously, there is no way I would have ended up on the meds I am on now had I not read this board, and had I left control to my pdoc.If a person has the luxury to "Shop around" to get a good fit, or at least get a second opinion, I encourage it immensely.
In cases where it is not feasible it is tough. If you hear of someone through others who truly sounds like a good fit, it might even be worth shelling out the money for a couple of spread-out appointments with a poc not under your insurance--if you agree on a regimen (and esp. if you find one that works) you can go back to the stingy pdoc that insurance does cover...they will be much more willing to continue a regimen that is already set up and working.
Some suggest seeing a psychopharmacologist--who typically looks at things bit deeper, from a different angle. That's how I found my current pdoc, though he wasn't exactly what I had in mind at the time!
Going completely alone is very dangerous I think. You need that resource that looks at you--in person--and evaluates what is going on. I am probabl ADHD, and this NEVER would have occurred to me (and I am in psychology!!) because I am sosed to the disease I thought it was "normal" to feel this way.
Butit is easy for meto tlk. EVen though my insurance costs an arm and a leg, the list of covered pdocs is vast so I can shop.
My two or tree cents.
poster:banga
thread:453087
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050202/msgs/453117.html