Posted by Maxime on March 6, 2005, at 23:15:04
In reply to Re: How to not second guess your dr. when you DO, posted by NealMcCoy on March 6, 2005, at 15:26:09
There is nothing wrong with being direct and asking for what you want and backing it up with a reason. As I mentioned in my email to you, there are several reasons why Lamictal would be a good choice for you. Also bring in any articles you may have as I find this helps as well.
Sometimes doctors will surprise you and actually listen. I think it is important to remain calm. If your doctor does not agree then you use your trump card. "Then I would like to receive a second opinion please".
And I am saying the following in all seriousness. Threats work very well also. You can tell your doctor that you will resort to ordering medication on the internet if you have to. (Dr. Bob please do not rap my knuckles for suggesting this approach). Of course you aren't going to do that but if you say that you will, then your doctor will realise that you are serious about wanting to try this med and that he cannot allow this to happen under his care. Of course this can backfire and he may drop you as his patient. But usually it opens their eyes and gets their egos out of their "you know what". I have used this approach twice and it has worked.
It is not as if you are trying to get opiates or stimulants. You simply want to try another mood stabiliser.
It's awful to look at this way, but you are a customer and he must serve you (withing reason of course).
If you are really nervous about it, write out a script of what you are going to say before hand.
This is how I finally managed to get on an MAOI. It was my first appointment with a pdoc (this was when I was living in the U.S. for 8 months) and I walked in and I didn't wait for him to ask any questions. I briefly told him my history and said I wanted to try Parnate and why. The first 4 doctors said no and the 5th said "I agree with you 100 percent. I have used MAOIs with great success and I believe you are a perfect candidate". I wept.
Good luck to you. Try to imagine all of us here from Psycho-Babble standing beside you during this appointment. You will outnumber him! ;)
Hugs,
Maxime
poster:Maxime
thread:467369
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050304/msgs/467618.html