Posted by fallsfall on July 28, 2004, at 8:41:58
In reply to Internists, posted by Dinah on July 27, 2004, at 21:12:47
My internist is also a "family" doctor. He was the first to diagnose my depression - after I had been hounding him for 6 months to relieve my back pain. He prescribed my first antidepressant (though when I first saw my psychiatrist his response was "Why did he start you on that one??"). Sometimes he is a bit simplistic ("You would feel better if you told some jokes"). But he does care, and he gives me the time that I need. He came in early to see me on the day that I finally admitted that I was depressed - he didn't have any appointments available, so he created one for me. I don't go into great detail with him and I think he's really glad I see a therapist and pdoc. He has been depressed himself and saw my pdoc for medication (this was part of his "There is no shame in being depressed" lecture). He looks concerned when I'm not doing well, and comments when I'm doing better. I can't imagine not talking about such an important part of my health with him. He also provided notes to get me out of work when I didn't want the notes signed by a therapist or pdoc.
poster:fallsfall
thread:371409
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20040725/msgs/371550.html