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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 11 of 11. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by lymom3 on October 31, 2006, at 8:53:44
I finally got an appt to see a new pdoc; one that I actually feel hopeful about. Do you guys think it's too whacky to bring the list of meds that I've been on with notations on the ones that were so bad that I can't try them again? I also have a list w/bullet points of my past history, past dx's and current meds and dx.
I feel like time is limited. I know the main things that he is going to need to know and want to know and I'd like to speed up the time it takes to get through that. I also know that I can tend to forget things and if it's written out I feel like I'm making sure nothing gets overlooked.
My question is does anyone else do that when seeing a new doc? I don't want to seem like I'm such a nut that I've been through a million different doctors or that I'm just telling him what I "want" him to hear and I'm kind of afraid it will come across that way. Any thoughts?
Posted by Phillipa on October 31, 2006, at 9:02:22
In reply to Meds, new pdoc and a question, posted by lymom3 on October 31, 2006, at 8:53:44
Definitely write those things down and if you run out of time he will have the list too. I write things down for my pdoc anyway. Good luck. Love Phillipa
Posted by Racer on October 31, 2006, at 10:30:16
In reply to Meds, new pdoc and a question, posted by lymom3 on October 31, 2006, at 8:53:44
:^D
I have a very similar list -- it covers medications I've taken, dosage where I remember, dates I was on it, side effects, any other notes I can think of. I haven't got a list of history -- but only because I never thought of it. Now that you've suggested it, I'll be making one of those, too.
What's the response? Varies with doctor, but mostly it includes as thank you, since it saves time and makes a more accurate intake. The latest new pdoc for me made a joke about it showing that I'm obsessive-compulsive, but that was more as illustration: "this is the good side of being obsessive-compulsive." (I am, but there is are benefits to it...)
Anyway, I've never once had a pdoc say there was anything wrong with doing it. Mostly, if they don't thank me, they do say it saves time.
Let us know how it goes!
Posted by emme on October 31, 2006, at 10:55:12
In reply to Meds, new pdoc and a question, posted by lymom3 on October 31, 2006, at 8:53:44
Hi.
> My question is does anyone else do that when seeing a new doc?
Yes. I have on my computer lists of meds I've taken, what worked, what didn't, side effects, etc. I also make typed lists of symptoms that need addressing. I either present the pdoc with their own copy, or bring it with me to help me present things verbally. They seem to appreciate it. As you said, time is limited. It helps to be efficient and will enable them to spend enough time asking the questions they want to ask.
Good luck with your new doc.
emme
Posted by pseudoname on October 31, 2006, at 11:02:19
In reply to Meds, new pdoc and a question, posted by lymom3 on October 31, 2006, at 8:53:44
I also have a list of meds -- going back to 1987! The pdocs always show quite a bit of interest in it. They refer to it sometimes months later: "What did your list say about lithium?" etc. My current pdoc said that although it was helpful, the list was a symptom of OCD. (I think she has an obsession with OCD and compulsively labels behavior as OCD symptoms.)
GPs ignore the list entirely when I've included it in what they see.
BUT… if a pdoc has an adverse reaction to your list, remember that it'll be their problem, not yours. Good luck.
Posted by lymom3 on October 31, 2006, at 11:25:28
In reply to I have a list, too » lymom3, posted by pseudoname on October 31, 2006, at 11:02:19
Thanks. That makes me feel better. I don't want to seem overly prepared but I don't want to spend the whole time telling him, nope...tried that already. This guy is involved in clinical trials also; one for an ADHD med right now, so at least I feel like he stays on top of meds. I am ADD also. Keeping my fingers crossed although I'm never too thrilled about the start up s/e's of new meds...
Posted by Colleen D. on October 31, 2006, at 20:47:53
In reply to Meds, new pdoc and a question, posted by lymom3 on October 31, 2006, at 8:53:44
I have done the exact same thing. I call it self-advocacy. Heck, I even do this with my GP. And yes, I have OCD too!
:-) Colleen
Posted by Phillipa on October 31, 2006, at 23:01:53
In reply to Re: Meds, new pdoc and a question » lymom3, posted by Colleen D. on October 31, 2006, at 20:47:53
Most good doctors and nurses have that good type of OCD. It's not always a bad thing. Just the degree. If you spend hours washing your hands thats excessive. Love Phillipa
Posted by RN320 on November 1, 2006, at 13:40:04
In reply to Meds, new pdoc and a question, posted by lymom3 on October 31, 2006, at 8:53:44
For what it's worth, when I go to a new doctor I take him/her a 3x5 card with current meds that I'm on, and also provide a seperate card with meds that I've been on previously, listing appx amounts of time that I was on them. I do this to not waste a doctor's time (or mine!) I would think that any doc worth his/her license would appreciate you paving the way for assuming responsibility for your care. The right doctor for you will not want to waste time trying things that didn't work or made you worse.
Good luck.
/m
Posted by lymom3 on November 2, 2006, at 17:39:26
In reply to Re: Meds, new pdoc and a question, posted by RN320 on November 1, 2006, at 13:40:04
New doc is giving me samples of Provigil without changing anything else for 30 days. He wants to see how much waking up and feeling decent during the day instead of the exhausted fog that I'm in. Then the plan is to add either Trileptal or Abilify if needed.
The last doctor threw me a few meds at a time so it does make sense to do one step at a time although I'd like feel like I'm taking something more than just the Provigil to help with the moods thing, but I'll give it a shot. The down side is that if Provigil works, it's not covered by insurance so I don't know where the money would really come from for that but I'll deal with that if and when the time comes!
Posted by Racer on November 3, 2006, at 1:42:44
In reply to And the answer is....., posted by lymom3 on November 2, 2006, at 17:39:26
Cool.
For what it's worth, Provigil brightened my mood a great deal for a long time. And if it works out for you, all insurance companies have an appeals process for this sort of situation.
And if all else fails, the maker has a prescription relief program that may help you.
Good luck. And I hope it works as well for you as it did for me.
This is the end of the thread.
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