Question about talking to doctor..

[Duane Garner]

Hi everyone,

I had a questions, maybe others here have some advice.

I'm currently under the care of a GP.
He treats me for chronic pain, so I have to visit him monthly. I'm on a CII for herniated disks and other back/chest related problems.

He's very compassionate and we have a great relationship.

The problem is this; I have treatment-resistant depression and GAD. I've suffered from GAD ever since I was a teenager. I am now 25.
On top of this, I'm currently going through a divorce.
We've tried innumerable antidepressants over the past year and a half with no success.
I started having panic attacks and stress-related chest pain a few months ago, after mentioning it to him, he changed my anti-depressant regiment again.

After going back this last visit (Wednesday, the 4th) and mentioning it again, he did the same thing. I'm currently on Amatriptyline 100MG and Zoloft 50MG (I was on Prozac previously, this is the change he just made..) but I'm still having panic attacks on a regular basis. (Almost daily)
He says the Zoloft should help immediately, the Pharmacist said it would take up to 2 months...

He seems hard-pressed to want to prescribe any anti-anxiety medication, which unofficially, I know helps.
I'm leaving town this Wednesday for vacation for a week or two and want to talk to him again before I leave to try and convince him to prescribe something that will help now so I can enjoy vacation and life during this lengthy divorce, at least...

Any advice?

[SunnieDebris]

Perhaps it's time to see a psychiatrist. Their specialty is drugs, so they can help find a regimen to address your needs. They will also be more open to Xanax or Ativan, and the like. Can you get one on your own or do you need your GPs referral?

[Duane Garner]

I could go on my own, just can't really afford it. Was hoping my GP would so I could just see 1 doctor.
I called one psych here and his first visit fee was $200, $100 every visit after.

[SunnieDebris]

Wow, that is a lot of money. I don't know anyone who could afford that. Maybe you could do some research on Xanax, Klonopin, and Ativan, and show him that you've thought about this a lot, and you really need something for the attacks. Be open with him about the struggles you're going through, and don't be afraid to cry. I think you might benefit from learning a progressive relaxation, to help calm yourself when you are having an attack. There are tons on YouTube, and there are also apps. You might also benefit from journaling your thoughts and feelings. You might even share some of that with your doctor. I think he just doesn't understand what you need, so you have to convince him. Take a friend with you if you are able, for moral support.

[Duane Garner]

Thanks Sunnie.

How do you think would be the best way to do that without looking like a drug-seeker?
It's really sad people with legitimate problems have to be careful because of so many druggies ruining it for everyone. I'm a Chronic Pain Patient, and it's insane trying to get most doctors to actually work with you.

I'm going to look into this progressive relaxation.
I do journal, I have for almost 10 years.
I've never thought about showing it to him, but it definitely can't hurt!

Thanks so much Sunnie!!

[SunnieDebris]

Duane,

I have chronic pain, as well. All I can suggest is that you just be honest with your doctor about your needs. Most doctors can tell the difference between drug seeking behavior, and genuine concern for themselves. I am fortunate enough to be a part of a doctors group that offers pain management classes, as well as non-traditional remedies, like acupuncture. I have met with every specialist and taken every class suggested to me, with varying results. Right now, I'm maxed out on all the pain and other meds (I take 11 meds per day, about 25 pills), and my doctor has told me that there's nothing else she can do. I have a good relationship with my doctor. You can build one, too, but you have to stick out the less than perfect ideas they have and try them, even if you think or know that it won't help, rather than switching doctors when they do things that are upsetting. My doctor took me off Elavil for about 6 months. I thought I was going to die. But I later convinced her to let me go back on Elavil, much to the relief of my wife, who is still quite pissed about it. Now we have a great relationship. She even hugs me at the end of each visit. It's not fun or easy, but doctors have this thing where they think that they know more than you do about your own body. I wish you all the luck in the world.