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My struggle with New GP wanting me off valium
Hi my story in a nutshell - about 4 yrs ago my GP put me on 25 mgs of valium for anxiety - muscle spasms & sleep Im 48 yrs old & a caregiver to my Father - ok so GP gets new job and new one takes over practice he has ALL my records - my 1st visit in January he walks into meet me & is very unhappy that I"ve been on this med for this long.
Decides to belittle me & cut my dose by 5 mgs - sending me into WD - also recommends psychiatry- he doesn't seem willing to help me unless I cut 5 mg per month which I stated is too much - any advice on how or what to say to pdoc on Wednesday?
Decides to belittle me & cut my dose by 5 mgs - sending me into WD - also recommends psychiatry- he doesn't seem willing to help me unless I cut 5 mg per month which I stated is too much - any advice on how or what to say to pdoc on Wednesday?
She can lose her license for prescribing Valium? I sure hope you find a Dr that can RX it bc you Do Not want do go cold turkey off it - even withdrawing has its own set of problems.
Just take it slow and good luck
Just take it slow and good luck
Hey guys sorry its taken me so long to post back or reply, I have found a Dr to help me wean off of the Valium he was addicted himself and knows how hard it is.
So Ive started using a compounded solution at 34 mgs and as of 6 days ago Im at 29.92 - thus is gonna be a long process but he thinks staying on it will not help me in the long run.
So I'll continue to drop .68 mgs every 10 to 12 days and just pray the side affects and WD symtoms are not that bad.
It seems much easier to do this using liquid rather than trying to dry cut pills.
I just hope to one day be free of Benzodiazepines its very very sad more Dr's aren't aware of the Sx of withdrawling patients too fast... Maybe one day they'll learn? Who knows all they have to do is google Benzo Buddies and see the hundreds of people suffering and trying to figure this out own their own.
Didn't know where to post this as in a new thread so If anyone wants to move it they can.
Nursegirl Thank you so much for being such a comfort to me when I was in such a state if Panic and anxiety because of my Dr's who did not want to help me.... You're very kind. :))
So Ive started using a compounded solution at 34 mgs and as of 6 days ago Im at 29.92 - thus is gonna be a long process but he thinks staying on it will not help me in the long run.
So I'll continue to drop .68 mgs every 10 to 12 days and just pray the side affects and WD symtoms are not that bad.
It seems much easier to do this using liquid rather than trying to dry cut pills.
I just hope to one day be free of Benzodiazepines its very very sad more Dr's aren't aware of the Sx of withdrawling patients too fast... Maybe one day they'll learn? Who knows all they have to do is google Benzo Buddies and see the hundreds of people suffering and trying to figure this out own their own.
Didn't know where to post this as in a new thread so If anyone wants to move it they can.
Nursegirl Thank you so much for being such a comfort to me when I was in such a state if Panic and anxiety because of my Dr's who did not want to help me.... You're very kind. :))
Well said buddy!
Rereading this thread got me all fired up again. Just insane that doctors act like this. Burns my you-know-what!
Rereading this thread got me all fired up again. Just insane that doctors act like this. Burns my you-know-what!
I don't have any great advice to give here, but you have two doctors who have committed malpractice. A psychiatrist is an expert in this, and your new doctor was correct in referring you to one just as he would refer you to an orthopedist if your knee was bothering you. For the psychiatrist to say he couldn't treat you because you have another doctor is pure BS. You were referred to him as a specialist. Your new GP, on the other hand, is trying to take you off a drug you don't want to stop taking. I'm with nursegirl -- if it aint broke, there's nothing to fix at the moment. I think what's happening is, benzos are becoming more and more controversial. In England it's very hard to get them anymore at all because of research done there that shows they interfere with learning how to deal with stress and are often impossible to stop taking. Stopping them has to be done extremely carefully and based on the individual's response -- some people do it with ease and some can't do it at all. Big divide depending on the person. But these same doctors have no problem putting half their patients on statins instead of trying lifestyle changes first to cut cholesterol even though a significant number of people on statins will suffer liver damage. If you need it you need it. Maybe you really don't -- maybe a good CBT therapist can help you. And maybe not. But this is your choice, I would think, as every drug a doctor puts a patient on regularly has the potential for great harm. There are no safe drugs. I think you need a new doctor and a different psychiatrist who understands referrals -- and it's too bad because the psychiatrist you saw sounds like a good one, unlike most he well understood how to handle benzos. I know I'm not adding anything here, but it just goes to my own experience, most doctors are just so clueless!
I just came back from the Doctor and had this same problem. I have used valium for muscle spasms in my back -very infrequently for ten years. 30 pills will last me nine months. My newish Doctor who prescribed the last nine months lasting dose does not want me to take it anymore. I just broke my ankle and back is paying the price for the different positions. She prescribed 15 pills. She said she can lose her license if she prescribes this drug. I pointed out how infrequently I take it and she really didn't care,
I just came back from the Doctor and had this same problem. I have used valium for muscle spasms in my back -very infrequently for ten years. 30 pills will last me nine months. My newish Doctor who prescribed the last nine months lasting dose does not want me to take it anymore. I just broke my ankle and back is paying the price for the different positions. She prescribed 15 pills. She said she can lose her license if she prescribes this drug. I pointed out how infrequently I take it and she really didn't care,
http://vimeo.com/84210277. This woman's stories & struggles were hard
But ya know she did it & now is helping other pple who suffer from bennzodiazepine hopefully one day every Dr will understand the pain
and not make us think were crazy
But ya know she did it & now is helping other pple who suffer from bennzodiazepine hopefully one day every Dr will understand the pain
and not make us think were crazy
Absolutely!!!! I will certainly start a thread as soon
As I start my Taper, hes allowing me to stay at
25 mg this month so my body & brain can
Catch up to that big 5 mg cut
So next Month I'll start by dropping 1.25 & see how
That goes - maybe if I can handle it I'll
Try a 2mg cut - but I'm gonna listen to my body
Will keep in touch & help out in anyway I
Can
As I start my Taper, hes allowing me to stay at
25 mg this month so my body & brain can
Catch up to that big 5 mg cut
So next Month I'll start by dropping 1.25 & see how
That goes - maybe if I can handle it I'll
Try a 2mg cut - but I'm gonna listen to my body
Will keep in touch & help out in anyway I
Can
YAY!!!! I don't care WHY he changed his tune, I'm just glad he did! That's super! Hopefully he'll be a little more receptive to you now, instead of coming off as a bully.
Fingers crossed! Please do let us know how you're doing okay? If you could start either a new thread or a journal when you start the taper, and post an occasional update, that would be great. That kind of info is super helpful to people, especially if they find themselves in a similar situation!
Best to you!
Fingers crossed! Please do let us know how you're doing okay? If you could start either a new thread or a journal when you start the taper, and post an occasional update, that would be great. That kind of info is super helpful to people, especially if they find themselves in a similar situation!
Best to you!
Well went back to GP today - lost 9lbs since last month maybe stress from him or the p-doc or the "valium" Well I took my husband
He was very different this time and not sure if it was bc my husband was there - But maybe bc I said listen im nauseous & sick of being sick & seeing p-docs etc
I finally said Are you willing to "help" me get off this drug without harsh cuts like 5 mgs per month bc if thats what you plan to keep on doing you"ll be seeing me in the hospital
I told him Id like to go no more than 1 to 2 mgs per Month
He agreed :) maybe it was me asking for help & not just getting refiiled rx's idk but he did just take on a new practive and benzo use is overly abused in this world we live in
I know I cant belive im talking nice about him either
Anyway I also said this could take a very ling time maybe a yr or more- are you willing to stick by & help again he said yes
He also agreed when I asked if it was true that ive read this drug is harder to get off than herion- maybe I have been on it to long with not many problems but I think my main goal now is to get to a lower dose & work from there
Maybe in a yr or so I'll be free from a drug you shouldnt be on longer than a month
Well heres to a hopefully easy taper and a hold here or there if it gets bumpy
And Thank You so much from the bottom of my heart for the great responses back to me you"re such a sweetheart
He was very different this time and not sure if it was bc my husband was there - But maybe bc I said listen im nauseous & sick of being sick & seeing p-docs etc
I finally said Are you willing to "help" me get off this drug without harsh cuts like 5 mgs per month bc if thats what you plan to keep on doing you"ll be seeing me in the hospital
I told him Id like to go no more than 1 to 2 mgs per Month
He agreed :) maybe it was me asking for help & not just getting refiiled rx's idk but he did just take on a new practive and benzo use is overly abused in this world we live in
I know I cant belive im talking nice about him either
Anyway I also said this could take a very ling time maybe a yr or more- are you willing to stick by & help again he said yes
He also agreed when I asked if it was true that ive read this drug is harder to get off than herion- maybe I have been on it to long with not many problems but I think my main goal now is to get to a lower dose & work from there
Maybe in a yr or so I'll be free from a drug you shouldnt be on longer than a month
Well heres to a hopefully easy taper and a hold here or there if it gets bumpy
And Thank You so much from the bottom of my heart for the great responses back to me you"re such a sweetheart
I hear you hon...all very valid points.
Have you tried talking to the nurses or office manager in the office, kind of off the record? You may be surprised, they may have some suggestions for you.
I still wouldn't give this doc your business, and I understand the predicament you're in. Maybe after you manage to taper down, you can start looking for someone else.
The p-doc will have to prepare a consultation report, it's not like you're asking for him to take your PCP out for dinner, sheesh. He doesn't have to talk to him at all, but he CAN put his recommendations in writing in his assessment report that he will send your PCP.
When is your next appt with the PCP?
Have you tried talking to the nurses or office manager in the office, kind of off the record? You may be surprised, they may have some suggestions for you.
I still wouldn't give this doc your business, and I understand the predicament you're in. Maybe after you manage to taper down, you can start looking for someone else.
The p-doc will have to prepare a consultation report, it's not like you're asking for him to take your PCP out for dinner, sheesh. He doesn't have to talk to him at all, but he CAN put his recommendations in writing in his assessment report that he will send your PCP.
When is your next appt with the PCP?
Thank you so much
I am stuck between a rock and a hard place - my gosh ya try n be honest and you get treated like dirt
The p-doc says he does NOT want to talk to my GP at all "but said I can quote on the SLOW taper by no more than 1 or 2 mgs a month
Just blew my mind that he said i will eventually be in the hospital :(
But the sicial worker said I was in the right place ( mind blown )
She suggested ativan or klonipin ( what) ??? Another benzo go figure
Oh well I kinda have to stay with new A hole GP bc im not Dr shopping
What am i suppose to do call Drs & ask for valium?? Lol they"ll laugh at me
Like im a drug seeker
My old GP i can not get on the phone
Only spoke with the the new office Manager - who did say she felt sorry for me
But she did say doc ( old Doc) cant do much bc he isnt my Dr anymore bc his new job only takes casino workers sadly I dont work in the casino industry anymore
So its like I feel he dont care bc he dont accept my insurance anymore
So so sad how Drs get you dependent then leave you :(((((((
I am stuck between a rock and a hard place - my gosh ya try n be honest and you get treated like dirt
The p-doc says he does NOT want to talk to my GP at all "but said I can quote on the SLOW taper by no more than 1 or 2 mgs a month
Just blew my mind that he said i will eventually be in the hospital :(
But the sicial worker said I was in the right place ( mind blown )
She suggested ativan or klonipin ( what) ??? Another benzo go figure
Oh well I kinda have to stay with new A hole GP bc im not Dr shopping
What am i suppose to do call Drs & ask for valium?? Lol they"ll laugh at me
Like im a drug seeker
My old GP i can not get on the phone
Only spoke with the the new office Manager - who did say she felt sorry for me
But she did say doc ( old Doc) cant do much bc he isnt my Dr anymore bc his new job only takes casino workers sadly I dont work in the casino industry anymore
So its like I feel he dont care bc he dont accept my insurance anymore
So so sad how Drs get you dependent then leave you :(((((((
I'm just flabbergasted. I don't really know what to say. It sounds like the p-doc was in total disagreement with the PCP's stance, but isn't willing to take you on with the Valium himself.
I would call the p-doc office in the morning and request that the p-doc be SURE to submit to the PCP his recommendations, which include the clear instructions about the taper (even better, that he sees no reason for the Valium to be cut at all). It's not your job to relay messages to/from doctors. The p-doc did nothing but confuse you more, and scare you. And I don't understand why, if he was not in disagreement with the Valium, why he couldn't prescribe it for you. That's the whole point of a referral. He could have taken you on as a patient, as prescribed just the Valium. UGH.
At this point, hon, I would recommend perhaps looking for a new PCP all together. Do you know anyone who could make some recommendations? Don't do anything with the current PCP as far as leaving just yet, you don't want to make things even worse at this point.
I REALLY really feel for you, this has turned into a real nightmare for you, I'm so sorry. You said your original PCP wasn't much help to you, right? It would be SO great if she would get involved considering that SHE is the one who turned you over to this guy. Are there any other docs in the practice you could ask to see?
PLEASE document everything that's been happening, including quotes of the things he's said to you (like you noted above), and always have someone with you (hubby or someone else). When is your next appt with him?
I would go in, and make it VERY clear that NONE of this is sitting well with you at all, and while you're open to trying a taper, YOU are going to be the one dictating the speed of the taper, as YOU are the one who has to tolerate it. I would also tell him that YOU weren't looking to make any changes, that this has all been brought up by HIM, despite your clearly documented medical record that indicates that your current regimen was not problematic in any way, and that you were a completely compliant patient. If there were red flags that you were exhibiting drug seeking behavior, or if you were always consistently missing appts, or being a no show for appts, that would be a totally different story.
I am going to say some extra prayers for you tonight, I really hope you can find a satisfactory resolution to this baloney. I cannot tell you how angry this makes me, and I'm the kind of person who ALWAYS defends a doc's right to dictate the way they Rx a controlled substance, because of the liability involved. This kind of situation is a perfect example of how a GOOD medication that is helping someone has become demonized (along with the patient) because your new doctor has some big time hang ups about it...to the point of talking to you disrespectfully, and in a demeaning way, which is just unacceptable. I wouldn't want him as a doctor, personally, but I understand that right now you're stuck between a rock and a hard place. I would definitely work hard to make your end goal finding a new doctor, whether you're still on the Valium or not.
Very best to you...keep in close contact with us!
I would call the p-doc office in the morning and request that the p-doc be SURE to submit to the PCP his recommendations, which include the clear instructions about the taper (even better, that he sees no reason for the Valium to be cut at all). It's not your job to relay messages to/from doctors. The p-doc did nothing but confuse you more, and scare you. And I don't understand why, if he was not in disagreement with the Valium, why he couldn't prescribe it for you. That's the whole point of a referral. He could have taken you on as a patient, as prescribed just the Valium. UGH.
At this point, hon, I would recommend perhaps looking for a new PCP all together. Do you know anyone who could make some recommendations? Don't do anything with the current PCP as far as leaving just yet, you don't want to make things even worse at this point.
I REALLY really feel for you, this has turned into a real nightmare for you, I'm so sorry. You said your original PCP wasn't much help to you, right? It would be SO great if she would get involved considering that SHE is the one who turned you over to this guy. Are there any other docs in the practice you could ask to see?
PLEASE document everything that's been happening, including quotes of the things he's said to you (like you noted above), and always have someone with you (hubby or someone else). When is your next appt with him?
I would go in, and make it VERY clear that NONE of this is sitting well with you at all, and while you're open to trying a taper, YOU are going to be the one dictating the speed of the taper, as YOU are the one who has to tolerate it. I would also tell him that YOU weren't looking to make any changes, that this has all been brought up by HIM, despite your clearly documented medical record that indicates that your current regimen was not problematic in any way, and that you were a completely compliant patient. If there were red flags that you were exhibiting drug seeking behavior, or if you were always consistently missing appts, or being a no show for appts, that would be a totally different story.
I am going to say some extra prayers for you tonight, I really hope you can find a satisfactory resolution to this baloney. I cannot tell you how angry this makes me, and I'm the kind of person who ALWAYS defends a doc's right to dictate the way they Rx a controlled substance, because of the liability involved. This kind of situation is a perfect example of how a GOOD medication that is helping someone has become demonized (along with the patient) because your new doctor has some big time hang ups about it...to the point of talking to you disrespectfully, and in a demeaning way, which is just unacceptable. I wouldn't want him as a doctor, personally, but I understand that right now you're stuck between a rock and a hard place. I would definitely work hard to make your end goal finding a new doctor, whether you're still on the Valium or not.
Very best to you...keep in close contact with us!
Well this was a BAD idea, started out well with the Social worker told her about my issues w/GP she was very kind - very understanding and asked me lots of questions - after 20 minutes of listening to me & my husbands input about new GP wanting to abruptly cut me back she agreed I was in good hands & in the right place
Then I go into the nxt room and see the p-doc he said he couldn't help me & he would be stepping on GP's toes ( insert total confusion ) he said be prepared to go in the Hospital and have Iv's hooked up to me bc I was gonna have 1. A stroke
2. Seizures
3. A hell of a withdrawal.
I asked if he could help me taper of slowly? He said NO he couldn't it would be ethically wrong
So now I sit and look at my husband as we are both amazed at this Dr
He said go back to GP and tell him to wean me no more than 1 or 2 mgs per month
Oh & he said my GP needs a p- doc - I'm totally confused on what to do next as I have no option but to see my GP on Wednesday who referred me to a p-doc
I am totally confused & just want help slowly weaning off this medication
I feel like Im getting nowhere when it comes to getting any kind of help
Im slowly losing ALL trust in Dr's period!!!
Then I go into the nxt room and see the p-doc he said he couldn't help me & he would be stepping on GP's toes ( insert total confusion ) he said be prepared to go in the Hospital and have Iv's hooked up to me bc I was gonna have 1. A stroke
2. Seizures
3. A hell of a withdrawal.
I asked if he could help me taper of slowly? He said NO he couldn't it would be ethically wrong
So now I sit and look at my husband as we are both amazed at this Dr
He said go back to GP and tell him to wean me no more than 1 or 2 mgs per month
Oh & he said my GP needs a p- doc - I'm totally confused on what to do next as I have no option but to see my GP on Wednesday who referred me to a p-doc
I am totally confused & just want help slowly weaning off this medication
I feel like Im getting nowhere when it comes to getting any kind of help
Im slowly losing ALL trust in Dr's period!!!
Hi there again.
Yes, he will most likely obtain the records from your GP, which will work in your favor. I would suggest maybe printing this whole thread (replies and all) and showing it to the doc, as it explains your position quite well. It's honest and straightforward. That, along with your medical records, should hopefully tell the story well for you.
I would tell him that you have no issue discussing your regimen and hearing the new doctor's input, but that you didn't appreciate the manner in which he dealt with this whole situation.
For instance, him having a fit that you were never seen by a p-doc? There's no hard and fast rule about that, not to mention, you had been Rx'ed the Valium for a few reasons, one which included muscle spasms, which would not prompt a psych referral.
If you were being well maintained with no major issues, there wouldn't have been a need for a psych referral. I just have a feeling that your new doc has his mind made up about these meds, and no one is going to change it, which is unfortunate. While I'm sympathetic (more than most usually) that docs these days must be careful when prescribing controlled substances, they simply cannot (or "should not" I guess I should say) paint with such a broad brush. Every situation is different, and every patient's situation needs to be evaluated individually. Maybe you'll find that the p-doc is willing to take on the Valium for you. If not, then I would insist on a slow and gradual taper off, as you didn't sign up for this.
Do you take the Valium every day? How often?
Again, I'm so sorry you find yourself in this predicament. Sounds like you have a great hubby, who is backing you up and being there for you. I'm sure it's upsetting for him to watch you go through all of this stress, and for what? Because the NEW doctor who YOU didn't choose has a bunch of preconceived notions about Valium. Ugh. It really is very maddening.
Please let us know how the appt with the psych doc goes, try to remain as calm as you can, write down any questions or concerns you have ahead of time, and if possible, have someone go along with you, preferably your hubby. Fingers crossed that all goes well!
Yes, he will most likely obtain the records from your GP, which will work in your favor. I would suggest maybe printing this whole thread (replies and all) and showing it to the doc, as it explains your position quite well. It's honest and straightforward. That, along with your medical records, should hopefully tell the story well for you.
I would tell him that you have no issue discussing your regimen and hearing the new doctor's input, but that you didn't appreciate the manner in which he dealt with this whole situation.
For instance, him having a fit that you were never seen by a p-doc? There's no hard and fast rule about that, not to mention, you had been Rx'ed the Valium for a few reasons, one which included muscle spasms, which would not prompt a psych referral.
If you were being well maintained with no major issues, there wouldn't have been a need for a psych referral. I just have a feeling that your new doc has his mind made up about these meds, and no one is going to change it, which is unfortunate. While I'm sympathetic (more than most usually) that docs these days must be careful when prescribing controlled substances, they simply cannot (or "should not" I guess I should say) paint with such a broad brush. Every situation is different, and every patient's situation needs to be evaluated individually. Maybe you'll find that the p-doc is willing to take on the Valium for you. If not, then I would insist on a slow and gradual taper off, as you didn't sign up for this.
Do you take the Valium every day? How often?
Again, I'm so sorry you find yourself in this predicament. Sounds like you have a great hubby, who is backing you up and being there for you. I'm sure it's upsetting for him to watch you go through all of this stress, and for what? Because the NEW doctor who YOU didn't choose has a bunch of preconceived notions about Valium. Ugh. It really is very maddening.
Please let us know how the appt with the psych doc goes, try to remain as calm as you can, write down any questions or concerns you have ahead of time, and if possible, have someone go along with you, preferably your hubby. Fingers crossed that all goes well!
Anyone have any advice on how I should prepare for my Psych visit on Monday? I don' t have a copy of my records from GP - Im assuming he can get them
Do I just tell him olg GP had me on valium & new one doesn't agree??
Im hoping he just decides to keep me on the med bc Im in NO way to come off yet
If he's hesitant should I ask if we can SLOWLY wean me off - So confused and anxious
Do I just tell him olg GP had me on valium & new one doesn't agree??
Im hoping he just decides to keep me on the med bc Im in NO way to come off yet
If he's hesitant should I ask if we can SLOWLY wean me off - So confused and anxious
Sorry i must have hit the paste button on the last part of my response it was
From The Ashton Manual
And in the yrs the old GP was treating me he had upped my dose by 5 mgs so he ended up writing 30mg from the original 25 and some days I would just break a 10mg in half as needed
So I haven't in almost 4 or 5 yrs went any higher in dose I take it daily and don't call early ( never did ) and I was seen every month by old GP for evaluations -
New GP also said on the phone to me " someone " got you hooked on these pills and you were never evaluated by a Pchychiatrist - I stated my old GP evaluated me monthly and he NEVER once mention a pdoc & if he did I would of went
He"s a 31 yr old young Male bully ( IMHO ) and my husband is going with me on Wednesday bc my Gosh I really think he just doesn't like me
He treated me like I was a junkie IMO - or at least thats how I feel
I was very happy that my husband called him - I hope that didn't hurt me in anyway but - i was an emotional mess and my husband was so tired of seeing me crying and worrying
From The Ashton Manual
And in the yrs the old GP was treating me he had upped my dose by 5 mgs so he ended up writing 30mg from the original 25 and some days I would just break a 10mg in half as needed
So I haven't in almost 4 or 5 yrs went any higher in dose I take it daily and don't call early ( never did ) and I was seen every month by old GP for evaluations -
New GP also said on the phone to me " someone " got you hooked on these pills and you were never evaluated by a Pchychiatrist - I stated my old GP evaluated me monthly and he NEVER once mention a pdoc & if he did I would of went
He"s a 31 yr old young Male bully ( IMHO ) and my husband is going with me on Wednesday bc my Gosh I really think he just doesn't like me
He treated me like I was a junkie IMO - or at least thats how I feel
I was very happy that my husband called him - I hope that didn't hurt me in anyway but - i was an emotional mess and my husband was so tired of seeing me crying and worrying
Thank you so much for your response, my second vist with him was NO better my bp was a little high & my puls was 140 the Nurse seemed a bit concerned ( nice of her lol) I told her i was vey nervous bc of my last visit in January - this was my Feb visit - he came in again aggitaed & asked me how i was feeling - I replied very honestyl & said that cut was to big and id like to go back on original dose - he became more aggitated & went and printed out a list of Pchychiatrist for me to see and said " were NOT gonna go through this everytime you come in here ( meaning staying at the dose my original GP had me on - so I
Just shut up took the script and left with my list of pdocs to call- i cried the whole way home this medication has helped me tremendously a few yrs ago I could hardly function panic attacks anxiety etc
Im supposed to see him this Wednesday - but Last week I tried to cut more of my dose and a few days later I was crying and WD was worse - I think all bc of so afraid to see him again, So my husband called him on Tuesday and when he called back - my husband asked him what was going on?
What did you do to my wife! She's a mess I've never seen her act like this before - he then told him he couldn't tell him much & had to call me
When I answered the phone he said Catherine what is wrong?
i responded you are mean and I'm afraid of you and why are you demanding me off a medicine that helps me? I also explained that I had cut my dose more bc I'm worried he's just gonna either keep cutting me by 5 mgs or take me off completely - he responded I never told you to cut more - I don't remember much I was in a hysterical state- I do not want to be made to come off abruptly or at all right now - I then called my old GP & spoke with the secretary who knows me well and she seemed shocked she said someone would call me back - 2 hrs lAter my husband called old GP back & they gave him a number to call - when I called it was an answering machine & no one called me back that was Tuesday today is Friday I also found out it was a pchycologist - Im SO angry and I see a pdoc on Monday not sure what I should tell him - Im a wreck - sorry thus was so long
The advantages of discontinuing benzodiazepines do not necessarily mean that every long-term user should withdraw. Nobody should be forced or persuaded to withdraw against his or her will. In fact, people who are unwillingly pushed into withdrawal often do badly. On the other hand, the chances of success are very high for those sufficiently motivated. As mentioned before, almost anyone who really wants to come off can come off benzodiazepines. The option is up to you.
BEFORE STARTING BENZODIAZEPINE WITHDRAWAL
Just shut up took the script and left with my list of pdocs to call- i cried the whole way home this medication has helped me tremendously a few yrs ago I could hardly function panic attacks anxiety etc
Im supposed to see him this Wednesday - but Last week I tried to cut more of my dose and a few days later I was crying and WD was worse - I think all bc of so afraid to see him again, So my husband called him on Tuesday and when he called back - my husband asked him what was going on?
What did you do to my wife! She's a mess I've never seen her act like this before - he then told him he couldn't tell him much & had to call me
When I answered the phone he said Catherine what is wrong?
i responded you are mean and I'm afraid of you and why are you demanding me off a medicine that helps me? I also explained that I had cut my dose more bc I'm worried he's just gonna either keep cutting me by 5 mgs or take me off completely - he responded I never told you to cut more - I don't remember much I was in a hysterical state- I do not want to be made to come off abruptly or at all right now - I then called my old GP & spoke with the secretary who knows me well and she seemed shocked she said someone would call me back - 2 hrs lAter my husband called old GP back & they gave him a number to call - when I called it was an answering machine & no one called me back that was Tuesday today is Friday I also found out it was a pchycologist - Im SO angry and I see a pdoc on Monday not sure what I should tell him - Im a wreck - sorry thus was so long
The advantages of discontinuing benzodiazepines do not necessarily mean that every long-term user should withdraw. Nobody should be forced or persuaded to withdraw against his or her will. In fact, people who are unwillingly pushed into withdrawal often do badly. On the other hand, the chances of success are very high for those sufficiently motivated. As mentioned before, almost anyone who really wants to come off can come off benzodiazepines. The option is up to you.
BEFORE STARTING BENZODIAZEPINE WITHDRAWAL
Hello there, welcome!
I'm sorry you're going through this. My first question to you is...do you WANT to come off the Valium? Have you had any major problems with it, like building tolerance (needing a higher and higher dose) quickly?
Your story is all too familiar, and it's unfortunate. While his concerns may have some basis, just generally speaking, I totally disagree with him strong arming you into making changes, especially if you've not had too many issues with the Valium, have taken it as prescribed, have been compliant with keeping your appts and not asking for early refills (things that may raise red flags for a doc).
My opinion is that you need to go in and tell him honestly that while you're open minded about his input, you feel his approach is a bit over the top, that you feel you're being judged and pressured into doing something you really weren't even thinking about. I would also mention that your records should reflect that the Valium has been beneficial, and for now, you'd rather not change something that has been working for you...especially not in the manner he's presenting it. I would tell him you felt dismissed by your first meeting, that it left a bad taste in your mouth quite frankly.
I think the psych referral is a good idea. You may even find a psych who is willing to take over prescribing the Valium for you. If he doesn't budge, and insists you must come off the Valium, I would find a new doctor. Not because coming off the Valium is a horrible idea, but because his approach is not okay. And, I'm a FIRM believer that if something isn't broken, don't fix it. It's really a shame that in these situations, the new docs are just so quick to want to pressure patients into making these huge changes, usually because of their preconceived notion about a medication in general. I've found that more often than not, the kind of doc you just described has got his mind made up that certain meds should NEVER be prescribed, which is unfortunate, because it's not the MEDS themselves that are inherently bad, it's the misuse of the meds. It's one thing for a doc to want to be vigilant in keeping an eye on his patients that are taking a controlled substance, but to walk into a first meeting with a patient and basically demanding that it's their way or the highway? NOT cool.
When is your appt with him? My other recommendation would be to try to contact your old doctor, and explain the situation, that this new doc is disregarding your history of success (and lack of issues I'm assuming?) with the Valium, based on what appears to be his strong opinion about people taking these kinds of medications. Tell her you're feeling railroaded in a big way. I would ask her if she could maybe have a word with him, explaining what I said above, that you're feeling pressured, dismissed, and that you honestly have no interest in coming off the Valium completely right now. You'd be willing to discuss your options, but you're not receptive to threats and demands.
Again, if he does not budge, PLEASE find a new doctor all together. You don't want a doctor like that managing your health.
Please update us okay? I'm really curious to hear how this is going to turn out. Just from your brief description of the guy, I'm sadly not very optimistic. I have a feeling he may be a bit arrogant and thinks he knows best, no matter what. NOT good traits to have in a physician.
I'm sorry you're going through this. My first question to you is...do you WANT to come off the Valium? Have you had any major problems with it, like building tolerance (needing a higher and higher dose) quickly?
Your story is all too familiar, and it's unfortunate. While his concerns may have some basis, just generally speaking, I totally disagree with him strong arming you into making changes, especially if you've not had too many issues with the Valium, have taken it as prescribed, have been compliant with keeping your appts and not asking for early refills (things that may raise red flags for a doc).
My opinion is that you need to go in and tell him honestly that while you're open minded about his input, you feel his approach is a bit over the top, that you feel you're being judged and pressured into doing something you really weren't even thinking about. I would also mention that your records should reflect that the Valium has been beneficial, and for now, you'd rather not change something that has been working for you...especially not in the manner he's presenting it. I would tell him you felt dismissed by your first meeting, that it left a bad taste in your mouth quite frankly.
I think the psych referral is a good idea. You may even find a psych who is willing to take over prescribing the Valium for you. If he doesn't budge, and insists you must come off the Valium, I would find a new doctor. Not because coming off the Valium is a horrible idea, but because his approach is not okay. And, I'm a FIRM believer that if something isn't broken, don't fix it. It's really a shame that in these situations, the new docs are just so quick to want to pressure patients into making these huge changes, usually because of their preconceived notion about a medication in general. I've found that more often than not, the kind of doc you just described has got his mind made up that certain meds should NEVER be prescribed, which is unfortunate, because it's not the MEDS themselves that are inherently bad, it's the misuse of the meds. It's one thing for a doc to want to be vigilant in keeping an eye on his patients that are taking a controlled substance, but to walk into a first meeting with a patient and basically demanding that it's their way or the highway? NOT cool.
When is your appt with him? My other recommendation would be to try to contact your old doctor, and explain the situation, that this new doc is disregarding your history of success (and lack of issues I'm assuming?) with the Valium, based on what appears to be his strong opinion about people taking these kinds of medications. Tell her you're feeling railroaded in a big way. I would ask her if she could maybe have a word with him, explaining what I said above, that you're feeling pressured, dismissed, and that you honestly have no interest in coming off the Valium completely right now. You'd be willing to discuss your options, but you're not receptive to threats and demands.
Again, if he does not budge, PLEASE find a new doctor all together. You don't want a doctor like that managing your health.
Please update us okay? I'm really curious to hear how this is going to turn out. Just from your brief description of the guy, I'm sadly not very optimistic. I have a feeling he may be a bit arrogant and thinks he knows best, no matter what. NOT good traits to have in a physician.
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