Aa
When the Neuro isn't the Disappointment
I've always had good experiences with my neurologists. I know I've been very fortunate in this regard. I've also never had a problem encouraging others to pursue mental health assistance if there are issues in addition to or as a direct result of MS or limboland. I still feel this way, but I was really knocked on my kiester this week.
Tuesday was my monthly visit to hospital to inject my medication and do certain tests relating to my participation in a drug trial. I'm now on the extension, which is managed by a new nurse. There were some bumps in the process and the appointment wound up taking much longer than usual.
The psychiatrist whose clinic I've been attending recently is within the same hospital, so the records are in the same physical file. Whilst being left alone in the room for so long, I flipped through them. I always do get copies of all my records, but I don't tend to see them in this immediate time-frame. Tuesday I saw my notes from my psychiatric appointment the Friday previous.
When I recall the state of upset I was in, how vulnerable I felt, how free I thought I was to express aspects of myself I discuss with no one else on earth in a "safe" "professional" environment, well I guess I never thought the words "being dramatic" would be used. I really can't imagine a more dismissive way of distilling my abject anguish in that room and in that moment. It also stated I refused to talk for several minutes, as though it was indicative of petulance. I conveyed to her on that very day (after 20 seconds tops) that I was taking a moment to collect myself because when people cry they are often rendered unintelligible.
It also stated I refused to take advice. What I decided was not to simply repeat a six-week wellness course I'd already been on two years ago because the demoralising nature of repeating something and expecting a different result (isn't that the quaint definition of insanity?) would be counterproductive. And I pushed for CBT. It was a fifteen minute appointment.
I don't even know why I'm putting this on here as it's likely unrelated to MS, but I guess I'm just taking a moment to realise I can now empathise with those who feel dismissed, unprofessionally dealt with, and know that a subjective misapprehension has been recorded in their medical records.
I have another appointment with them this coming Friday. I doubt I'll cry. I only do that in places I feel safe. It's just sad that I have to bottle it up now where there was meant to be a safety valve. I've spoken on here many times that mental health is my bigger struggle (when compared to my current manifestation of MS). I'm just so disappointed and confused. Thanks for reading.
Tuesday was my monthly visit to hospital to inject my medication and do certain tests relating to my participation in a drug trial. I'm now on the extension, which is managed by a new nurse. There were some bumps in the process and the appointment wound up taking much longer than usual.
The psychiatrist whose clinic I've been attending recently is within the same hospital, so the records are in the same physical file. Whilst being left alone in the room for so long, I flipped through them. I always do get copies of all my records, but I don't tend to see them in this immediate time-frame. Tuesday I saw my notes from my psychiatric appointment the Friday previous.
When I recall the state of upset I was in, how vulnerable I felt, how free I thought I was to express aspects of myself I discuss with no one else on earth in a "safe" "professional" environment, well I guess I never thought the words "being dramatic" would be used. I really can't imagine a more dismissive way of distilling my abject anguish in that room and in that moment. It also stated I refused to talk for several minutes, as though it was indicative of petulance. I conveyed to her on that very day (after 20 seconds tops) that I was taking a moment to collect myself because when people cry they are often rendered unintelligible.
It also stated I refused to take advice. What I decided was not to simply repeat a six-week wellness course I'd already been on two years ago because the demoralising nature of repeating something and expecting a different result (isn't that the quaint definition of insanity?) would be counterproductive. And I pushed for CBT. It was a fifteen minute appointment.
I don't even know why I'm putting this on here as it's likely unrelated to MS, but I guess I'm just taking a moment to realise I can now empathise with those who feel dismissed, unprofessionally dealt with, and know that a subjective misapprehension has been recorded in their medical records.
I have another appointment with them this coming Friday. I doubt I'll cry. I only do that in places I feel safe. It's just sad that I have to bottle it up now where there was meant to be a safety valve. I've spoken on here many times that mental health is my bigger struggle (when compared to my current manifestation of MS). I'm just so disappointed and confused. Thanks for reading.
So excited to hear about all the knitters out there that I'm about to hijack my own thread!
@Ess
I'd forgotten that Quix is such a craft artist! I remember being in awe of her photos (and her lovely cats). I actually lurked around here for a couple of years before I joined (from late 2010), so I remember at least some of period you're talking about. I certainly value her inestimable contributions to the forum and the help she gave me post-diagnosis that she didn't even know about! I also greatly miss COBOB. I hope he and his gorgeous service dog are doing well, and I think about them often.
@PeninaD
Oh, I'm a picker (continental/German) knitter all the way! I haven't "thrown" yet. I think Elizabeth Zimmerman's influence means many newly-minted knitters (who didn't learn from family) actually learn this way nowadays.
I learn by using Craftsy (.com), which I heart! You can watch all their videos with 30-second repeat or in slow motion, or read the transcripts, print the patterns, ask the teachers questions (they get back to you really quickly!), and take notes/bookmark places in the videos you want to remember, and post your projects. They have a great app too.
One of the classes I'm enrolled in there is on alternative styles, so it covers throwing, Continental, Combination (Norwegian sweaters, here I come!), Eastern, and Portuguese (where the yarn is worn over the neck or pinned to the shirt and it has more to do with a thumb-flick action. It's kind of a misnomer as this style is found in South America and all over Eastern Europe too).
I'm finding there's an upsurge in teaching long-time knitters various styles as well, because it's apparently very helpful if arthritis or repetitive strain becomes of greater concern with age. I'm such a new knitter that I'm sticking to just the one style at the moment as my head might explode, but I'll definitely try and round out my bag of tricks over time.
Like any new convert, I'm just a knitting sponge/zealot at the moment! Yesterday I finished my first honeycomb cable pattern (just a swatch, but still fun!). Finding something that makes me that bit more excited during the day has been the biggest benefit to my state of mind. Just to feel the sensation of excitement feels so foreign when you're in the midst of depression. Finding knitting, an honest-to-god hobby, has been a bit like Dorothy opening the door to Oz, mood-wise.
I try not to read too much into my difficulties as they relate to MS, probably because the notion of cognitive impairment is terrifying. Learning a new skill can be frustrating at any time, though you may very well be correct that there's added challenges due to the MS. That's what makes the many features of Craftsy such a boon. And I'm definitely making the most of them.
@maestro1959
Beth, thank you for your kind words of support. It really means the world. I think between the two of us, we may well keep Kleenex in business! Sometimes, a little solidarity is all it takes to help us feel human again. You and everyone who has taken the time to respond here have helped to no end. Thank you so very much.
P.S. @Everybody
I'll try and keep the knitting talk to journal entries and profile photos from now on! I know you didn't all come here to read me waffling on about handicrafts. But in context, you guys + hobbies = psychiatrist put back in her box.
@Ess
I'd forgotten that Quix is such a craft artist! I remember being in awe of her photos (and her lovely cats). I actually lurked around here for a couple of years before I joined (from late 2010), so I remember at least some of period you're talking about. I certainly value her inestimable contributions to the forum and the help she gave me post-diagnosis that she didn't even know about! I also greatly miss COBOB. I hope he and his gorgeous service dog are doing well, and I think about them often.
@PeninaD
Oh, I'm a picker (continental/German) knitter all the way! I haven't "thrown" yet. I think Elizabeth Zimmerman's influence means many newly-minted knitters (who didn't learn from family) actually learn this way nowadays.
I learn by using Craftsy (.com), which I heart! You can watch all their videos with 30-second repeat or in slow motion, or read the transcripts, print the patterns, ask the teachers questions (they get back to you really quickly!), and take notes/bookmark places in the videos you want to remember, and post your projects. They have a great app too.
One of the classes I'm enrolled in there is on alternative styles, so it covers throwing, Continental, Combination (Norwegian sweaters, here I come!), Eastern, and Portuguese (where the yarn is worn over the neck or pinned to the shirt and it has more to do with a thumb-flick action. It's kind of a misnomer as this style is found in South America and all over Eastern Europe too).
I'm finding there's an upsurge in teaching long-time knitters various styles as well, because it's apparently very helpful if arthritis or repetitive strain becomes of greater concern with age. I'm such a new knitter that I'm sticking to just the one style at the moment as my head might explode, but I'll definitely try and round out my bag of tricks over time.
Like any new convert, I'm just a knitting sponge/zealot at the moment! Yesterday I finished my first honeycomb cable pattern (just a swatch, but still fun!). Finding something that makes me that bit more excited during the day has been the biggest benefit to my state of mind. Just to feel the sensation of excitement feels so foreign when you're in the midst of depression. Finding knitting, an honest-to-god hobby, has been a bit like Dorothy opening the door to Oz, mood-wise.
I try not to read too much into my difficulties as they relate to MS, probably because the notion of cognitive impairment is terrifying. Learning a new skill can be frustrating at any time, though you may very well be correct that there's added challenges due to the MS. That's what makes the many features of Craftsy such a boon. And I'm definitely making the most of them.
@maestro1959
Beth, thank you for your kind words of support. It really means the world. I think between the two of us, we may well keep Kleenex in business! Sometimes, a little solidarity is all it takes to help us feel human again. You and everyone who has taken the time to respond here have helped to no end. Thank you so very much.
P.S. @Everybody
I'll try and keep the knitting talk to journal entries and profile photos from now on! I know you didn't all come here to read me waffling on about handicrafts. But in context, you guys + hobbies = psychiatrist put back in her box.
Immi,
I am sorry for the fashion in which you were treated. I do not know how I would respond if I learned the notes from my session referred to me as such. I believe my psychologist now has stock in Kleenex for all the tears I have shed in our times together.
Your strength in the handling of your life with MS is very noticeable, and it would be a shame if you allowed yourself to be defined by heartless statements by one person. You have encouraged me on more than one occasion.
So, chin up, find a wave of joy and ride it all the way home. We all have your back.
Most sincerely, Beth
I am sorry for the fashion in which you were treated. I do not know how I would respond if I learned the notes from my session referred to me as such. I believe my psychologist now has stock in Kleenex for all the tears I have shed in our times together.
Your strength in the handling of your life with MS is very noticeable, and it would be a shame if you allowed yourself to be defined by heartless statements by one person. You have encouraged me on more than one occasion.
So, chin up, find a wave of joy and ride it all the way home. We all have your back.
Most sincerely, Beth
Experienced knitter here...if you find yourself frustrated, it may also be a function of your MS. Know that in the US, majority of books and teachers teach "English" knitting, where you carry the yarn and wrap/throw with right hand, but there is also "Continental" (or my mom called it German), where the yarn is carried and thrown with the left hand. It might be useful to find someone to tutor you in both methods, to find the one that works best with your strengths/dexterity.
The best part if you can master both methods, is that if you ever want to do multicolor patterns, such as Norwegian ski-sweaters, you will be able to do both at once (really, it works).
The best part if you can master both methods, is that if you ever want to do multicolor patterns, such as Norwegian ski-sweaters, you will be able to do both at once (really, it works).
Our Quixster (Quixotic1), whom you doubtlessly know through countless old and very helpful posts, is kind of a compulsive knitter, and does beautiful work. She also used to do gorgeous quilts. All of this satisfies her artistic side at a level she can manage, given her degree of disability. I think her profile has some pix of her work. You two would have great fun here.
I do wish she were back here regularly. The forum was very active then, with lots of levity, and good interaction, plus a great many members. But at this point she has a lot of family issues that take up her time, not to mention her ongoing MS stuff. I'm sure she'll be back if and when. Meanwhile, no reason not to have fun ourselves.
ess
I do wish she were back here regularly. The forum was very active then, with lots of levity, and good interaction, plus a great many members. But at this point she has a lot of family issues that take up her time, not to mention her ongoing MS stuff. I'm sure she'll be back if and when. Meanwhile, no reason not to have fun ourselves.
ess
Thank you Ren.
Thankfully, I've moved past the truly unpleasant headspace I was in when I first wrote this. I'm still wait-listed for the CBT, but in the mean time, I'm pulling out all the stops—taking my meds, getting starting at a little volunteer charity organisation job (this is huge. Depression is so easy to stay stuck in when you don't feel you have a "point"), and knitting (brand new to me!).
Sounds funny, but knitting is a challenge. It takes focus, I have to control my instincts to just leave it when I get frustrated, and it's so satisfying when you finish something that impresses yourself! Also, thanks to a little inspiration from DV, I'm taking a long, hard look at my diet.
It really means so much that everyone would respond to my little message in a bottle, especially as it wasn't strictly-speaking MS-related. This forum means a lot to me.
Thankfully, I've moved past the truly unpleasant headspace I was in when I first wrote this. I'm still wait-listed for the CBT, but in the mean time, I'm pulling out all the stops—taking my meds, getting starting at a little volunteer charity organisation job (this is huge. Depression is so easy to stay stuck in when you don't feel you have a "point"), and knitting (brand new to me!).
Sounds funny, but knitting is a challenge. It takes focus, I have to control my instincts to just leave it when I get frustrated, and it's so satisfying when you finish something that impresses yourself! Also, thanks to a little inspiration from DV, I'm taking a long, hard look at my diet.
It really means so much that everyone would respond to my little message in a bottle, especially as it wasn't strictly-speaking MS-related. This forum means a lot to me.
So sorry to be late to add my comments but I wanted to express my outrage at such unprofessionalism, especially when it becomes part of a central electronic records system and is the "doc" is extremely unprofessional.
My heart goes out to you at being demoralized for letting your true feelings come out in what is supposed to be a safe environment. I'm glad to see that you are busying yourself with other projects!
Fingers crossed for CBT to be approved for you!! And as PD said, you can PM anyone on the board you feel comfortable sharing with for a "private" therapy session , free of charge and without judgment!!
Hugs,
ren
My heart goes out to you at being demoralized for letting your true feelings come out in what is supposed to be a safe environment. I'm glad to see that you are busying yourself with other projects!
Fingers crossed for CBT to be approved for you!! And as PD said, you can PM anyone on the board you feel comfortable sharing with for a "private" therapy session , free of charge and without judgment!!
Hugs,
ren
COMMUNITY LEADER
hmmmm If a person is not using 'extreme' language or behaviours then that doesn't make any sense to me, with out it I honestly can't work out how he could of formed his opinions and throws all my alternative thoughts of him possibly still acknowledging your head space, totally out the window...........agh i've got nothing that could explain the intent behind his wording, well accept for him being a giant butt crack!
[though admittedly, that could be just my momentary pmt brain talking, cause i don't typically go around calling people giant butt cracks ;o)]
I'm not sure if this would help to amuse though i hope so, cause they absolutely do get people wrong sometimes! I've collected quite a few good bad sound bights over the years and one of my best good bad comments said by a doctor is......
"I know your type, you're going to ruin your son if you don't accept he's Autistic!"
hmmmmm well it's a bl@@dy good job i am my "type" cause the kid still isn't ruined (arrogant butt crack) and funny I was right that he didn't fit the diagnostic definition for Autism and he still doesn't 13 years later! lol
Not sure if you have this option but i solved our difference of opinion by delaying paying his bill, for as long as I could get away with and chose to protect my mental health by never to seeing that doctor again.............can you request a different psych?
HUGS...........JJ
[though admittedly, that could be just my momentary pmt brain talking, cause i don't typically go around calling people giant butt cracks ;o)]
I'm not sure if this would help to amuse though i hope so, cause they absolutely do get people wrong sometimes! I've collected quite a few good bad sound bights over the years and one of my best good bad comments said by a doctor is......
"I know your type, you're going to ruin your son if you don't accept he's Autistic!"
hmmmmm well it's a bl@@dy good job i am my "type" cause the kid still isn't ruined (arrogant butt crack) and funny I was right that he didn't fit the diagnostic definition for Autism and he still doesn't 13 years later! lol
Not sure if you have this option but i solved our difference of opinion by delaying paying his bill, for as long as I could get away with and chose to protect my mental health by never to seeing that doctor again.............can you request a different psych?
HUGS...........JJ
oh my, I am just now seeing this and am saddened that you felt so exposed and vulnerable by a medical person who was to have had your best interests at the fore. I am also joyful reading al lthe wonderful responses from all these people who can understand where you find yourself right now.
My question is if you had the opportunity to discuss these notes with the therapist? Dumb luck has only taken you so far - the rest of your story is because you are a smart and proactive person and hopefully discussing this with the person who wrote those notes will allow you to move on and not get stuck rethinking the comments.
hugs, L
My question is if you had the opportunity to discuss these notes with the therapist? Dumb luck has only taken you so far - the rest of your story is because you are a smart and proactive person and hopefully discussing this with the person who wrote those notes will allow you to move on and not get stuck rethinking the comments.
hugs, L
Hey there. I hope you are feeling a bit better about things now that some time has passed. Your initial post above I think explains a lot. Until we personally have faced dismissive and otherwise unacceptable attitudes by health care providers we really can't quite 'get it.' We're sympathetic, but it's an abstraction and so is hypothetical to us.
Once it's all too real, we get it full force. Believe me, I know. You've been very fortunate in your MS doctors and treatment, but don't assume that everything else will go as well. Mental health issues are especially liable to cause the stress you feel, because assessment is so subjective and you are at the mercy of whoever is doing it. So try to treat this episode as a cautionary tale and don't have great expectations of anyone. Then you are likely to be pleasantly surprised, at least some of the time.
ess
Once it's all too real, we get it full force. Believe me, I know. You've been very fortunate in your MS doctors and treatment, but don't assume that everything else will go as well. Mental health issues are especially liable to cause the stress you feel, because assessment is so subjective and you are at the mercy of whoever is doing it. So try to treat this episode as a cautionary tale and don't have great expectations of anyone. Then you are likely to be pleasantly surprised, at least some of the time.
ess
Except the 'being dramatic' was followed by the (false) claim that I would not talk for 'several minutes'. About the most intense thing I said was 'demoralising'.
I did cry a lot. But I guess I'm like a small child in that regard; with me it indicates frustration as often as distress.
But thank you for offering another perspective. It's refreshing, and valuable, which is pretty much your hallmark, JJ! Thank you.
I did cry a lot. But I guess I'm like a small child in that regard; with me it indicates frustration as often as distress.
But thank you for offering another perspective. It's refreshing, and valuable, which is pretty much your hallmark, JJ! Thank you.
COMMUNITY LEADER
Babe, sorry to have missed all the psych drama [pun intended] but this twit needs a few lessons on human psychology! Honestly though, i'm not really sure his poor choice of wording, does actually dismiss where your head space is.
Often you'll find comments like 'dramatic use of language', used when the person is expressing them self in the extremes, eg my life is ruined, i'll never get over this etc and from my understanding it indicates the person has reached a state of depression and or is experiencing high anxiety. I think he might of been acknowledging your refusal's (regardless of your why) in his report, because being argumentative or combative can also a part of anxiety and or depression.
Though it could of been worded better, i am thinking he was acknowledging you were very emotional during the appointment, he's still a twit for what he wrote but I kind of think he may not of been actually dismissing your state of mind but acknowledging it. Still su_cks big time, that you feel bad about opening up and letting it out...........Hugs!
Food for thought............JJ
Often you'll find comments like 'dramatic use of language', used when the person is expressing them self in the extremes, eg my life is ruined, i'll never get over this etc and from my understanding it indicates the person has reached a state of depression and or is experiencing high anxiety. I think he might of been acknowledging your refusal's (regardless of your why) in his report, because being argumentative or combative can also a part of anxiety and or depression.
Though it could of been worded better, i am thinking he was acknowledging you were very emotional during the appointment, he's still a twit for what he wrote but I kind of think he may not of been actually dismissing your state of mind but acknowledging it. Still su_cks big time, that you feel bad about opening up and letting it out...........Hugs!
Food for thought............JJ
This is totally group therapy! And I'm so humbled by and grateful for it. Thanks, everybody.
Hi Im new to this site. I hope you have complained about the doctor who said you were being dramatic !! I hate the way doctors play with our emotions and our health. Im still having neurological problems after six months and the neuro said it was Converstion Disorder !! I saw a psychologist who said I am fine !!! So ive got a referral to the neurologist again. I shouldn't have to fight to prove my illness !!! So angry
Ditto to all the replies above, but keep in mind that it does happen to men, too. My worst medical experiences have all been with mental health providers. So-called professionals.
Immi girl, if you want someone to talk to, count this forum as Group Therapy (and get the Irish billing address for us, would you?;-)). We have PMs for individual sessions!
Immi girl, if you want someone to talk to, count this forum as Group Therapy (and get the Irish billing address for us, would you?;-)). We have PMs for individual sessions!
Thank you so much, everybody! It does really mean a lot for you all to have responded. I guess we're all apt to run into a few duds in our "patient career".
It seems I was protected from this by pure dumb luck for so long that when I finally had to come to terms with a professional being a fallible human, it just hit me a bit hard.
Luckily, me and my "dramatic" self have taken up a new hobby (knitting!) and have begun to volunteer teaching IT skills to senior citizens at the local advocacy charity for the elderly. But these are balls I got rolling by myself, not with her help. I'm proud of that, so the sting of what she said is fading into the insignificance it deserves.
Thank you again for hearing me out on this. I really, truly value this community. Hugs to all.
It seems I was protected from this by pure dumb luck for so long that when I finally had to come to terms with a professional being a fallible human, it just hit me a bit hard.
Luckily, me and my "dramatic" self have taken up a new hobby (knitting!) and have begun to volunteer teaching IT skills to senior citizens at the local advocacy charity for the elderly. But these are balls I got rolling by myself, not with her help. I'm proud of that, so the sting of what she said is fading into the insignificance it deserves.
Thank you again for hearing me out on this. I really, truly value this community. Hugs to all.
I'm so sorry to hear this happened. It really does stink when someone you thought you could trust is just an absolute a$$. I would be feeling I would need to drop that doc a few hints on professionalism. Maybe saying something like "It may sound dramatic but I really do feel unhappy right now" by adding the word dramatic to your sentences will hopefully give them food for thought.
I hope you can get into the CBT and not have to see this idiot again. I can't see any reason why this psychiatrist felt they needed to be "subjective" in their notes. It's just really sad that they have lost the trust of their patient through their own stupidity.
Hugs,
Karry.
I hope you can get into the CBT and not have to see this idiot again. I can't see any reason why this psychiatrist felt they needed to be "subjective" in their notes. It's just really sad that they have lost the trust of their patient through their own stupidity.
Hugs,
Karry.
I'm so sorry! I don't understand this. What benefit does describing someone as "dramatic" have? How does that enable someone to treat you more effectively? How is that not simply a form of gossip? I'm particularly sensitive about this when it involves women, since there's a long tradition of psyhological and medical communities discounting women as hysterical and weak minded. I have no advice for what to do, but they should not have written that, and I'm sorry someone treated you with such disregard.
I know how you feel, I've never been to a shrink but do know that one of the neuro's I hated wrote things in his notes that were very wrong and I found them whenI requested a copy of all of his notes.
My present neuro won't give me copies of his notes, guess if he wasn't my neuro anymore he would? I have to plead for copies of lab results , guess he's trying to save paper! LOL
I like you think just talking about it with other people helps! Smile and take some time for yourself today; we like you just the way you are!
Hugs----Sarah
My present neuro won't give me copies of his notes, guess if he wasn't my neuro anymore he would? I have to plead for copies of lab results , guess he's trying to save paper! LOL
I like you think just talking about it with other people helps! Smile and take some time for yourself today; we like you just the way you are!
Hugs----Sarah
But this is it. I've never once had to fight for my physical issues to be acknowledged and dealt with in a professional manner.
Psychiatry (along with psychology) is a "grey science" that still absolutely depends on many subjective calls on the part of the treating physician, and the treatment itself is essentially a crap shoot. I can show my brain damage from MS. It's inarguable. I can't, however, show when I'm in a bad place mentally - not with objective evidence.
I had thought that my emotional proclamations of being in a bad place would be taken as read given the state I was in, my openness to trying new medication, and my history of a solid year in in-patient treatment ten years ago. Somebody hand me an Oscar if me being dramatic pulled that one off.
I guess I'm actually the other side of the coin of a lot of people on this forum. A lot of people feel fobbed off my neuros who think their issues are in reality more mental. I have undeniable physical issues, meanwhile I'm having to fight to have my psychological issues taken seriously.
Psychiatry (along with psychology) is a "grey science" that still absolutely depends on many subjective calls on the part of the treating physician, and the treatment itself is essentially a crap shoot. I can show my brain damage from MS. It's inarguable. I can't, however, show when I'm in a bad place mentally - not with objective evidence.
I had thought that my emotional proclamations of being in a bad place would be taken as read given the state I was in, my openness to trying new medication, and my history of a solid year in in-patient treatment ten years ago. Somebody hand me an Oscar if me being dramatic pulled that one off.
I guess I'm actually the other side of the coin of a lot of people on this forum. A lot of people feel fobbed off my neuros who think their issues are in reality more mental. I have undeniable physical issues, meanwhile I'm having to fight to have my psychological issues taken seriously.
I'm so sorry you are going through this. I am currently in limbo and last Dec my husband took me to the ER because I fell and after that I couldn't walk right and I was really confussed. Well needless to say the neurologist that saw me was a major jerk and put in my record that I was making up all my symptoms and that I have a mental disorder and nothing else. I cried so hard when I read that. Doctors truely do not understand half of what their patients go through. This has been a huge eye opener for me with doctors. In fact I was up all last night crying because I have another appt on monday and I just dread my appts now. Im so tired of fighting and trying to make doctors believe that what I am going through is real. Keep your head up! At least we all understand :)
Thanks for commenting, ess. It means a lot.
No, when I get my notes, it's simply photocopies of the originals. Usually I apply for them annually and don't see them in the mean time. My MS team and I have great communication, so for me it's more about exercising my right to be as informed a patient as possible rather than 'checking up on them'. This was an unusual circumstance (being able to flip through them at will while at the hospital).
It's all one health system, really, as I'm not going the private route for this (Ireland is a bit more akin to the UK or Canada's system in that regard). However, once I start CBT, I won't really be going to this clinic for anything other than checking the appropriateness of my medication levels.
Thank you again for responding. Sometimes it helps just knowing a message in a bottle found a beach.
No, when I get my notes, it's simply photocopies of the originals. Usually I apply for them annually and don't see them in the mean time. My MS team and I have great communication, so for me it's more about exercising my right to be as informed a patient as possible rather than 'checking up on them'. This was an unusual circumstance (being able to flip through them at will while at the hospital).
It's all one health system, really, as I'm not going the private route for this (Ireland is a bit more akin to the UK or Canada's system in that regard). However, once I start CBT, I won't really be going to this clinic for anything other than checking the appropriateness of my medication levels.
Thank you again for responding. Sometimes it helps just knowing a message in a bottle found a beach.
I'm sorry you're feeling so vulnerable and at the same time rather dismissed. That would be tough for anyone. This psychiatrist doesn't seem to have much empathy. When you get the notes, would they likely be these or a more 'sanitized' version? I wouldn't like having this stuff following me around either.
So, bottom line, can you go elsewhere for mental health issues? I think that would be your best bet.
Good thoughts.
ess
So, bottom line, can you go elsewhere for mental health issues? I think that would be your best bet.
Good thoughts.
ess
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Two of the largest studies on Alzheimer’s have yielded new clues about the disease
