Dr. appointment.... I need a psychiatrist >.<

[Xila31]

So I saw my GP today as many of you know is my only doctor right now due to financial reasons. He is testing my lithium level for the first time since I started it in December. Not great, but it's what I can do. He said I need to come in once a week for testing for a while and as long as I'm doing well on it chemically speaking, we're going to titrate up to 900 mg which is more theraputic. Also changing to extended release and twice a day instead of once a day. So, I'm hoping some of my cycling will slow down and I'll start doing better.

But what I really need is a psychiatrist and I know I need one but can't afford it. I don't know what to do. I don't qualify for medical assistance. I'm really hoping for some positive changes with the health care reform, but I fear it may be false hope. Plus, I can't wait for 4 years. >.< I have some other concerns with my bipolar that a GP just can't handle. What else can I do?

[Xila31]

Oh, thanks, I'll look at that.

I still need to see a psych, though. :(

[adel_ezz]

I am referring you to an article that appeared recently 2008 in which it's said that GP's are the ones now assigned to monitor the lithium level in BP pts:

just google: monitoring lithium levels
you will check the date 19 sep 2008

[Xila31]

Well my blood test is already back this morning, (yay,) and the doctor said I have only a trace amount of lithium which is good and I'm doing so well he wants me to go straight to 1200 mg, 600 2x a day. So, we'll see how that goes.

Z: Thanks, I know you're in a rough time. Thanks for taking time and being supportive. I don't have facebook, though, LOL.

And thanks everyone for listening. :)

[zzzmykids]

How about assistance from DBSA or Nami?  Also, you know for over a year I have  used not only my internest, psychiatrist, talk therapist who is a psychologist and Christian and my Chiropractor/Kinesiologist. It is the Chiropractor after complaining to him about feeling seriously suicidal from prescription antidepressants and changing antidepressants  once every two weeks because nothing was working...this for about three months...so my Chiropractor suggested some items that you can get on the net.
My psych approved.  A year later, my Momma dying, one daughter not speaking to me and moving soon and my husband's body being so broken from the accident he had in the beginning of Feb, no surgeries on the books, yet, they have to heal the tendons first.
Also arthritis has come on strong, never had it before the accident! My Dad insisting on having a "second" funeral for my Mom for those that didn't get to come....at the grave side we are all going to watch Mom's ashes be poured into a slot between her parents graves...gee two months later, yeah I can handle all this.....so my Psych will most likely stop his approval of my taking natural meds and put me back on prescription  meds! One year off....not bad. As for lithium, I take 900mg's of Lithium er and appears to be a good level for me for the last four years, I have had as much as 1350 mg.
As ILADVOCATE says, read, go to the sites he sends you. I have several sites I need to go to that he sent me today.
Also, Xila, you are not alone. You know I consider you as a friend and if you need to talk send me a message and we can go to facebook and talk there.
You are not alone, many in here care very much for you.
zzzmykids

[Xila31]

I have about 20 million questions at this point. Or it feels like it. I think what holds me together is that I have my husband and my kids there for me and having found this forum helps, too. So, I just have to figure it out. I just have to hold on a little longer. :(

[starbunny]

Gosh yes, I can totally understand. Over here (UK) the GP's that I have seen would not adjust my meds until I have seen a psychiatrist and had confirmation from them.
You must have so many questions - I would list them and keep them for when you finally see your pdoc. When I finally got to see mine after 7 months, I ended up being in there for an hour and a half just getting through everything. He even told me he was glad his appointment after me had been cancelled! I really hope you manage to see someone soon so you get the answers you deserve.

[Xila31]

Yeah, I am really hoping for some changes to the health care. I don't know if I should go on the medicade for disabled unless I can also keep my work insurance because I need my husband and son to be covered, and the only way to cover them at my work is for me to be covered. I will have to figure that out.

My doctor is very timid about doing anything for bipolar and really doesn't want to do anything with me. I mean, he will be able to titrate the lithium just fine with blood tests, but I have been cycling a lot and if the lithium doesn't work once I get into a theraputic level, I am at a loss what to do next. Also I want to finalize my diagnosis and figure out if I am bipolar 2 for sure, or if I'm bipolar 1 with a lower level of mania due to feeling mixed so often, plus my history of what appears to have been psychosis. You know? I just want good care so that I can get better.

[ILADVOCATE]

As regards income restrictions the Medicaid Buy in for Working People with Disabilities will go into effect in a year in that specific state:
http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/HCPF/HCPF/1246453721478
As for other aspects of coverage in general specific coverage limitations are being lifted and healthcare coverage being increased but I'd have to find out more about how exactly the law will be implemented as it was just passed. I'd agree that psychiatrists as a whole have more knowledge than doctors but as lithium is a very known medication your doctor should be able to titrate it properly and find a working dose until you are able to find coverage that would enable you to see a psychiatrist.