need help

[mandy876]

my niece wants me to get on abilify to enhance my effexors does anyone know anything about this drug.  I know my niece is on it or has been on it.  I don't know what to do.  I am going to stick around and bug you guys somemore. besides it would be too lonesome without  you all.  mandy876

[4Maddie44]

Give the increased dose of Effexor time to work.  Your body will get used to it.  Hopefully you will feel better in a couple of weeks or so.  

Make sure you go to the doctors alone, next time.  I am sure it will be easier.  Explain to your niece that it was confusing last time.

Take care

[mandy876]

my niece is my power of attorney but I still am able to take care of things.  I asked her to go in the office with me.  I thought she might hear something I might miss.  but I asked a question and she would answer and he would agreewith her and that was that.  I laid my list down and he said go on tell me what you have written down.  I said why you are not listening.  si I asked him another question and she again answered and I just sit there after that.  he finally looked at me.  I had tears in my eyes he looked surprised and said I am sorry if you feel like we ganged up on you.  and he left.  I turned and asked the nurse once and said am I here.  she smiled.  I am tired I don't feel good the new meds are not working.  I will write to you later.  your friend mandy876

[mandy876]

my niece does take charge at the doctors they act like I am not there.  I take my list.  I ask question and she answers and the doctor agrees.  she does not answer the phone unless it is her daughter.  the doctor never said I had a kidney disease.  he was supposed to be watching my kidneys and liver because I was on Lipitor.  I quit on my own and my fainting and cold sweats stopped.  I was not feeling as weak.  but now he doubled my meds  Effexor to 150 I really am feeling weird.  I am so dizzy or light headed.  my legs feel heavy and my arms ache.  and I feel nauseated.  I am really worried about my kidneys.  I tried ti figure out what I should eat and every one had different complete menus.  some said no peanuts or beans and some said that was what I should eat.  I know cranberry juice is good so I am drinking a lot of it with water.  thank you so much  mandy876

[jemma116]

Mandy, it is your decision at the end of the day whether you choose to find a different doctor or not.

But, I do hope that you take on board what nursegirl6572 has written.

I too believe that your niece is not relaying the correct information to the doctor about you, and unless you have given her permission to liaise with the doctor on your behalf or she has a Power of Attorney, she should not have any involvement apart from giving your support if you wish for her to be present with you when you see your doctor.

Lots of hugs to you.  
best wishes.

[nursegirl6572]

Like I said, just make sure that none of this miscommunication is on your end...especially because there is more than one person providing input (you AND your niece).  That can become confusing.  Is it possible that the doctor told her about the kidney issues?  Does she take phone calls from doctors or their offices?  

I'm all for finding a new doctor if you're not happy with this one, don't get me wrong, my only concern is that you're assuming all of the breakdown is on his end, and you've had these issues with other doctors in the past (psych for one).  That makes me wonder if there's part of the communication breakdown resulting from having your niece overly involved?

All I'm saying is give that some real thought before you make a drastic move like changing doctors.  It IS hard to adjust to a new doc, especially if the patient has a decent amount of chronic conditions.  This may be very easily fixed, by YOU taking control of all contact, making a list of all questions and concerns, so when you get in front of him, you can ask him EVERYTHING.  You can even write the answers down as well.  There's nothing wrong with having your niece go along for support, but all questions asked should be answered by YOU, and all info given should be given by YOU.  I don't see any indication that you aren't capable of managing your health care.  If you keep journals and write things down, it shouldn't be hard.  I know I've told you all this many times, but it really is important that you empower yourself, especially when it comes to something as important as your health!

I just really suspect that you're missing info from them and they're missing info from you because your niece is involved and they assume she is relaying the right info to them, and telling YOU the things they want you to know, and I think that's where the break down is.  Just one example...she told the doc you drink DOUBLE the amt of rootbeer that you do.  If she did that with info about meds or something, you could be in real danger.  That's not good.

Good luck to you.

[mandy876]

i just wrote to thank you for the hug.  everyone needs a hug.  when my little nephew grandson lived with us the first 5 years of his life.  he came in my roomone day.  i had been crying.  he said do you need a hug.  i said yes and held out my arms.  he started to leave he turned aroundand said i think you need another hug.  i love that boy soo much.  wish they had not moved him away so far.  we miss him.  he kept us alive. never a dull moment.  hugs to you sweetie  mandy876