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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by JanetR on April 7, 2000, at 21:33:04
How did your doctors appointment go ? Well I hope , Take care Jan
Posted by Noa on April 8, 2000, at 14:40:15
In reply to Noa , posted by JanetR on April 7, 2000, at 21:33:04
How to update?
Well, for starters, I was feeling worse last week, and then this past week, started to feel a bit better. I actually started getting some things done at work. I cleaned up my desk, sorted papers, made a to-do list, started trying to catch up on stuff I didn't do when I was supposed to. I can't explain why I started feeling a bit better. Perhaps being on these higher doses of thyroid meds for 5-6 weeks now, maybe that has started to kick in.
New Pdoc: I met with him yesterday. He was ok, not the most personable. Took a history, etc. He leans away from the bipolar depression dx, and toward the double depression dx, and his first recs would be to try either remeron or buspar along with what I am on, only to lower the effexor dosage to around 225, 300 max. So, this leaves me with a different direction than what my other pdoc has recommended, ie, mood stabilizer. The new guy wasn't opposed to the idea of a mood stabilizer, just didn't think it was the first direction to go in. He wants to see my thyroid labs before doing anything, although I didn't get the feeling he was as sophisticated as I would like regarding the thyroid stuff.
So, this leaves me feeling as confused as ever. Do I need yet a third opinion? And what will I decide about the pdoc anyway, based on things like availability by phone, etc.? I still kinda want to go see that other pdoc that I spoke to on the phone but who is not a participant in my insurance. I just don't have the money. I think my mom would lend it to me for a consultation, but if I like the doc, I won't be able to afford to continue to see him. I don't know.
I also have an appointment with an endocrinologist later this month. And I have requested all my thryoid lab results from my internist, to bring with me to that appt.
I also need to investigate the urinary/bladder problems I have been having that I think are related to the effexor. Part of the problem, of course, is obviously from the lithium--frequency and volume. But the other problem--sudden urgency and incontinence--I think is caused by the effexor and is just more noticeable now because of the lithium. So I'll have to see yet another doctor. I guess I'll start with the gynocologist, whom I haven't seen in a while anyway, but I might, I guess have to go to a urologist. How fun. I am going to do some more internet research first about the effexor-urinary/bladder problems thing. Any input from folks here would be wonderful.
I am still overwhelmed with everything. I have to do my taxes and pay bills, etc etc. on top of the mess and the laundry and the other stuff that has piled up. But my mood is not as bleak as last week.
Posted by bob on April 8, 2000, at 23:08:23
In reply to Re: Noa--thank you, JanetR, posted by Noa on April 8, 2000, at 14:40:15
> ... But my mood is not as bleak as last week.
With all that other sh*t, kiddo, THAT is some great news! As for 3rd opinions and money, maybe the 2nd opinion is good enough **for now**. Give him a month or two ... you could always continue doing some more research on a possible 3rd opinion (other than the one outside your plan) while giving the new guy a fair trial.
cheers,
bob
Posted by CarolAnn on April 9, 2000, at 11:24:11
In reply to silver linings, posted by bob on April 8, 2000, at 23:08:23
Noa, bob has a good point. When I first started my current Pdoc, I had a lot of doubts. And, on my second visit, when he introduced himself(as if we never met!), I had even more doubts. But now, I am finding him very helpful, insightful, and open to suggestion. In fact, a couple times I've gone in with a particular suggestion in mind, only to have him suggest the exact same thing first! So, hang in there, a bad beginning can sometimes lead to a good end. CarolAnn
This is the end of the thread.
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