Posted by allison on October 11, 1999, at 17:35:31
In reply to Re: First Psychiatrist Appt., posted by Sean on October 11, 1999, at 11:51:10
My first appointment (two years ago almost) was pretty uneventful. Mostly an introduction: I told him a bit about myself and current problems, he explained how things work on his end. We set appointments for every other week at first, which was way too long a time to wait. Then when I got my insurance figured out, we made them for every week. He explained how the drug part works (I was against it at first, but conceded because I was suicidal and knew I needed help). I was paranoid for awhile about telling him things because I didn't know what he'd do. But after a while was able to trust him.
My pdoc touches base pretty regularly, asking me how things are going with treatment... looking for feedback. It's sort of a job evaluation. It gives me a chance to bring up housekeeping topics or things that have been bugging me about therapy.
He's very responsive. If I have a problem, say with a perscription, he takes care of it the same day or by the next morning, and he always calls to let me know what he's done to remedy the situation. When I got into in a really bad situation one night a year ago last summer and didn't have anyone to call, I called him (long-distance, no less) and he called me right back, talked me through the situation, and helped me figure out how to find a safe place to go for the night.
I didn't know to ask these things when we first met. But the responsiveness is something I'd look for now were I looking. The other big factor of course is personality, as I suppose it is with any doctor. But it's more important here when you're seeing them often and talking about such personal things. (My GP is a toad, but I see him once a year or less, so it doesn't matter.) But I'm not sure personality can be judged with just one visit.
My biggest frustration is not getting better faster. I'm a whole lot better than I was, but I know there's a ton of work ahead. I wish it wouldn't take so very long. Hours and hours and hours, not to mention dollars. After my mortgage, this is my greatest expense.
Good luck and I wish you well...
poster:allison
thread:12916
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19991001/msgs/12994.html