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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by katekite on May 16, 2002, at 14:08:11
Sorry for using this to vent.
I have to be off ritalin for a week to get a test done.
I opted to go through my regular doctor not my psychiatrist for the test -- I don't know why. Well I do know it was because any referrals post-test for insurance have to come from the GP.
My psychiatrist said I should get the test, so that day I stopped the ritalin... then I procrastinated till today to call for the doctor's appointment. The receptionist is a total bitch. All I need is some stupid form to get the thing for the test, they don't even do the test, a hospital lab does the test. They gave me an appointment for next wednesday. So I've been off of ritalin for days (and getting nothing done) for no reason.
I want to yell at them.
I should just go through my psychiatrist for the test but I already told him I'd do it the other way. I can't think straight during talking to the receptionist enough to not sound like a total nut.... I say umm a lot and can't make up my mind between the two appointment times she offered me. I know when I go see the doctor he's going to think I'm nuts (because that's how I am off of ritalin). I'm hypersensitive and flail under pressure. If you ask me if my stomach hurts I'll say yes because my elbow hurts sort of thing and I didn't pay attention to the question.
I'm not even sure what I'm upset about.
I want to switch primary care doctors but it actually isn't him I don't like, its his receptionist who's so condescending and mean. (she really is, my husband is scared of her too). Is that a reason to switch doctors?I keep ruining my days over nothing. Like this stupid thing made me cry. I can't even remember what I was doing before.
Grrrr I'm so frustrated with myself. If I could take ritalin I would figure it out in a second but then I would probably have to wait longer for the test or something.
ok so the answer is probably go through the psychiatrist for the test and be able to get it over with sooner that way. I guess I should call and figure out how.
Off of ritalin is not the time for me to figure anything at all out.
Thanks -- writing it down and seeing it in print helps. I probably could have used a piece of paper so as not to clutter what is supposed to be a social scene.
So -- in summary then -- drive an hour or so in order to get the test on the first day possible so that I can go back on the medication that allows me to think clearly. In order to do that I need to call the psychiatrist and find out if the order thing I have is sufficient or if he needs to provide some other form. I could pick up anything I need on the way to the lab. OK.
Right.
Posted by BeARdEdLaDY on May 16, 2002, at 16:44:55
In reply to venting, frustrated and can't think, posted by katekite on May 16, 2002, at 14:08:11
I can't tell you how many times I quit doctors because of the receptionists. But I always tell the docs that their receptionists suck. But you know--so many of them do, that patients are outnumbered. All my offices are good, now, and I know the receptionists by name, so I can call and say, "Hi, Ann, it's Beardy!" Usually they'll treat me a little better because I take the time to treat them with respect. Lots of folks don't. They're just the go-betweens.
Yes, do exactly what you said in the last paragraph. I went through the same thing in the fall. I had to not drink a beer or take a sleeping pill, no matter what, for two days before a test, and I freaked and didn't sleep the first night, so I had to take one the second night, and I had to delay my test another week. Don't mess it up. Just get it over with in spite of the twits.
Good luck.
beardy : )>
Posted by katekite on May 16, 2002, at 20:14:14
In reply to Re: venting, frustrated and can't think, posted by BeARdEdLaDY on May 16, 2002, at 16:44:55
You're sweet beardy, thanks.
I didn't even think anyone needed to respond. But it was surprisingly nice to get a response... I appreciate it.
I know what its like to be a total insomniac and just 'need' to sleep in order to be clear headed enough to know not to take the sleeping pill.
It was so hard today not to take ritalin, since I knew if I took it I'd be calm and collected in 20 minutes and be able to figure out a plan.
But I did good -- called my shrink who said actually the thing he gave me is enough to take to the lab, at least the one he uses so that's good.
The test is a 24hr urine catecholamine metabolite thing. Back on ritalin I could have said what it was for, right now that seems overwhelming. LOL.
Its funny my husband remarked today that off of ritalin I have way more facial expressions...too many. Like I respond on a millisecond basis to everything in my environment which means I have a lot of extra 'looks'. He kept getting insecure while we were talking because I would glance away etc. I don't know how he made it through years of marriage before. Ok I don't know how I made it through like this either.
It was really funny the long-winded not-on-ritalin message I left for my psychiatrist. I forgot already that I used to have to rehearse what I was going to say to an answering machine so as to get it all in concisely and not have to call back and say, 'its me again'. LOL.
Anyhow -- blah blah blah blah, yada yada yada.... this is the end of my message.
I think.
kate
Posted by BeARdEdLaDY on May 17, 2002, at 6:00:14
In reply to thanks beardy, posted by katekite on May 16, 2002, at 20:14:14
I can see them in your post! You are wild! But you sound perfectly fine, perfectly lucid. So don't be self-conscious (that's a good one!). I always think the world is going to look at me and know I have an insomnia/anxiety problem. When I'm feeling really down, I feel like everyone in the grocery store is staring at me. (But I know they're only looking at me because I'm so beautiful!) Most people don't know there's anything wrong with me until I yell at them!!
I hope your test comes out with happy results.
beardy : )>
Posted by Zo on May 18, 2002, at 5:23:39
In reply to your facial expressions » katekite, posted by BeARdEdLaDY on May 17, 2002, at 6:00:14
capitalization. *nice* visual.zo
This is the end of the thread.
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