my doctor dosen't take me seriously

Posted , 2 users are following.

I am a 28 year old female. I am currently taking 50 mgs of lamictal and buspar three times daily. I was diagnosed with anxiety and bi polar.

I had almost had all my anxiety symptoms managed then all of a sudden in one day every thing changed..I began having shortness of breath and after testing the er said it was my anxiety. I went back to my pcp today to go over my options for new medication. For some reason I had a huge breakdown in his office.. I could not control my crying and could not get it together to even talk.. I am usually pretty level headed especially when dealing with my heath but I just couldn't control it.. he put me on antibiotics, steroids and an inhaler for possible bronchitis. He upped my lamictal and sent me on my way. I know he isn't a counselor or psychiatrist but I felt like he didn't hear me at all. I was trying to tell him that my symptoms have gotten worse and that I am afraid.. my anxiety has come back with a vengeance and because I have a substance abuse problem I don't want to risk a possible relapse. I guess I felt he would be a little more understanding and try to help me to find a combination of meds or referrals for a counselor that would help me.. I realize anxiety is isotope mental but doctors of all people should know that its just as much about chemical imbalances too. I feel that no one around here gets what I'm going through. It took me almost two weeks to save the money to go in the first place and I feel even worse now and almost as if there is no way out. This Forum has been the only support I have had and I am so thankful for everyone's help and concerns. I have had hormone issues too. They are extremely low and the doctor is reluctant to put me on hormone replacement therapy due to the side effects he did say this could be the reason I. Having the worsening anxiety and shortness of breath but I am not sure what to do.. if it continues like this I won't have any choice

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • Posted

    have you tried to find a new doctor?
    • Posted

      No, I have been considering it. I really like him but he is a family practitioner and might not be qualified to treat my crazy symptoms..lol. I live In a very small town and doctors are limited.. after some thinking tonight I think I will try my best to make the best out of things and give the meds a chance to kick in and hope it works.if not then I will definitely have to go somewhere else.
    • Posted

      fair enough, let's continue out chat over pm?
  • Posted

    He gave you antibiotics, steroids and an inhaler for possible bronchitis?steroids and the inhaler might add to the anxiety but needed if you have a breathing issue from bronchitis.  Steroids? Where you sick?and he upped your anxiety meds. Gave you quite a bag of meds for your possible bronchitis.  He was listening. If you wanted a referral you need to ask. Call up and say what you want. i dont think he isnt listening to you im not sure if he can help you. Does he know about your hormonal levels? Does he know about your substance abuse problem? When you broke down i dont think he knew what to do. Hes a general doctor. You need to have all this info written down and have each doc you see send your pcp their test results with a summary of their diagnosis. All your info. Needs to be one place. That way he gets the whole picture. Even if you leave this pcp you will need to gather uo all your stuff to present it to a new doctor.you can write it all down, photo copy the stuff and keep a copy for yourself. Any doc u see you present the entire picture.that way its complete care. The way out is to give the pcp a phine call and say i really need a referral to a psychiatrist i feel worse with my anxiety and bi polar. They will call you back. You dont have to go again, you were just there. Right? A simple phone call. Always make out a list of symptoms and issues along with any requests so when you get to a doctor you dont forget what you want to say. 
    • Posted

      When I started his practice almost a year ago it was originally for substance abuse. He is licensed to prescribe suboxon and I have been on that for almost two years. He was aware of my history and I was very honest and open with him about the fact that I can't take certain prescribed medication and that I have abused drugs in the past. I am part of his suboxone program but also go threre for general problems. I brought previous medical records from my past doctor regarding my anxiety and bi polar issues. At that time I was only taking suboxon and had been doing very well with no meds .. I had a lot of big life changes added a second child to the family and split with my husband and became a single mom.. had to pick up two new jobs and without much support it became to much.. two months ago I was given a full blood work up and he found I had an under active thyroid and severe hormone deficiency.. I have followed his orders and started taking Zoloft and lamictal along with remeron to gain some weight I'm hopes the hormones would resolve themselves.. a week ago I started having breathing problems.. x Ray and everything was normal.. I brought the records from the hospital so we would have them on file.. the last few visits I have increasingly gotten worse and the meds aren't working as well .today he bumped it up but was convinced itbqas some pulmonary issue.. I am not in a place to believe that I know better than him my issue was that he didn't give me the opportunity to explain what had been going on and how i was feeling..I was a bit upset as I left the doctor it a frustrating not being able to explain how you feel and feeling as if it won't get better.. he gave me some prednisone and I have had a lot easier of a time brea thing. I feel I have kept him pretty well updated and informed but I totally agree and get what your saying.. tonight after that horrible scene his office I have felt better and even took my babies on a nice walk and had the energy to run around with them and laugh.it has been nice. He is a good patient doctor. Maybe I need someone that is more used to dealing with these sorts of issues. I will give the new dosage of meds a chance and take it from there. I have had the time to relax and calm my nerves and I am able to think clearly and logically and I believe that I can make a better decision on what I should do if this medication isn't doing the trick. Thank you for the great advice
    • Posted

      I think he sounds like a really good doctor. from everything you just wrote he listens very well. And he gave you what he felt was correct. The fact that you feel better is fantastic. Everything you just laid out shows how well he has listened to you. I think he knew you were upset. Im glad you are feeling a little bit better. There is nothing wrong with calling him to ask for a referral if you want to see a therapist by the way. He sounds like he would be helpful with your request. Very impressed you are nicely organized with your healthcare by the way.
    • Posted

      Thank you lisa.

      He has always been pretty through. I guess yesterday I was In a bad place and maybe took my frustrations out on someone else. The family I have other Guantanamo mom don't understand my anxiety and substance abuse problems. My ex husband never had any problems like I have and so he could never really be the support I needed because he didn't know how.. I try and keep it to myself because for so long I didn't care what people thought it is was constantly one thing or another with my substance abuse problems.. I have had two beautiful children and with the help of suboxone and some very helpful people I have had minimal problems since my kids were born. The family I do have all have their own problems and are busy with their families. I have been honest with my church family and they pray for me and my kids and that helps tremendously! At titimesike yesterday I don't always think rationally and at that point it did feel as If no one was listening to me.. it was really a flood of emotions that have been built up for a long time.

      After talking with you all and taking some quiet time and the meds the doctor gave I feel a lot more clear hheadedand able to make positive choices. Thank you for taking the time to help. It means alot.

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