I have two doctor questions......

Avatar for missyflanders
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
I have two doctor questions......
3
Wed, 09-07-2005 - 6:46pm

1. What should I expect from my pdoc? Last appt, I gave her a brochure in her office explaining symptoms of depression, told her I had all of them. She asked me several questions changed my a/d and sent me on my way. I said very little, as did she. This is very normal for these appointments. They last less than 10 minutes. She also does not always return calls the same day nor will she change anything except lowering a dose over the phone. Is this normal? When I called with sleep problems she suggested benadryl. I thought that was an easy answer that I had already thought of and that it was obvious I was looking for something a little different.

2. What should I expect at a tdoc appt? I just made my first appt for next Wed. I am not sure what to expect at all.

Thanks for any input you can give me

Missy

 
 
Avatar for littlemascara
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-11-2003
Wed, 09-07-2005 - 7:14pm

Hi Missy. Like all Drs, pdocs vary. Some, and it sounds like yours, only see patients for meds and don't do therapy, while others do both. I happen to see one who does both, I like him a lot but it took a long time to find him. If you are unhappy with your pdoc, can you change at all? I know that's frustrating, but you may find one you like a lot better. When you do call for something like a sleep issue be sure to let her know what you've tried (like benedryl) and that it didn't work. I suppose some docs just don't like to prescribe over the phone, some even charge for phone consultaions. Also when you call, let her know how urgent your situation is...she may do call backs accordingly. My Dr happens to be very good at returning calls and scheduling me in quickly if possible but I think I just lucked out and found one with whom I am very compatable.

As for tdocs, expect a lot of questions your first session, questions about your history, family, job, etc and most importantly why you are there. You may find some questions uncomfortable to answer at first, but hopefully you will like your tdoc and soon begin to build trust. You should feel free to tell your tdoc anything. You can't get real help unless you are really honest, even when it sometimes feels weird.

I hope that helps a little, I am sure others have more to add that you'll find helpful.

littlemascara
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Thu, 09-08-2005 - 7:39am

Hey Missy,

As for pdocs...they DO vary a great deal...mine doesn't do therapy, only meds...but she is wonderful at talking to me on the phone ANY time I need to talk to her and doesn't charge for it...she changes meds over the phone, whatever I need...I love my pdoc, and I've been going to her for four years now...the key is finding one you trust with your life, literally. You may have to shop around. I have seen other pdocs that I didn't like for anything and wouldn't trust with my DOG.

And as for tdocs, well, I just had my first appt last week with my new tdoc and I loved her too...I know INSTANTLY whether I am going to trust them or not. The last one I saw I hated, this one I really really liked. Lots and lots of questions that ARE uncomfortable to answer, depending upon your particular issue. Relax and do the best you can. It will all fall into place.

Best of luck.

How do you feel today? Take your meds?

Love you hon...hang in there.

Keli

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-10-2003
Thu, 09-08-2005 - 1:05pm

Hi Missy,

I, too, have problems with my Pdoc (my old one left and the new one just wants to add tons of meds... which I am very resistant to doing - I would like to try to be stable on the least amount of medicine possible, plus I just can't afford $800 per month for meds, but I'm having trouble communicating that to Pdoc...) I don't really have an answer for you except maybe try a new Pdoc? If you can.

As for Tdoc, I have my first appt next week. The Tdoc happens to be Pdoc's son (weird, huh?) Anyway, I am hoping that I can communicate better with Tdoc and get some kind of overall help which I feel is missing with Pdoc right now.

Hoping for the best...

Catherine