I've decided to Challenge my dx.........

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
I've decided to Challenge my dx.........
7
Mon, 01-16-2006 - 12:25am

Despite the fact that I realize that this could be denial I believe that isn't the case. With that said, I've decided to get a 2nd opinion on this. After very lengthy discussions with dh & a very close friend of mine, they agree with me in my belief that BP is an incorrect dx.

I do not argue that I have anxiety issues and I do not even argue the BPD dx but the BP I have MAJOR issues accepting. I just don't see it. I've been over and over it and still end up in the same place.

I also feel that my current provider is a pill pusher. She is a clinical pychiatric nurse w/ rx capabilities. For those of you who who don't understand lithium, theraputic level is .5 - 1.5 (blood level), When I took 2 pills am, 2 pm, my level was .6, just making the mark. At 2 am & 3 pm I was .9 For a while I dropped back to 2 & 2 because we were trying another mix which didn't work out and so I was on just the 4 pills daily and I was fine. Last time I was there she argued that at 4 pills/day my level was just theraputic so she pushed for me to go back to 5 pills/day and what she really wants from me is 6 pills/day. If at 2 & 2 (4pills/day) I am feeling fine, Why do I need to increase my meds? If you can answer this you are smarter than I am because it makes no sense what so ever to me. If I wasn't feeling fine I could see it but not if all is well. My provider is a p/tdoc but I almost never do therapy with her, it's always med management. The only thing she has taught me in the last year is how to pop pills.

I know I've talked to some of you about this before & I remember someone ......... Heather .... lol .... saying that my dr is a quack! Well I'm finally waking up Heather and going to get that 2nd opinion. I'm hoping to find a dr that can see me on a certain day this month so that dh can come with me. He's working days M - F this shift but has one friday off at the end of the month so I am aiming for that day, Wish me luck on that one. It's not always easy to get an appt. There is one dr in particular that I want to call, he's good but for that reason I might not be able to get in. I've printed the list of ALL of the providers covered by my insurance, over 200 providers in different fields and I'm going to find one that will see me.

There is a lot more to all of this but I don't want to bore you all in one huge email. I just know in my heart that this isn't right. I have issues and I know I do but I know exactly what they are, I just don't know how to fix them yet. I'm sure meds will remain a part of my life but I do not think to the extent at which they are now. I'm going to need help and I accept that. Meds + THERAPY

Hugs to all & thanks for listening
~Danielle

Hugs & Positive Thoughts Always,

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Mon, 01-16-2006 - 12:36am
A second opinion is never a bad thing where your health is concerned. Good luck to you, Danielle! (((hugs))) jan


 

 


 



iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Mon, 01-16-2006 - 12:40am
Thanks Jan. I just have to know. If I'm wrong, I'm wrong but I have to be sure. The medications I'm on do alter my chemical balance and that isn't something to take lightly. I've thought this through and you know I've struggled with it in the past. I've done my research and I'm ready to take this on now.

Hugs & Positive Thoughts Always,

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Mon, 01-16-2006 - 6:22pm
*bump*

Hugs & Positive Thoughts Always,

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Mon, 01-16-2006 - 8:20pm

(((Danielle))) As Jan already said, a 2nd opinion isn't a bad thing.

Sheri Ann

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Mon, 01-16-2006 - 8:41pm
Thanks Sheri Ann, Tomorrow morning begins the phone calls. I hope the first dr I call can take me, I'd really like to see him but if not I'll just keep on going until I find someone who is taking new patients and has experience in dealing with bipolar.

Hugs & Positive Thoughts Always,

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-07-2003
Mon, 01-16-2006 - 9:35pm
Danielle I wish you the best!! You have done extensive
research and I hope that you find the help you need!
Hugs! Judy
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Mon, 01-16-2006 - 10:22pm
Thank you Judy. All I want is answers to the questions I have from someone who is willing to give them to me in verbal form as opposed to pill form.

Hugs & Positive Thoughts Always,