topic When is it time to change GPs.? How do you go about it? in Treatments, health professionals and therapies

When is it time to change GPs.? How do you go about it?

Moonstruck — Sun, 25 Sep 2016 23:36:11 GMT

More than once, forum members have mentioned perhaps changing GPs who doesn't seem to "get" the seriousness of my anxiety which can spiral into panic attacks, paranoid thoughts about neighbours, obsessive thinking, depression. She has been with me since Day One of my near death medical experience years ago - surgery, referrals, blood tests, ultra sounds, all the physical aspects to keep me alive, liaison with specialists at Royal Brisbane etc. She has all that info at her fingertips and is very good at maintaining vigilance over my physical condition.

I did manage to get 5 or 6 free referrals to a psych which have now run out. The psych said I still needed more and she would recommend to GP that I continue. That was a couple of months ago but nothing has happened. Since last time the psych saw me, several traumas have happened to me and I have gone downhill badly - trying to cope with the aftermath. I am not on meds - GP advises against them.

I feel I desperately need to talk to, even cry for the whole hour all the tension, stress, fear, sadness and despair out of me but have no-one to do it with, or in the care of. I have run BB helpline a couple of times which is a release of tension for those moments, but I can't do that every day and talk for hours!

I told my GP a couple of days ago about a dreadful computer hacking experience I had - lost a lot of money - they took control of my computer, my life, my privacy. I feel threatened, unsafe, at risk, not sure what other authorities I should report them to, very confused, became very tempted to have a drink. (I can't drink due to health, it will kill me).....and feel I am about to fall into a million pieces on the floor!

If I go to another GP when do I start telling my story? How far back do I go? Will she need to know EVERYTHING about my medical experiences? All the preceding medical history? What about my medical records?

Or do I just start from Day One, where I am NOW, and I am feeling NOW and how I need to talk to a professional counselllor/psych NOW. What is the correct procedure? Should I tell my current GP I am looking elsewhere, out of courtesy, or is it a free world and I can do this if I wish?

When is it time to change GPs.? How do you go about it?

blondguy — Mon, 26 Sep 2016 00:16:00 GMT

Dear Moon

I know you have been in a world of hurt and the pain you have been going through too

I saw a mental health worker through my council that made me an appointment every week for six months when I had my severe anxiety. He was a legend and had me bawling my eyes out (venting)He gave me my life back

My mental health worker was a psychiatric nurse...and it was free and locally based. He was a legend because he had a huge interest in mental health...he was more dedicated than many psychologists/psychiatrists I have seen.

Moon said "I feel I desperately need to talk to, even cry for the whole hour all the tension, stress, fear, sadness and despair out of me"

There are free mental care professionals also available through major hospitals as well as councils too Moon

If you have a good relationship with your current GP, stay there. If you want to change you dont have to give them all your info but he/she will have to know your mental health background so they can help you more effectively

I do feel for you Moon....I hope you can find one of these mental health workers...you have nothing to lose and everything to gain 🙂

(HugeGentleHug) for you Moon

Paulx

When is it time to change GPs.? How do you go about it?

blondguy — Mon, 26 Sep 2016 00:28:36 GMT

Im really sorry to double post you Moon

Changing GP's does involve your new doctor obtaining your history from your current GP...Off memory I am sure you have to sign an authority for this to happen...

and no.....you dont have say anything to your current GP.....zero....just swap over

Paulx

When is it time to change GPs.? How do you go about it?

wantalife — Mon, 26 Sep 2016 00:47:30 GMT

Hey, your post kind of caught my attention a fair bit. GP's are GP's people are people, how a person defines them self (GP Wise) is to their own. If seeing a GP feels like a Macka's drive through ?? not good, if still living in the dark ages... more a detached councilor drawing decade old books from a shelf.. Not good. IN MY OPINION ONLY. more important, your meds.. If CNS related, get your but butt to a hospital and work it through from there. You'll feel heaps better, otherwise hard truth is meds are roller coaster and if out of wack... will give you a smack! right in the face.. Expression changes to any genetic form = Danger if not closely followed. Chin up, do what you need to do. Excuse me if I'm way off in sending a thought just hope you get it sorted.

When is it time to change GPs.? How do you go about it?

Wednesday — Mon, 26 Sep 2016 01:31:59 GMT

Hello Moon,

I think sometimes you just need to follow your gut. I also thing the we with chronic conditions can sometimes inadvertently get a raw deal from our Doctors, because they think they know us too well and at some point stop listening.

I changed doctors last year just to get closer to home. But has been a refreshing experience. My file is huge and the new doc read some and gave up, which was fine by me.

Recently I've been pretty ill, my physical health is very complex. I spent months saying I had a chest pain with my doc saying too much stress, but it didn't feel the way to me. a couple of weeks ago I saw another doctor in the practice and within half an hour I was in an ambulance on the way to hospital. I was in hospital for four days. I went back to the doctors and saw another member of the practice, nothing just take more of X and Z. A couple of days later I went back and again was transferred into the back of an ambulance to hospital for another week and the story continues.

What I'm trying to say is that a new, unencumbered, opinion is a good thing. The doctors all do their best but are human and come with all the terror and inadequacies we come with, being human is a trial!

For what it's worth my suggestions is that if you feel you have made it very clear to your current doctor how bad you are right now, you:

immediatly make an appointment with someone new
tell them what meds you are taking, be honest but you probably don't need to go back to far
explain how very desperate you are feeling and that you are not coping well and need psych help now
don't worry about telling your old doctor, this is your life

I love Paul's suggestion of a mental health worker to speak to, does your council offer this sort of service? Dear Moon another option would be to go to the emergency department of a nearby hospital, make sure you keep yourself safe.

Hugs dear Moon, xx

When is it time to change GPs.? How do you go about it?

MsPurple — Mon, 26 Sep 2016 04:12:59 GMT

Hi Moonstruck. I understand your struggle with finding a GP. When I went to get mental health help I wasn't happy talking about it with any of the GP at the practise I went to (not I was only going to be in Sydney for 9 more months till I finished uni). So I went to headspace as I felt more comforable. Blondguy felt more comfortable going through his council. I know these mightn't be relevant to you specifically, but I thought it would be good to let others know that other services and ways to get help are out there

I am about to move to Brisbane and I need to find a new GP. For me it is daunting so I get how you feel. I have seen lots of doctors in the last year because I have moved and had to start again (Went from Sydney to Melbourne, but melbourne was easier as I transfered headspace and went to my mums GP) Every time I see a GP I tell them my medical history just so they get a picture of my health. I would emphasis why you are at the appointment though and thats to get help for your mental not physical health. My physical health history isn't too long though so I don't tend to spend that much time on it. Maybe for your first appointment you can talk about your mental health concerns before going into your past medical history? You can also talk to the receptionist at the medical centre as well. WHen I booked an appointment I said it was for a mental health assessment and if she recommended a GP there that had an interest in mental health. She gave me someone that was unjudgmental and I felt reasonably comfortable (note I generally talk to my psychiatrist about it in detail, the GP just does check ins)

Sorry if I went off on a bit of a tangent. Hope some of this helps

Hang in there buddy.

When is it time to change GPs.? How do you go about it?

Moonstruck — Mon, 26 Sep 2016 05:39:45 GMT

You've all been wonderful in replying to me and caring enough to do so. Thanks so much.

I have to point out to Wednesday and Wantalife...you mentioned "my meds". I'm not on any meds, (wish I was sometimes!) my GP has always advised against them and won't prescribe any - she began seeing me primarily for my medical condition which is why I guess, these mental problems don't seem to matter as much to her - I don't think she realises how desperate I get sometimes.

Ms Purple, good to meet you and thanks for all your valuable info -I appreciate it a lot and yes it was useful to me - good luck on your move to Brisbane and finding a good GP.

BlondGuy you were lucky to have that psychiatric nurse who spent so much time with you over that long period...he sounds like an angel....unfortunately our Council has no such facility...which is why I have had the assessment with my GP to qualify for the 5 (or is it 6) free visits with the psych attached to their medical centre.

The psych recommended my continuing when the 5 visits were up and I completed another assessment form with the GP. She said it was "even higher than last time"....that was a couple of months ago and I have heard nothing more!

Last week when I went for a script refill, she didn't even mention it.....her reaction to my concerns and stress over the computer hacking etc was to listen politely...sort of "Oh Yes, that was bad luck" sort of thing.

I am beginning to think I am making a fuss about nothing, storm in a teacup, mountain out of a molehill...there are many others with much worse suffering than I am after all...The GP is probably getting sick of my whinging.

When is it time to change GPs.? How do you go about it?

Wednesday — Mon, 26 Sep 2016 07:45:18 GMT

Hello again,

Sorry I just don't get it. I'm also not a doctor. I am tho realy surprised that you are not on any meds, your anxiety seems to be quite high, for some very good reasons. So you saw a psychiatrist who also didn't prescribe any meds? Or maybe it was a psychologist who can't prescribe meds?

Moon do give some more thought to checking out a new GP. After all how are you going to play lawn bowls feeling like this?

When is it time to change GPs.? How do you go about it?

blondguy — Mon, 26 Sep 2016 14:11:30 GMT

Hi Moon, Paul just saying thankyou for posting back 🙂

I understand the free visits that you have run out of and your council has no facility for assistance too which is a pain. There is free mental health care available if you want it. I had to ask for it from my GP when I was in a bad place a few years ago....It was a community mental clinic that you can still book in to if you wish of course..

Your GP is not tired of you having a whinge (a vent)....You pay your GP's bills.....

I understand the pain you are going through Moon but there is free mental healthcare available....its just not as glamorous as a regular psychologist/psychiatrist. (it may be a an emergency ward but you will get the treatment you deserve)

Here for you Moon...Paul xx

When is it time to change GPs.? How do you go about it?

geoff — Mon, 26 Sep 2016 21:39:40 GMT

hi Moon, this is a good topic because it may go through people's mind when they believe that nothing has been successful, and the replies have all been very good, but to change doctors will depend on how loyal you feel you should be to your current GP or whether you feel it's time you want a change.
Being with a doctor for many years and has helped you thick and thin in all sorts of different ways, you may feel guilty to change, however this doctor may not be as astute as another doctor in handling any mental health issues as this is constantly changing everyday and perhaps a new GP who deals with depression and is interested in helping people maybe a good reason to change, although you could still keep your current GP if you want to.
My doctor handles all my health issues, but when it's something out of his depth and knowledge, he passes me onto some other doctor who specialises in that field, but he/she then reports back to my GP, so there are many different ways for you to address this.
If you start seeing a new doctor then you will have to sign a release form which authorises all your documents to be sent over to the new GP.
You could actually ask your current doctor whether or not they would mind if you go and see someone else, this could be a relief for them but didn't want to mention it because it may upset you.
The ball is in your court because whatever treatment you get is what you think is right, because in the long run it's your health that is the most important issue here, but you know that we are all here to support you in any way we can. Geoff. x

When is it time to change GPs.? How do you go about it?

romantic_thi3f — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 02:04:08 GMT

Hey Moonstruck,

Great replies here I thought I'd just add to the thread -

If you go to the GP at the same practice, they will have your medical records on file. If you decide to go to a GP at a different practice you can arrange for all your medical records to be transferred over. This will not cost you anything. That way you can just approach the issues concerning you now and your GP can look over older records as necessary.

- As a patient you have the right to talk to your GP about how you are feeling and request or suggest that things be done. Having dealt with illnesses for years I've learned that I need to be my own advocate. Request referrals/suggest medication. It might even be that if you're not mentioning it your GP is assuming everything is okay. Your GP can always say no, but you have the right to ask why.

- It's also possible for your GP to chat with your psychologist. Having that extra medical opinion can be useful especially if your psychologist either wants another referral or suggests medication. This might be worth suggesting.

- You do not need to tell your GP that you have decided to see another one. You have no obligation to them. I personally would try and talk to the GP first (given that they've been with you for a while) but if they are unwilling - then find someone who will help you in the way you need.

When is it time to change GPs.? How do you go about it?

Moonstruck — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 03:52:53 GMT

What I am considering doing is contacting reception, asking if the Psych is still intending to make an appointment for me in the near future, considering both she and I agree I need more sessions. she did pass that along to the GP who had me fill out a second assessment saying "It's even higher than last time". so I assumed I would wait (but not this long) for them to notify me of my next Appt with Psych....I think I may have gotten lost in the system.

Which is why I might ring direct to the Psych myself, (or as direct as I can get, via the receptionist, but at least leave a message and ask her to ring me back or whatever). If the 3 of us (GP, psych and me) agrees I need more sessions, why the long wait....with the other traumas that have happened in the meantime, I could have completely hit rock bottom while I am waiting.

A perfect scenario for me - maybe to retain this current GP for all my medical/physical/specialist referral needs.....and a separate one to discuss my mental health matters and arrange the psych appts......would this work? It seems fair to all.

When is it time to change GPs.? How do you go about it?

Moonstruck — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 23:58:14 GMT

Well it's a good thing I did ring the receptionist - apparently the next series of free visits is approved and psych is waiting for me to make an appointment! I thought the system worked another way but never mind - at least it has cleared that up so I will go back as soon as I can. A load has kind of been lifted a little bit already, just knowing I have someone to talk to.

I still have to get over this feeling, this perception that I am "being a nuisance". You see, more traumas have happened to me since my last visit - how can I tell her about these "new" situations without sounding like a "drama queen". I would rather be anywhere else than a Dr's surgery believe me...I don't get any thrill out of spilling my guts....and I'm afraid now that's what she's going to think....that I just like the attention or something!

I heard myself just this morning chatting to a neighbour, I sounded all cheery and friendly, listened politely, made all the right answers, I could "watch myself" sounding very together, calm and sure of myself, perfectly at ease and contented with life..........i was being the opposite of how I really feel!! No wonder people would not suspect I am teetering on the brink of exploding into a million pieces!! On "Are U OK" day....no-one asked me.

if they had, wouldn't they have gotten a shock, because I would have told them the truth!! that is not the "me" they know, they are not comfortable with "her" so I keep her hidden away.

When is it time to change GPs.? How do you go about it?

romantic_thi3f — Thu, 06 Oct 2016 23:40:58 GMT

Hi Moonstruck,

Thank you for posting and sorry about the late reply.

It's great that you can finally make an appointment! I can imagine it's been quite a hassle with all the referrals.

I do understand the feeling of being a 'nuisance' but know that this is exactly why the psychologist is here. A nuisance is someone who causes inconvenience or discomfort, and you are doing neither. If your psychologist truly thinks that you like the attention, then he or she is working in the wrong field!

One thing that I've found personally helpful is writing things down - I keep a journal (just for myself) where I scribble notes and thoughts, and that in itself helps me gather my thoughts a bit more. I also write a few things on a note before my appointment. That way I know for myself what has to take priority or what feels more important. Maybe this would be helpful for you too?

I'm sorry nobody asked you if "you were ok". I personally like the idea but I think it's taken too lightly - too many people are not okay and we feel like we have hide it and put on a happy face!

All the best with your appointment with the psychologist; I hope they are helpful.