I don't know what I have done wrong..........

[Marg61]

Today is my birthday and instead of celebrating, I have one hell of headache and I am feeling like crap. I've just been to see a new doctor at the same medical centre I've been going to for a couple of years (so she had access to all my notes). After explaining to her the reason for my visit - I cant stop crying all the time, I'm feeling anxious and stressed all the time, generally not coping with life in general, and whether these feelings are being made worse by hormonal changes. I also explained the reason for coming off the antidepressant medication I was previously taking (it was agreed by myself and a previous doctor who is no longer at the clinic it was time to 'ween' myself off). All I've been offered was the same medication I was on previously, go for a walk and come back and see me in 3 weeks if I'm still feeling sad. Because I sat with my head bowed (trying to hide my frustration and increasing anger), she then decided I may like to see a Psychologist - yes, I was also on a mental health plan (didn't she read my notes????). The other suggestion was go for a walk each day, which I do... Hormonal issues not addressed.

What is it with doctors? I found 2 really good doctors at this clinic (both have left because they were only registrars on 12 month contracts) and now I get lumbered with this disinterested doctor. I feel as though I am banging my head against a brick wall. I went to the doctor's for some help and advice and came out feeling as though I had been shafted. Maybe I was expecting too much. Perhaps more of a 'this is what we can do together' attitude, I'm sick of fighting this on my own. It is just so hard. I know I don't want to be taking pills all the time........

Am I expecting too much?

[Damien]

Hi Marg,

I'm sorry to read that your birthday was sad.  It's sad when any day is as frustrating as yours but when it's a birthday that just seems to add to the suck.

I have come across doctors in my local area who are both good and bad.  Happily for me my doctor is great and cannot do enough to help me.  On the other hand the GP my parents both see is useless, telling my mum to "try taking two tablets", and suggesting it wasn't worth the bother to try to see a psychologist as there is such a long waiting list "in this town".  (My GP put me straight in and I've seen a Psychiatrist twice.)

There is no advice I can give, other than the standard "stay brave and keep trying", but I can assure you that your expectations are not excessive and you should be able to access the help you have asked for.

Happy Birthday!  🙂

[geoff]

dear Marg, there are a couple of problems here which you have said, 1 doctors not much help, and 2 taking antidepressants.

I don't know your age but hopefully some females can comment on that part more than I can.

It seems as though you need to change doctors, so click on 'get support' at the top of this page, and start from there, or come onto web chat and discuss this with them.

You are in depression and should continue your medication, but this doesn't necessarily mean that you will need them for the rest of your life, nobody can answer that at this stage, I know that I will be taking them for the rest of my life, but a few extra pills is of no concern for me as I take so many now, it puts me on the safety net early in the year.

Do you know where these registrars have moved to, so that you maybe able to contact them, and what I do know is that hormonal changes can affect the female, and please no shoes to be thrown at me, only saying. L Geoff. x

[Marg61]

Thank you Geoff and Damien for your replies. Geoff, I'm not going to throw shoes - I'd never throw shoes at a Jack Russell owner! 🙂 I have settled down somewhat since my post, but am still feeling really let down - no discussion about dosages, possible alternative therapies etc...

I will not be going back to see this doctor again! Geoff, one registrar is now working in in a rural area, the other has taken up a teaching position. I have not ruled out the mental health plan and pills. 

I guess I will just pick myself up and start again... Tomorrow is another day....

Thank you again Geoff and Damien...

PS Thanks also to Beyond Blue for providing a forum that allows people to vent and get the support they need.