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

[Moonstruck]

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?

[romantic_thi3f]

Hey Moonstruck,

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

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?

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.

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?

- 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.

[Moonstruck]

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.

[Moonstruck]

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.

[romantic_thi3f]

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.