Would you switch to another doctor? (long)

[wrathofkuus]

I don't think the doctor sounds like a problem here.

[pooh8402]

Mar 29, 2013 17:29:09 GMT -5 mofongo said:

I have TMJ - my dentist made me a night guard, I don't know what a PCP could do for TMJ. My dentist said if the night guard didn't help I'd have to see an oral surgeon or something like that.

It's weird she wouldn't do a pap or breast exam. Also weird she didn't do general lab work.

I'm surprised she prescribed that much Xanax, not surprised she won't refill.

I would go see your ob/gyn and get an annual.

I would call the dentist back about the TMJ.

Maybe see a psychiatrist for the anxiety, Xanax is not a permanent fix.

hope you feel better:)

All of this. Most of what you're asking for are not really PCP issues, imo. I wouldn't ask my PCP for any of that.

Sent from my SPH-L710 using proboards

[ProfessorArtNerd]

I think the pcp wanted to kind of pass your case onto a psychiatrist or therapist and the Xanax was a bandaid for the problem? I don't know if I'd expect my doctor to remember me between visits without seeing me, but if its important to you, go elsewhere.

[shopgirl07]

If it's been 50 days since you got 60 pills of Xanax and now you're out, you're using them very regularly. I can see why the doctor or nurse would be concerned and would want to see you.

If you feel the doctor doesn't listen to you then yes, find another but I absolutely see why she wants to see you next week.

[goaskalice]

I second the night guard from a dentist, mine changed my life. It does sound like she didn't listen to you, but there were a few issues that aren't PCP area of expertise and she should have explained that to you and suggested you see the correct people for it, rather than brush you off.

I did get my lexapro from my PCP because I went to a therapist instead of a psychiatrist. But, my therapist recommended the pills and my PCP wrote the prescription. There has to be a better drug out there for you besides Xanax.

I hope you get it all sorted out. Anxiety is not fun, I totally understand that it's a feat in itself getting up the courage to ask about medication, but I would find a good therapist/psychiatrist to help you deal with it.

[Deleted]

If it's been almost two months, why have you not seen a therapist yet? Do you have an appointment scheduled to see one?

[karmasabiotch]

I've never heard of a PCP doing a pap/breast exam. I go to the gyno for that

I got to a Dentist for TMJ

A therapist should handle the anxiety

A decent Dr. should question Xanax use and have you come back for a follow up, especially considering it was the first time you were there. They don't know you aren't an addict who Doctor shops.

Also my PCP has my gyno do my annual blood work because insurance won't cover it twice per year unless its to address a specific issue or concern.

If you didn't click with the Dr. It's ok to find a new one. I hope you feel better and get your concerns addressed.

[motzie]

I find it strange you expect a PCP to perform a pap and breast exam.

If you don't feel comfortable there, find someone new. You should like your doctor and not have any fears about being able to go to them or reach out when you are in need.

[SKP82]

What Monfongo said.

[shopgirl07]

To be fair, my PCP does my paps and breast exams. It's not uncommon.

[karmasabiotch]

Mar 29, 2013 17:52:05 GMT -5 AutumnRose25 said:

Mar 29, 2013 17:47:29 GMT -5 @pixiechinchilla said:

If it's been almost two months, why have you not seen a therapist yet? Do you have an appointment scheduled to see one?

I have one scheduled in April.

I just got my first paycheck from my new job this week so I had scheduled it out for when our cash flow would be better again ( I was unemployed when I saw the doctor and I had told her at that point that I would not be able to see anyone until after I got a new job)

Asking for a refill for Xanax with a new Dr. raises a red flag. I've been going to my PCP for 20 years and if he thinks Im going through them to fast he will call me to see what the deal is.

[karmasabiotch]

I'm on my phone. Freaking auto correct. I really do know how to spell.

[motzie]

Mar 29, 2013 17:54:43 GMT -5 AutumnRose25 said:

Mar 29, 2013 17:50:25 GMT -5 motzie said:

I find it strange you expect a PCP to perform a pap and breast exam.

If you don't feel comfortable there, find someone new. You should like your doctor and not have any fears about being able to go to them or reach out when you are in need.

The only paps and breast exams I've had have been through my regular doctor, I've never had a separate Gyno/OB

Yeah, this is weird. Unless you are in a one horse town or something. Find an OB, especially if you are ttc.

[psychmom]

Since it was your very first appointment with her, I'm not surprised she didn't remember the whole conversation you had 50 days ago.

I would be more concerned if a pcp was filling scripts at request for addictive drugs like xanax.

Could it be possible you're a little overly sensitive here? Have you spoken to a psychiatrist lately?

[Deleted]

I'm not TTC, and I have gotten a Pap at a PCP. Mine also did bloodwork, because that is what a PCP is supposed to monitor in my experience. I have thyroid issues and OB/GYNs don't like to prescribe for those unless it is an emergency. So I find it weird they wouldn't do those things.
I also get my AD through my PCP.

As for the Xanax, I agree with mofongo. Not surprised they were concerned, as it sounds like you are taking it frequently.

If you don't feel like the doctor is listening to you after the next appointment, switch. Some Drs. have better bedside manner than others and it sounds like you want one you can connect with better. There is nothing wrong with that. I would also speak to your therapist about considering a psychiatrist, who can help you manage your anxiety better through meds.

[rupertpenny]

If you are worried about anxiety during pregnancy I don't think Xanax is the best interim solution. I don't think Xanax is allowed during pregnancy but it is increasingly more common for women to stay on their regular ADs. My OB just told me yesterday that new research is showing better outcomes for mom and baby when mom continues medication for depression and anxiety during pregnancy.

Anyway, I am not a medical professional, so my advice is purely anecdotal. I think you need to find a psychiatrist/therapist and an OB/Gyn ASAP. If you want to get pregnant soon you might as well find someone you like NOW so you don't have to worry about it later.

[snakeoiltanker]

As far as your treatment being compartamentalized. I'd like to add this anecdote for what it's worth.

Yesterday I saw my Gyno/Ob. She has been treating me for over ten years, I love her and trust her with my health completely. Something different happened during our visit though. When I tried to talk to her about some problematic symptoms I was having. She stopped me and said because of new health care laws, the visit we were having was strictly an annual. She said it didn't have co pay which is great, but it also limits what she can address and treat during the visit. She also made sure I knew she could never prescribe my anxiety meds again ( she had briefly during the post partum period). She told me to make sure I had a psychiatrist to prescribe any of those Rx's.
She did make a follow up visit for me to discuss all of my concerns, and she ordered bloodwork so we'd be one step ahead when we meet next week. So I diddnt feel slighted by her, but maybe like her hands were tied regarding some things.

[berbles]

My PCP has always done my pap/breast exams. The only time she had to send me to the gyn was to have an IUD placed. When I had that removed it was my PCP who did it.

My therapist also recommended Lexapro/Wellbutrin and I went to my PCP to get the script.

My PCP has also prescribed Xanax and Vicodin for me. Periodically, when I request a refill, the doc or her MA will call me to chat about how often I'm using it, what I'm taking it for, if I think something more serious is going on that warrants a visit. Don't take that part personally.

[Deleted]

Mar 29, 2013 17:29:09 GMT -5 mofongo said:

I have TMJ - my dentist made me a night guard, I don't know what a PCP could do for TMJ. My dentist said if the night guard didn't help I'd have to see an oral surgeon or something like that.

It's weird she wouldn't do a pap or breast exam. Also weird she didn't do general lab work.

I'm surprised she prescribed that much Xanax, not surprised she won't refill.

I would go see your ob/gyn and get an annual.

I would call the dentist back about the TMJ.

Maybe see a psychiatrist for the anxiety, Xanax is not a permanent fix.

hope you feel better:)

This.. all of this.

I have tmj. I have a nightguard
I also had anxiety issues. I took Zoloft for many years.  My PCP would refill my zoloft. I have never taken a xanax in my life. not saying you don't need it.. but I am sure the doc isn't comfortable with refilling that if you aren't under the care of a psych

[Deleted]

Mar 29, 2013 17:50:25 GMT -5 motzie said:

I find it strange you expect a PCP to perform a pap and breast exam.

If you don't feel comfortable there, find someone new. You should like your doctor and not have any fears about being able to go to them or reach out when you are in need.

FYI my PCP will pap and breast exam. I have a gyno so I don't use them but they offer it