Anyone else struggle with finding good doctors?

So a little bit of my depression back ground history. I am a 29 year old female and I was diagnosed in high school with depression after a few month long battle with mono at the beginning of my second year of high school. I was in and out of school that year and went into a partial program. The only meds that gave me some kind of relief was Effexor.

Because those doctors were for pediatric I no longer saw them after the age of 21. A little over a year and a half ago, my general doctor tried switching me off Effexor and on to Wellbutrin. He tried to do so over a 2-3 week period. Let me tell you the only way I can describe it is withdrawals like trying to get off crack. (I have never done any type of drug like that ever) The withdrawals were extreme. And on top of this, I was working full time, going to college classes part time and two months later my grandmother died. I am amazed that I got through my class and passed with what was going on.

Anyway I am still on Effexor and also taking Lyrica for my fibromyalgia. I have left my primary doctor for that poor judgement and not taking me off the meds properly. I have gone to another general doctor who I am now also very unhappy with and am searching for a new general because she didnt believe me about my depression symptoms and also my fibro symptoms.

I saw another doctor to handle my meds and I felt like I was just another number on their list. I was in the office at most 5 minutes at a time, "heres your meds, goodbye." No talking about how things are going with meds, different meds to try, nothing. I have since left that doctor and am searching for another.

I am now very fed up with the lack of care by doctors and I am getting to the point where I have lost faith and trust in doctors. Does anyone have any problems like that?

You are probably seeing a psychiatrist, it sounds like anyway... They usually only dispense meds. Though my psychiatrist talks to me for a few minutes. See a psychologist if you want talk therapy. Talking really does help.

I took Effexor for many years and it was a good antidepressant, but yes it is hard to go off of. I went to pristiq from Effexor and it was much easier...

Welcome to the forum.

Best wishes...

Hugs, Karen...

Sorry, Trina, but I do have to ask this, since we have to be our own advocates and educators with our illnesses.

Why do you term fibromyalgia by age 29 as being a red flag? I guess I do not understand what you mean by red flag. Perhaps that the onset of one of the invisible conditions at such a young age can be very difficult for many. It becomes hard(er), and so most patients respond well to talking with someone about acceptance and loss.

I was diagnosed at 34. I was lucky, because my sister had been diagnosed about a decade earlier and I was fibro-educated. I had a much shorter learning curve than most. I knew what doctor to see, what to expect, and had a good start as to what medications/life changes were going to be necessary.

There was no clear trigger. At the beginning of a spring semester, I did a research trip, had my oral defense, was into writing phase of my dissertation, and was teaching and doing a show. Nothing bad happened, no accidents, no larger-than-normal stresses. I just started noticing lots of aches, poor sleeping, waking in the morning feeling as if I had been beaten, and lots of fatigue. I went through the testing and was diagnosed by early summer. And, yes, it took time to figure out a regimen to follow, and start to set limits. But one thing I have insisted on is that I don't stop doing things I want to do, just because I might feel bad after.

LOL, now this is clearly back to OP. SoMac, I was on effexor and then the psych added wellbutrin, and I found the combination to being really helpful. Another thought-how long have you been on lyrica? All the fibro drugs can increase depression. Cymbalta was a bad experience for me.

Hi SaMac,

I don[t think all fibro drugs cause depression. Just the opiates. Lyrica or Cymbalta shouldn't cause depression.

I am sorry you had to go to the ER. I am glad you got in a program though.

I hope you are feeling better...

Hugs, Karen...

Hi Myself,

I in no way wanted to imply a generality or lessen the impact that fibro makes in ones life.

I can only state what effected my life, and what I have seen in others close to me in therapy or support groups. I have seen reduction in symptoms when past traumas are dealt with. Thus the red flag.

I did not mean to imply that this was a cure all for everyone.

Peace
Trina

i am treating my self. if i get really bad again i will find another dr. but for now i am doing fine. stjons wort and buspar as needed