Went to see a new Psychiatrist today...

My appointment went really well today. I actually really like this doctor. She get's it, everything I was telling her, she understood. She also confirmed the diagnosis' that I got from my PCP and the psychologist. I do have PTSD, OCD, GAD, Depression, and Panic Disorder. BUT... she also said that I have Panic Disorder WITH Agoraphobia. So that's a new one to add to the collection (the agoraphobia that is).  I kind of thought I was heading in that direction again, but I guess I was in denial. 

She spent the whole hour with me, and never once tried to push the time which made me feel very comfortable, and she's got a great "bedside" manner.

So, I will be bumping up to 150 mgs, and she wants me to start it tonight. I have to go back to see her in three weeks to see how i'm doing on that dosage, if that's not working by then, she will have me go up to 200 mgs. She said I NEED a high dosage because i'm dealing with all different types of anxiety disorders, not just one or two anymore.

She also recommended Trazodone along with the Zoloft, but I declined. I don't want to have to take TWO anti-depressants, especially when they BOTH raise the serotonin levels. She also feels comfortable letting me continue the xanax, as I have been taking it, twice daily. But if I need a third on certain days where I feel more anxious, she said that's fine.

From this point on, she will be in control of my meds. She asked me if I just wanted to keep going with my PCP, but since he retired the end of last year, I don't really feel comfortable with the doctor that took over for him. I told her no, I'd rather deal with her when it comes to my meds. She also told me that if I do get approved for medical assistance, I should see a therapist. She told me I need extensive therapy!   I mean I knew I was getting pretty bad, but she confirmed it with that statement. LOL!

Sorry this is so long, just had a lot to tell you guys, and i'm excited to have finally found a doc that I like.

((hugs)) Fox

Post Edited (Fox7) : 4/26/2012 10:04:21 PM (GMT-6)

Foxy,

I am really glad that you liked your new P-doc. That is the first and most important thing...to feel a connection to your doctor/therapist...and to know that they are listening, understanding and 'getting' you!

I am glad that she recognizes your needs, and I wish you luck with your new med dosage. I am also glad that you spoke up and decided what was best for you as far as adding anything more at this time...you know yourself best, and you can give the new Zoloft level a go and see where you are at that point...no sense in doing too much at once...wise Foxy;p

Thanks for the update. You are going to beat this agoraphobia down...you are too 'Foxilicious' to be held back by it at home!  Your public demands you to be out there among them!. Lol! But seriously...you are gonna kick it in the booty...it will just take some time and work.:)

Talk to you soon,

S.C.

Thanks everyone!

SC, you made me laugh with the "Foxilicious" Thank you, I needed it!

Believe it or not, I JUST woke up about 15 minutes ago (11 am) Of course the increase last night has me feeling a bit crappy right now, but not too bad, nothing I can't handle until i'm adjusted. Of course the "what if" thinking got to me last night a bit about Serotonine Syndrome. LOL! It happens EVERY time I increase, I guess my OCD goes into overdrive.

I also wanted to ask if anyone knows about something called STOP therapy? I have never heard of this before. But while she was telling me I needed therapy, she brought this up, along with CBT.

Any info on it?

(((((((HUGS)))))))

Fox

Kitt,

I'm sorry to hear that you had to fire your therapist. That's the one thing I fear about finding a good one. There is no excuse for her "tearing you down" like that. They are supposed to be there to help build us back up!

But yea, i'm pretty much a hermit. I mean I can go to places that are about 10 - 15 minutes away from home without really freaking out, but any farther than that and i'm a ball of anxiety! Especially having to drive down the highway!   

I was in denial for a long time, but when I realized that I haven't gone to see my mother in a month, I kind of knew that I was going "there" again.

Like you, I have been in a horrible place lately, not feeling like talking to anyone, or being social. I just wanted to be left alone, under my rock.

But I will say that when I walked out of the psych's office yesterday. I felt so good! I felt like I made some progress, and that really helped boost me up. I am looking forward to my meetings with her, as she helps me to understand all of these "conditions" that i'm dealing with now.  

I hope you are able to find another therapist. One that is going to help build you up this time. As I've said before, if you ever need anyone to talk to, you can always email me.

It's really funny that we are so much alike, and I wouldn't mind sharing my "pod" with you Kitt. We GET each other! LOL!

Many big hugs coming your way,

Fox