Why is nothing ever easy?!?!

[QueeTheBean]

So, I went to see my GP--I'd been feeling depressed and losing weight to boot. I kept putting off going, but Monday, I passed out with my 12-mo in my arms and got scared enough to go in and see her. (He's fine, btw)

She had me get a whole bunch of tests, and everything came back negative. She told me Monday that I couldn't take Zolfot and nurse, but today said it would be ok. She gave me a script for 25 mg and told me to come back in 4-6 weeks.

Here's my problem. She didn't ask me anything at all about how I was feeling--how bad it was--no details at all. I thought it was weird. I told her I'd been on Zoloft successfully, but that it had been 5 years ago. She just sort of saw me for a few mintues and wrote the script. Not sure if I really have depression or not, and now don't know whether to get the dang thing filled or not. It's like I came in and asked for a small coffee, no cream, no sugar--you know??

Feeling low today, and this whole episode just confused me more. Am I making sense??

[Jish]

DJ, it sounds to me like you need to see a psychiatrist. My internist blew me off for so long as I continued to sink deeper and deeper into a pit. If you have read any of my posts here you will know that it took two emergency room visits and a six day stay in the Psych unit for me to be correctly diagnosed and treated. DO I even need to tell you that woman is not my doctor anymore. She never even checked on me in the hospital, or called to check on my condition, even though she knew I was in the hospital. GRRRRRR.

If I were you I would start taking the Zoloft, but make an appointment with a Psychiatrist at the same time. Get in as soon as you can. They will be able to diagnose you correctly and ensure that the dosage you are on is good. GP's are not trained to deal with, dare I say it, mental illness (I hate that term cause I consider myself to have a "chemical imbalance" -- that sounds much better, doesn't it.) They don't know how to correctly diagnose, and how to medicate for depression. My Pdoc is great about answering my medication, side effect questions, and ensuring that I'm doing okay and not disguising my symptoms. I feel so good knowing that whatever I tell him about my symptoms, he won't think I'm crazy cause he's heard much worse. I deal with anxiety also and I love that he understands how frustrating it can be to know I am being ridiculous in my thinking, but I just can't stop myself. Or when I tell him that I just can't seem to care about anything, get motivated or get my rear off the couch. He understands the apathy I feel and validates that it is normal with the disease.

I never felt this from my internist. Please let us know how you are doing. We are all her to support and listen.

[QueeTheBean]

Thanks.

Sorry to hear of your own struggle with depression & I am inspired that you were able to make it through and are being treated right now (in every respect!)

I'm just in a bad state of mind right now and don't know if I am being practical and reasonable or irrational and obstinate. I truly truly don't. The logistics of arranging child care, etc. to go in for an appointment, not to mention choosing a doc., etc. seem overwhelming to me right now.

Am going to try to rest this weekend and hopefully feel up to thinking clearly on Monday.

Thanks for "listening"--I haven't even told my husband about Friday's doc. visit--just don't feel like dealing with anything, you know?

Donna

[Foobar]

Donna-

First,
Second, I think it would be time to bring your DH into this. I am finding that my DH is my best therapy in the world. He really supports me when I am down.

Third, although the hassels of arranging care is painful, see if you can manage it to see someone other than your internist. I think you need to see someone who specialises in this to get some help.

I wish things were easier. I just took my dd with me to my appointments. I know that must be much harder with 2.

[SarahShrader]

Donna,
I completely hear what you're saying with the whole neglectful doctor thing. I can't believe how many unhelpful doctors are out there! I agree with the others in that you def should see a doc who will take time with you and knows more about meds. I have been bfeeding w/ zoloft for 6 mos and thank goodness. It has been a sanitysaver!

Take those kids with you to the doc. A GOOD doc will understand and even EXPECT you to have your babies with you.

Keep us updated. I'm thinking about you.

sarah

[mama2girls]

I agree, take the kids with. I had to do that just last week for an apt. with my psychiatrist. I figured at least he understands some of my stress when my 2.5 yo keeps trying to leave the room despite my efforts to have her sit (sort of) still. I'm also on Zoloft and nursing, previously on Paxil through bfing and pg. I started Zoloft at 25 for one week, 50 for two weeks and now am at 100 (for about two weeks) and I think it's just right. I am very sensitive to medication and was surprised at how much I needed. Be open to increases in your meds.

[Jish]

I go with my kids too. I have taken my 4 1/2 year old and my 2 year old. My Pdoc (psychiatrist) is so good with them. He tells me that there isn't anything in his office that can't be replaced. I usually take those magic markers that color only on that special paper for my four year old. He thinks they are so cool so I save them for just that type of thing. It also ensures that there are no marker marks on the doctor's floor, couch, wall, etc. If I have only the two year old I take the markers or books or little toys for him to play with. I have a few things like this little mickey mouse camper that has three of the mickey characters and a little minivan/camper thing that one side folds down to play and stores everything inside. Very convient.

How are you feeling today?

[OnTheFence]

Re: Why is nothing ever easy?!?!

Originally posted by djschrader


Here's my problem. She didn't ask me anything at all about how I was feeling--how bad it was--no details at all. I thought it was weird. I told her I'd been on Zoloft successfully, but that it had been 5 years ago. She just sort of saw me for a few mintues and wrote the script. Not sure if I really have depression or not, and now don't know whether to get the dang thing filled or not. It's like I came in and asked for a small coffee, no cream, no sugar--you know??

Feeling low today, and this whole episode just confused me more. Am I making sense??

I wanted to say that I agree with some of the other posters in saying you need to see a different professional. No one should blow off a women who is having problems with PPD.
Also, your baby is a year old, so I dont see why she said what she did about the Zoloft and nursing at this stage of the game. Some doctors are more cautious. I think it is up to you to decide if you are willing to take the risks. I would get it filled, start taking it, and see someone else ASAP. I will send positive vibes your way. I have been there and done that and now wear the t-shirt.

[QueeTheBean]

Thanks everyone. Still feeling crappy and unsure of myself. I guess you all understand, though, right? It is weird, we just got new ins. cards in the mail because our system switched to a different mental health group. Hmm. Is that a sign or what??

Thanks for the support. I'm inching closer to teh phone & will let you know when I call.

[Jish]

Keep us posted, DJ. We are all here for you and hoping that you find the help you need soon.