Really Sick Of All The Doctors; Searching For A New Psychiatrist

[Lady of Longbourn]

I have been having trouble lately with my new psychiatrist. I saw him the first 2 appointments ( I think without any trouble but I honestly can't remember) but then next appointment was cancelled by him at the last minute and then rescheduled for 6 weeks out. Not having much choice I took that appointment and then 3 weeks until the appointment his office calls and reschedules the timing of the appointment and then they called yesterday and cancelled it all together and again rescheduled me for another 2 months out. The appointment was actually on the 27th but they told me he had an emergency. How to you know you are going to have an emergency 21 days from now?

I understand that doctor's have lives and things come up but his behavior is telling me that he is not reliable. In fact, he is turning out to be the most unreliable doctor I have ever had. I have no reason to believe at this point that he wont cancel the current appointment that is 2 months away. I know that if I did the same thing to him that his office would probably drop me. So I asked his office, which is a state-wide business chain of psychiatrist and therapist to be switched. They did but I have no idea who I am seeing. They didn't bother to tell me. All I think I know is that it is a female, I have no idea if she is a doctor or a nurse.

And then there is this terrible voice in my head telling me that it must be something I did/said to him. That maybe he is blowing me off for something said to him that he didn't like. I know this is from low self esteem becasue I can logical tell myself that I have done nothing wrong.

But all this is making me very upset with doctor's in general. I am now looking for a new one outside the chain and it is not turning out any easier then the last time I looked. I am feeling discouraged and have started to angrily ask myself if I really need the medication. I should mention that I have both PTSD and Bipolar Disorder, so quitting medication is a bad idea. But the dual-diagnoses doesn't help the search becasue not all doctors are comfortable with one or the other.

I have even been losing my patience with my therapist, who is sympathizing and trying to help me find a new med doctor. I don't have the strength right now to look for another doctor. My mood is too all over the place to focus on interviewing new ones. I don't want to do this all over again. But my therapist is asking me too and helping me and so is my husband so I am trying to stick with it.

Looking for support in my search.

 

[Tanishq]

Ayesha, that is rude to fix appointments first place and then canceling it all. It looks there is no meaning in fixing in first place. if you are going to cancel the appointment in first place, then why fix them in first place. I can see and obviously it will discourage the client at their own side.

I do understand that it is hard to find the support you need in this world.

Sending you big hugs :hug:

 

[Lady of Longbourn]

@Tanishq, thank you for your support. It is very helpful and needed.

Thanks. :)

 

[cherryblossom]

@Ayesha, as hard as it is to find a new psychiatrist, I think you are doing the right thing. Your latest doc is just too unreliable to be of any benefit. His attitude of so many cancellations is beyond rude.

I don't know exactly how things work in the US, but if you (or your insurance company) are paying for a service, then they should provide a timely service.

Good luck with your search - hopefully you will find someone who is right for you.

 

[ajmbt]

I'm angry for you that this doctor is so unprofessional. I pray that your search will quickly put you in touch with the doctor who is best for you.
(((hugs)))

 

[Seasounds]

I'm sorry you are running into this. It can be hurtful and discouraging when doctors don't keep appointments; when they make multiple schedule changes, it does leave their patients wondering, especially since you are needing them. You have done everything right. You are being respectful and your doctor is being disrespectful.

In fact, I think your doctor is being immature. I'm wondering what the doctor is wanting to communicate to you. Doctors, like patients, have to be willing to develop a relationship. When doctors haven't had the ability to say to me, "I'm not the best doctor for you and I would like to refer you," they have frequently cancelled on me. They should have had the professionalism to speak to me directly.

I think you have done the right thing, to move on. Obviously, you have more integrity than he does. There is a psychiatrist who will be able to help and respect you. Take your time, until you find someone who wants to work with you, while you are yourself.

My hunt for a psychiatrist, for a single diagnosis took a couple of months. Matching availability, insurance, and personalities, takes time. I can understand your challenge, with a duel diagnosis. Surpisingly, when I wanted med checks only, a psychoanalyst agreed. Later, through the grapevine, i found out that he also works with dual diagnosis.

You are worth it, to have a mature psychiatrist!

 

[Deleted member 1860]

The doc is unprofessional. Period. It is ALL on him, not you.

("Emergencies" don't spring up weeks in advance! How stupid does he think his patients are?)

I'm disturbed that the appointments were rescheduled so far out. This is unacceptable when a patient needs regular med checks. Mine are 6 months apart, but I only need refills on an as needed med.

 

[Lady of Longbourn]

Thanks for the support everyone. :)

I did call a few psychiatrists yesterday, asking if they are accepting new patients. I had one office tell me that their doctor is but he soonest is 4 weeks away. I almost asked her how long she has been at her job becasue only 4 weeks, that's not so bad! So I gave my name and information and they said they will review my case and get back to me.

 

[Tanishq]

Ayesha, that sounds good. :)

 

[Seasounds]

Great! Ask and look on the Internet, to find out how long they have been in their profession. I think, at least fifteen years of experience, as a psychiatrist (to be in their mid-forties), is optimal. By that age, they probably have had enough personal experience (of their pains in life), and enough clinical experience (to be knowledgeable of good treatment protocol), that they can be empathetic to your suffering, and to your healing process.

Your belief in yourself, and in getting good care is inspiring!:sneaky:

 

[Lucycat]

@Ayesha although I agree in part with all of the above I do have a slight hesitation in the defense of the canceling doctor.

I have a Doctor colleague who is 20 weeks pregnant and just gone off sick with bleeding. That is her personal emergency - she does have numerous clinics and appointments scheduled and rebooked in the hope that all goes well and she is able to return to work with a healthy baby with a very short maternity leave that she had planned after the due date. She is very much a specialist and it is not easy for someone to step into her shoes. It is incredibly frustrating for everybody and the only time cover was organised was for a very few weeks when the baby is actually due.

Another doctor colleague went off sick for a day last month with a migraine. His clinics were rescheduled then after a week he has been diagnosed with a brain tumour. With successful treatment he 'might' be back in November we have been told. Another personal emergency.

These 2 are both in the same team but with different areas of expertise. Their colleagues are under enormous stress to cover emergency clients.

I am just saying - your psychiatrist might be a lazy, inconsiderate sh*tbag, but he might also have a very real situation he is struggling to deal with in his personal life.

Whichever way it is I believe you are right to seek alternative support. His problem does not need to be your problem.

 

[Lady of Longbourn]

@Lucycat I do understand that doctors have things that come up. But at this point it isn't really an option for me to hang around and hope I get to see him in 2 months. It's starting to be fall and that is my worse time, so I really need someone dependable.