Doctor Appointment Tomorrow What Do I Expect?

[Adrian2016]

I was diagnosed PTSD 2 weeks ago by my therapist. I have been counseled by her to go see my primary doctor to get blood tests and things of that nature done to make sure I have no physical ailments as well. I have been experiencing severe digestive problems and pain. Muscle aches, twitches, spasms. I only sleep through the night when I smoke copious amounts of marijuana. Otherwise I will take hours to pass out, and wake up from a nightmare about every other hour throughout the night. I sometimes have a racing heart and cold sweats when this happens. My question is, aside from the tests, what will this doctor visit be like and what will it entail 2 weeksafter my diagnoses? I am very anxious over this.

 

[Powder]

Should be a normal appointment.

I understand being anxious about disclosing a diagnosis of PTSD to a medical professional, but keep in mind, they see and hear everything.

They really don't care what you have written on the chart. They are just people.

All they care about is how you treat them, and if you're nice to them, they like you. Simple.

Your anxiety levels sound very high right now. You should ask them for stress reduction advice for your condition and perhaps a referral for medication management with a trauma specialist or psychiatrist versed in PTSD.

I hope getting this all done sets your mind more at ease.

 

[dnp]

@Adrian2016 Have you been able to try prazosin for your nightmares and sleep disturbance?

 

[Adrian2016]

@Adrian2016 Have you been able to try prazosin for your nightmares and sleep disturbance...

No is it non addictive? I have been using medical marijuana with success but it is rather expensive..

 

[dnp]

No, it's not addictive at all. It blocks norepinephrine. It doesn't affect GABA receptors in the brain (as do some addictive meds). It's a blood pressure med that was found in VA studies to stop trauma nightmares and hypervigilance. It's helped many people (including myself). The primary concern is possible low blood pressure.

 

[Adrian2016]

My T had mentioned that the doctor may suggest medication, she specifically said antidepressant and something to help me sleep. I wouldn't object to a good antidepressant if she thought necessary. That prazosin sounds very interesting...I think I could deal with that...yeah no benzos or zolpodiems though :) thank you that actually sounds like it may be a good option hopefully she will bring it up I plan to flat out deny any offers of the addictive heavy ones

 

[dnp]

If she isn't familiar with PTSD she might not know about prazosin. You might have to bring it up. You can read about the VA studies online.

 

[Crow]

Please ask for a referral to a psychiatrist specializing in PTSD before you accept any medication. Psychotropic drugs aren't a primary's specialty. They (primary) can do more harm than good.

 

[Neverthesame]

Before I was diagnosed. I saw a GP at some random clinic because I had become so symptomatic, I wasn't able to fake it anymore. I was "diagnosed" with depression. (I cherry picked the symptoms I wanted the doc to hear, left out the anxiety symptoms). I figured I could get by on that. And I thought I knew more than a physician. Had I bothered doing some research, maybe. But I half assed it a bit too much.

The clinic doctor handed me a few boxes of Paxil. Seems that the Pfizer man had been by to give them free hand out drugs. Ha, joke was on me I guess.

Wound up being strung out on a drug that made me worse. A drug which still out of everything I've ever taken, had the worst discontinuation syndrome I have experienced.

Granted, most of this was my own dumb fault. But that doctor should never have prescribed a walk in that drug, after a 5 minute visit.

Best thing I can suggest is what has already been said here. Be honest, and research everything you are prescribed.

As for Prazosin, totally. I would definitely recommend asking about that. Surprisingly effective. Non-narcotic, non-addictive and cheap. If you are prescribed it, when they tell you, to stand up slowly for the first few times you take it. Listen to them, it's good advice.

Good luck with your appointment. You should be fine. Two weeks after is generally just a follow up. Same as if you break a bone. It's not to be hard on you, just to make sure that nothing they are suggesting as help, is making you worse. If it is, then it can be adjusted or changed.

I've also yet to meet a doctor who acts weird about an anxiety disorder. It's not like it is unusual for people to have mental issues. Keep breathing, you'll be ok. :tup: