It was interesting. The Dr was going through my chart, he did not have any updates since about mid 2003.
I originally went to his office in 3/2001. I had depression so bad, I just layed on the couch all day, couldn't sleep at night. My trauma counselor at that time thought a sleep study might help. I had recently been on 13 prescription drugs, including antidepressants, antipsychotics, and lithium. They had cut back some by 3/2001, but I don't remember exactly what all I was taking, except that I took 80mg of prozac, and 100mg of doxepin every day. I think I was taking risperdal and remeron as well.
Then in 2003, my normal anxiety level was through the roof. My supervisor gave me a dirtly look, and I ended up in the e.r. with a panic attack. They refered me back to this neurologist, and he thought there might be something physically wrong. So I had an mri, eeg, and some other procedures that I don't know what they are called, with blinking lights. The mri showed that I had a stroke long ago. I think it might have been from a head injury when I was in the 3rd grade, but we'll never know for sure.
So last week, he asked me what I was taking, and I said mirapex, for the restless leg stuff.
Well what about prozac and all that other stuff.
I said I haven't taken any of that for several years now.
Why not?
I said I don't have PTSD any more, and I really don't need any of that stuff. I just need the mirapex, for restless leg.
I then gave him a brief account of what happened, and he was pretty surprised.
Believe it or not, I was a little nervous in describing this, and I had to ask myself later why should I be nervous.
I guess it might be because there is a bit of an emotional risk involved. I was telling a story of heart and soul, combined with something that is pretty unusual.
Nonetheless, he was easy to talk to, and showed genuine interest.
He could see my chart, it was right in front of him. He could see how I was before, it was there in black and white. Then to hear something new like this.
In my job, I talk to MD's all across our country. Occasionally, I will talk to one who is really at the top of his profession. I will ask the questions I am required to ask, then I just like to listen. Some of these people are so damned intelligent, it'd scare you.
This particular Dr, a neurologist, is one of those Dr's.
Anyhow, he said he wanted to pass this along to a psychologist who works with patients who have ptsd. I told him he was more than welcome to do so.
I am curious to see if he brings it up on our follow up visit this Friday.
We'll see.
