Update on my mental health issues

orgasmictofu · 04-11-2006, 12:05 AM

So I FINALLY went to a doctor today about this general fuzziness I've had for the past couple years. He was very dismissive of my concerns, wouldn't let me finish what I was saying, and said "I don't know anything medical that could cause the symptoms you're describing". Ok, so should I see a mental health specialist? Nothing. He asked if I had gone to get my eyes checked and if I got glasses. If he had even looked at my face, he would have seen that I was wearing thick black framed glasses.

He requisitioned some blood work, basic cbc panel, plus thyroid and glucose for diabetes. He said it's probably just stress from school. He didn't even give me a chance to tell him that I have no stress from school per se as I have great trouble even sitting down to do school work. He told me get more sleep. Yes my sleep schedule is messed up, but I get at least 7 or 8 hours a night, usually more.

I have this inkling that he thinks I'm a hypochondriac. I've been to this clinic a number of times in the past little while. But they have been legitimate reasons. I've been a couple times to get scrips for my skin creams. I went when I had a headache for 5 days solid. I went when I was bleeding for over 2 weeks. I don't think these reasons were uncalled for. I don't like going to see a doctor. It's not enjoyable for me. I just want to figure out what the heck is wrong with me.

So where do I go from here? What if the blood comes back all normal and he just tells me to sleep more? I know I should see another doctor, but should I just make an appointment with a psychiatrist?

**annie24** · 04-11-2006, 12:26 AM

what are your symptoms?

I've been to doctors before and they do sometimes diagnose women, in particular with "bored housewife syndrome!" Yes, a doctor actually used those words with me! Even though I was a student, and not a bored housewife!!!

I don't know what is wrong with you - could be diet, mental, maybe a real chemical disorder, but definately get the help you need!

good luck

byates5637 · 04-11-2006, 01:04 AM

If i was a physician and someone came to me with the complaint of "years of general fuzziness" i would tell them to quit smoking so much pot.

orgasmictofu · 04-11-2006, 02:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by byates5637

If i was a physician and someone came to me with the complaint of "years of general fuzziness" i would tell them to quit smoking so much pot.

Good thing you're not a physician.

I don't smoke pot.

orgasmictofu · 04-11-2006, 02:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by annie24

what are your symptoms?

I've been to doctors before and they do sometimes diagnose women, in particular with "bored housewife syndrome!" Yes, a doctor actually used those words with me! Even though I was a student, and not a bored housewife!!!

I don't know what is wrong with you - could be diet, mental, maybe a real chemical disorder, but definately get the help you need!

good luck

I really think its ADD, I have some of the symptoms, low attention, always somehow moving even if it's just moving my foot, lack of focus (the "fuzziness"), easily distracted and easily bored, can't get organized etc etc.

But I went to the doc without that self diagnosis. I went in just describing my symptoms.

I've tried a number of things over the past couple of years, everything from eating meat, to eating more veggies, taking vitamins and supplements, exercising, more sleep, less sleep, quit smoking, quit socially drinking, tried organizational techniques and lots more. NOTHING has helped.

I'll get my blood tested tomorrow and maybe it's something that can be fixed with iron pills (though I doubt it, I've tried already).

americana · 04-11-2006, 09:07 AM

I've been dealing with this for ten+ years, you describe the symptoms perfectly. Don't know what it is, but it is a fun trip eh? All joking aside, try a new doctor, I did that so much that I was told I had to keep my current one for two years or my rates would go up. Keep working on it, and please keep me posted I would like to know.

RayKay · 04-11-2006, 09:23 AM

Tofu,

I would suggest you call your regular doctor back home - whom knows you better and would probably be less of a jerk - and ask her if she can either refer you to someone whom WILL help (like a mental health specialist) or if she can do a consultation over the phone for you.

If there is one thing I have learned about the health system here - is you have to be both your own advocate, and find a doctor willing to listen. There are lots of great ones out there, but there are also lots of ones whom seem to HATE their job and their patients even more, and are stubborn and resistant to being told they are wrong

I know my doctor is excellent at accomodating for things like that (and listening), which is why people whom have moved away from here actually often fly back for physicals with him! He loves his job, he loves medecine and it shows. I'll be one of those whom flys back forever...he better never retire

RayKay

byates5637 · 04-11-2006, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by orgasmictofu

I really think its ADD, I have some of the symptoms, low attention, always somehow moving even if it's just moving my foot, lack of focus (the "fuzziness"), easily distracted and easily bored, can't get organized etc etc.

Sorry if this sounds harsh, but your 'disease' is called being human. I think your worrying way too much about nothing. There are some people with cancer who could not afford insurance and now they are struggling to get medicane. Meanwhile people like you are driving insurance rate sky high because you are going to the doctor because you tap your foot and havn't been able to become the stereotypical robot american.

My mother is like you, always thinks every small deviation from the 'norm' means something is wrong and needs a doctor. She had me diagnosed with ADD as a kid and put me on just about every medicane out there. What a joke. ADD is just a term to describe people who are not content with the redundancy of american life, a way for the pharmacuetical companies to rape more money from people who always think they are not right. Maybe 1/1000 people diagnosed with ADD really have a problem.

So just try to accept who you are and stop trying to find out what is wrong with you. Remember if your biggest problems in life are moving your foot and lack of organization you have it pretty damn good.

NJRon · 04-11-2006, 09:52 AM

Byates, You're very astute. I hope you keep good office hours so I can just come to you for the truth about everything. It will be so much quicker than having to rely on the professional opinions of people who have degrees and years of experience in this stuff.

As for your issue OT... definately seek another opinion. I think it would be appropriate to find a physician that actually takes the time to listen to your symptoms instead of dismissing you.

**annie24** · 04-11-2006, 09:58 AM

byates - that is rather harsh. It could be anemia or a thyroid issue. Obviously, the fuzziness is real, if it is interfering with her schoolwork, whether it is chemical or emotional, she needs to figure out the root of it and solve her problem.

Fuzziness may not be a big deal for some, but if you are a student, your career depends on concentration!

It is entirely possible that all this is from stress from school. It is possible to be stressed and not know it. At which point, learning how to manage stress and your time would be worthwhile.

04-11-2006, 12:05 AM	#1
orgasmictofu Offline Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Canada eh? Gender: Female Age: 25 Posts: 523	Update on my mental health issues So I FINALLY went to a doctor today about this general fuzziness I've had for the past couple years. He was very dismissive of my concerns, wouldn't let me finish what I was saying, and said "I don't know anything medical that could cause the symptoms you're describing". Ok, so should I see a mental health specialist? Nothing. He asked if I had gone to get my eyes checked and if I got glasses. If he had even looked at my face, he would have seen that I was wearing thick black framed glasses. He requisitioned some blood work, basic cbc panel, plus thyroid and glucose for diabetes. He said it's probably just stress from school. He didn't even give me a chance to tell him that I have no stress from school per se as I have great trouble even sitting down to do school work. He told me get more sleep. Yes my sleep schedule is messed up, but I get at least 7 or 8 hours a night, usually more. I have this inkling that he thinks I'm a hypochondriac. I've been to this clinic a number of times in the past little while. But they have been legitimate reasons. I've been a couple times to get scrips for my skin creams. I went when I had a headache for 5 days solid. I went when I was bleeding for over 2 weeks. I don't think these reasons were uncalled for. I don't like going to see a doctor. It's not enjoyable for me. I just want to figure out what the heck is wrong with me. So where do I go from here? What if the blood comes back all normal and he just tells me to sleep more? I know I should see another doctor, but should I just make an appointment with a psychiatrist?

04-11-2006, 09:23 AM	#7
RayKay Offline Platinum Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Middle of Canada Gender: Female Age: 30 Posts: 13,270	Tofu, I would suggest you call your regular doctor back home - whom knows you better and would probably be less of a jerk - and ask her if she can either refer you to someone whom WILL help (like a mental health specialist) or if she can do a consultation over the phone for you. If there is one thing I have learned about the health system here - is you have to be both your own advocate, and find a doctor willing to listen. There are lots of great ones out there, but there are also lots of ones whom seem to HATE their job and their patients even more, and are stubborn and resistant to being told they are wrong I know my doctor is excellent at accomodating for things like that (and listening), which is why people whom have moved away from here actually often fly back for physicals with him! He loves his job, he loves medecine and it shows. I'll be one of those whom flys back forever...he better never retire RayKay __________________ [FONT=Comic Sans MS][COLOR=darkolivegreen][B]<--- [COLOR=sienna]Carbun the Super-Bunny[/COLOR][/B][/COLOR][/FONT] [B][FONT=Comic Sans MS][COLOR=#556b2f][/COLOR][/FONT][/B] [FONT=Comic Sans MS][COLOR=darkolivegreen][B]At the end of the day, how you imprinted on someones life and heart is the only true mark any of us leave on this earth and is what we are most proud of... [/B][/COLOR][/FONT][I][SIZE=1]- My Biggest Hero and Mentor: My Mum.[/SIZE][/I] [FONT=Comic Sans MS][COLOR=orange][B]Il faut d'abord durer [/B][/COLOR][/FONT][I][SIZE=1]- Ernest Hemingway[/SIZE][/I]

04-11-2006, 09:52 AM	#9
NJRon Offline Gold Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: New Jersey Gender: Male Age: 39 Posts: 3,242	Byates, You're very astute. I hope you keep good office hours so I can just come to you for the truth about everything. It will be so much quicker than having to rely on the professional opinions of people who have degrees and years of experience in this stuff. As for your issue OT... definately seek another opinion. I think it would be appropriate to find a physician that actually takes the time to listen to your symptoms instead of dismissing you. __________________ I just don't get it! She seems totally uninterested in me, despite my smothering obsessiveness! - Nathanial Mayweather I'm not the moose! Nor am I a certified advice giver of any kind... so take everything I say as my opinion... throw away what doesn't work and keep what does. - Me

04-11-2006, 12:26 AM	#2
annie24 Offline Super Moderator Join Date: Oct 2004 Age: 29 Posts: 26,824	what are your symptoms? I've been to doctors before and they do sometimes diagnose women, in particular with "bored housewife syndrome!" Yes, a doctor actually used those words with me! Even though I was a student, and not a bored housewife!!! I don't know what is wrong with you - could be diet, mental, maybe a real chemical disorder, but definately get the help you need! good luck

04-11-2006, 01:04 AM	#3
byates5637 Offline Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Age: 25 Posts: 452	If i was a physician and someone came to me with the complaint of "years of general fuzziness" i would tell them to quit smoking so much pot.

04-11-2006, 09:07 AM	#6
americana Offline Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: USA Gender: Male Posts: 6	I've been dealing with this for ten+ years, you describe the symptoms perfectly. Don't know what it is, but it is a fun trip eh? All joking aside, try a new doctor, I did that so much that I was told I had to keep my current one for two years or my rates would go up. Keep working on it, and please keep me posted I would like to know.

04-11-2006, 09:58 AM	#10
annie24 Offline Super Moderator Join Date: Oct 2004 Age: 29 Posts: 26,824	byates - that is rather harsh. It could be anemia or a thyroid issue. Obviously, the fuzziness is real, if it is interfering with her schoolwork, whether it is chemical or emotional, she needs to figure out the root of it and solve her problem. Fuzziness may not be a big deal for some, but if you are a student, your career depends on concentration! It is entirely possible that all this is from stress from school. It is possible to be stressed and not know it. At which point, learning how to manage stress and your time would be worthwhile.