What to expect at first "real" doctor visit - Bipolar Disorder Message Board

mommaboyz · 07-13-2006, 04:01 PM

My family doc gave me a bipolar dx a few months ago. But now I think its time to see someone who deals in bipolar as a profession. I have an apt in 6 days next wed. Im not sure what to expect other than a test of some sort im sure. They said my first apt will be 1.5 hours long. What will they do? I know they will ask me questions about my moods,life ect but is that it? And should I ask them anything? thanks

MillaRose · 07-14-2006, 10:02 PM

Hi There

For your first appt the doctors usually ask you the same thing in a million different ways. It's frustrating really. I was diagnosed at 16 and I'm 31 now and they haven't come up with any differrent questions yet

It's definetly nothing to be worried about. They'll ask How are your moods, do you have trouble sleeping, Do you enjoy things as you normally do, do you spend too much money, and my personal most hated question: Are you more interested in sex than normal. I was a virgin untill almost twenty and they asked me that question from age 16 on.The most important thing is that you let them know how you are doing in you're own words and don't let it end at their questions. You are a consumer and you need to ask ten times more questions than them in order to feel good after you leave the doctors office.
Take care, and i guess literally, keep us posted

Milla

Tweetyone · 07-16-2006, 02:03 PM

momaboz, i agree with millarose, my first visit i was very anxious, didn't know what to expect. but you know what i'm glad i went because i have been feeling better. more like my oldself. today i'm down but i know there's another day coming and i will cheer up. also i see doc on wenesday too! now i enjoy going because he can tell me if i really have a reason for being down or do i need to change my medication dose or is now the time to add another one or change all together. at least i'm happy i have been dx.
hand in there and remember he's there for you! and you will get better

my two cents,
tweetyone,((linda))

mommaboyz · 07-16-2006, 06:49 PM

Thanks for the replys. Thats another question actually. Is this kind of a doctor you go to a few time thing? or weekly? as needed what? What do they do at all the other visits? and what does pcdoc mean? thanks again.

goody2shuz · 07-18-2006, 03:12 PM

Hi, Mommaboyz

It may take a few sessions to evaluate.....I am only going by what happened with my daughter which happened to be a followup after a hospitalization. Once you are evaluated the amount of followups will all depend on whether or not you are perscribed meds. I believe pdoc refers to psychiatrist or perscribing doctor since he is the one monitoring your meds. A tdoc = therapist.

Anyway....if you are perscribed meds you may have to see the pdoc on a weekly basis depending on the way the doctor works. They will want to monitor you while on a new med so the frequency will all depend on how the doctor prefeers monitoring you....some will do it by phone while others will want to see you. Once you are somewhat adjusted you will need to see the pdoc on a monthly basis, that is, unless you are a long standing patient and he feels comfortable perscribing the med/meds over a 6 month period. I guess that is a question you can pose to the pdoc on your first visit.

It wouldn't hurt to write your questions down....there is nothing wrong with asking any questions you may have.

So the pdoc basically evaluates, diagnoses, and perscribes the meds and follows up with monitoring your overall response to them. Your initial visit is what takes the most time since he is trying to come up with the best diagnosis. After that it is basically on a monthly basis to perscribe your meds.

Oh, and BTW...when is your appointment??? ~ Goody