Today's Tdoc Appointment - Bipolar Disorder Message Board

dreams in neon · 05-12-2009, 05:36 PM

Hi everyone,

I met with my tdoc today and we covered quite a bit during our session.

We discussed mixed episodes in more detail and I informed him of the fact that I had 2 previous mixed episodes, but didn't realize it at the time since I was confused by my emotions and how it was possible to feel manic, depressed and tired at the same time. He told me how serious mixed episodes are due to the fact that when someone is manic and severely depressed at the same time, it can cause a great deal of anxiety which can be overwhelming and difficult to cope with. That's exactly how I felt during my episode last week. I said I'd rather feel manic or depressed, but not both at the same time.

I told my tdoc about the conversation I had with my pdoc and informed him that I have an appointment scheduled for the 19th in which my meds may be tweaked or changed. He was happy to hear that my pdoc follows up on patients ASAP if they have an episode or are rapid cycling. I also asked if he would be willing to consult with my pdoc on a monthly basis to keep tabs on how I'm doing. I was told he does this with many of his patients and said it would be fine if my pdoc agreed. I plan to ask my pdoc about this when I see him on Tuesday.

He took a look at my mood chart for the week and was pleased to see that my moods were level with the exception of Mother's Day. We discussed that quite a bit as well and he said it was good I was able to cry over the loss of my mother since I haven't done that in 4 years.

We didn't work on any PTSD exercises today since we had alot of other subjects to talk about.

My next appointment is on the 26th due to a full schedule of patients. At that time I plan to inform my tdoc of any changes that are made to my meds as well as whether or not my pdoc agrees to confer with him.

I was happy with today's appointment. I've been in therapy with my tdoc for 1.5 years, but I feel as if I'm accomplishing so much during our sessions.

Now that I understand bipolar and PTSD, I can move on to addressing other issues.

Since I've been doing well over the past week, I plan to ask my tdoc if I can see him every 2 weeks. The Fluoxetine and Klonopin I take are doing a great job of relieving the anxiety I feel after having PTSD flashbacks and nightmares. I've also discussed 3 of the traumas I experienced (I'm unable to talk about the 4th trauma due to how severe it was) which has helped reduce my overall sensitivity to my environment when it comes to certain sounds, voices and words.

If he would prefer to continue seeing me once/week and feels that I have more to work on in regards to my PTSD, I have no objection. I'll wait and see what his thoughts are when I see him in 2 weeks.

BipolarPrincess · 05-12-2009, 07:55 PM

Glad it went well dreams! You're very lucky to have a good tdoc and pdoc. I'm STILL waiting to hear back from those people about when I can start my intensive therapy and I'll see a pdoc there every week. I'm doing awful, I feel numb. I slept all day again. I DO love my boyfriend, but I'm having doubts like "Oh I don't really love him" and stuff.. probably because a lot of this is coming from my family. They are like "How can you REALLY love him only after knowing him a few months?" I believe things happen for a reason. Me and him were like 2 peas in a pod. We support eachother and his love for me is so strong, he draws me beautiful pictures, tells me I'm an angel, all kinds of stuff. I'm having mixed emotions because of all this. I have a tendancy to have mixed emotions all the time when in relationships. And once again sorry to turn this all around about me, I feel selfish. But I can't help it I love your advice, lol.

Thanks for being you

typeing · 05-12-2009, 08:01 PM

Glad you had a good appointment!

seaturtle · 05-12-2009, 08:43 PM

Hi, neondreams,

That's just wonderful! You've searched for a long time for this piece of well-being. Your tdoc and pdoc sound just great.

I sometimes go to a lot of therapy, 2x/week, then there are months when I don't go at all. Sometimes once a week, depending on how well I am doing. Trying every 2 weeks sounds good. Do you still have the option of checking in if things are tough?

I think sometimes we just need a break from a lot of therapy, too, especially if it's PTSD work. For me, there's just much I can tolerate, then have to leave it for a bit.

For you - we should have a party! I hope so much that this continues for you.

((((neondreams)))))

dreams in neon · 05-12-2009, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BipolarPrincess

Glad it went well dreams! You're very lucky to have a good tdoc and pdoc. I'm STILL waiting to hear back from those people about when I can start my intensive therapy and I'll see a pdoc there every week. I'm doing awful, I feel numb. I slept all day again. I DO love my boyfriend, but I'm having doubts like "Oh I don't really love him" and stuff.. probably because a lot of this is coming from my family. They are like "How can you REALLY love him only after knowing him a few months?" I believe things happen for a reason. Me and him were like 2 peas in a pod. We support eachother and his love for me is so strong, he draws me beautiful pictures, tells me I'm an angel, all kinds of stuff. I'm having mixed emotions because of all this. I have a tendancy to have mixed emotions all the time when in relationships. And once again sorry to turn this all around about me, I feel selfish. But I can't help it I love your advice, lol.

Thanks for being you

Please don't worry about mentioning yourself and how you are feeling. It's good to know I'm not alone in how I feel although I'm sorry you're struggling right now. (((BipolarPrincess)))

As far as relationships are concerned, I don't believe there is a timeline when it comes to love. I've heard of couples who have been married for over 50 years who only knew each other for several months. I've also heard the same about couples who were friends for many years, but whose marriage lasted 6 months or less. It really depends on what you and your boyfriend put into the relationship. If you describe your relationship as being "2 peas in a pod," there is definitely a spark there. In your other thread, you mentioned a wonderful letter that he wrote in which he described several positive qualities you have. This goes to show how much he loves you. Hold into that knowledge and try not to let what others say discourage or deter you. I know it's easier said than done, but try to take things one day at a time and remind yourself that as long as both of you feel the way you do about each other, nothing else matters.

As far as my tdoc and pdoc are concerned, I feel like I've struck gold and am so fortunate to be working with them. I had an awful pdoc last year whom I worked with for 1.5 years and am so glad to have finally fired him. One good thing about working with him though is that it taught me about all of the things I *don't* want in a pdoc, so when the time comes for me to find another doctor, I'll know exactly what to look for.

I hope you hear back from the people who are supposed to call you regarding your therapy. If you don't hear from them in another day or two, I would definitely follow up with another phone call.