F...... Doctors

[LazyLion]

Who makes the call? Certainly not some bob from my church or a friend! I'd start with my GP, who would refer as needed.

4 years would take you to what, a BA? Yeah, I know how much you learn in that time. You're not qualified to recommend that people don't go to psychologists or psychiatrists.

Edit: Ah, okay - I see you added a line "You are talking about before diagnosis. I was talking about after." Yup, I was talking about before diagnosis, but my point applies even more so after diagnosis. If you're diagnosed with depression, or schizophrenia, you need medication and therapy, not discussions with a friend or church member. Even if (and I highly disagree) you think that friends could take the place of a therapist, you still need the meds and that for that you need a psychologist or a GP who knows that field.

That would be nice in an ideal world. But many church counselors should and do in fact refer to medical professionals when necessary. Despite your bias, these people do in fact have some training and a lot of experience in counseling. If Jane comes into their office for "counseling" and starts swinging from the chandeliers, I am pretty sure she is going to get referred. Same applies with her friends and work mates. In many cases she is referred without a GP even getting involved. I refer many people directly to a neurologist or whatever medical practitioner is needed.

Then once a diagnosis is made, many other counselors weigh in on that diagnosis, including her friends, co workers, GP, and church counselors. Believe me, that is a good thing, not a bad thing. She needs holistic help, not just a once-off diagnosis. The reason I have a bias against psychiatrists is that they do in fact prescribe anti-depressants in more than 90% of the cases... in fact GPs themselves have also been doing it for years.

I would say that in those cases (when they have ruled out any other mental health or chemical problems), they should at least refer the patient to other counselors. If I had carried on with my studies (instead of branching off in a different direction) that is what I would have done. Get as many experienced people involved as possible.

Where there are symptoms of severe clinical depression not related to any already diagnosed trauma or injury I would refer for a full medical check-up, a neurological exam (if they or their medical aid can afford it) and several counseling sessions with their family and also if possible their close work colleagues. If they belong to a (normal) church (not a cult) I would strongly recommend that she get counsel there since they have an excellent history of helping people with depression. I would also suggest a dietitian and a sports or fitness program. A holistic approach is much more likely to help this person than a once off diagnosis and some happy pills.

I never said don't go to a psychiatrist. I said don't go to a Quack... and there any many quacks out there. I said get some broad-based advice. that is better than any advice I have seen you offer?

 

[Jewelbox]

I have to TELL my doctor what's wrong with me, and TELL him what to prescribe; how do you like that?

 

[CathJ]

That would be nice in an ideal world. But many church counselors should and do in fact refer to medical professionals when necessary. Despite your bias, these people do in fact have some training and a lot of experience in counseling. If Jane comes into their office for "counseling" and starts swinging from the chandeliers, I am pretty sure she is going to get referred. Same applies with her friends and work mates. In many cases she is referred without a GP even getting involved. I refer many people directly to a neurologist or whatever medical practitioner is needed.

Then once a diagnosis is made, many other counselors weigh in on that diagnosis, including her friends, co workers, GP, and church counselors. Believe me, that is a good thing, not a bad thing. She needs holistic help, not just a once-off diagnosis. The reason I have a bias against psychiatrists is that they do in fact prescribe anti-depressants in more than 90% of the cases... in fact GPs themselves have also been doing it for years.

I would say that in those cases (when they have ruled out any other mental health or chemical problems), they should at least refer the patient to other counselors. If I had carried on with my studies (instead of branching off in a different direction) that is what I would have done. Get as many experienced people involved as possible.

Where there are symptoms of severe clinical depression not related to any already diagnosed trauma or injury I would refer for a full medical check-up, a neurological exam (if they or their medical aid can afford it) and several counseling sessions with their family and also if possible their close work colleagues. If they belong to a (normal) church (not a cult) I would strongly recommend that she get counsel there since they have an excellent history of helping people with depression. I would also suggest a dietitian and a sports or fitness program. A holistic approach is much more likely to help this person than a once off diagnosis and some happy pills.

I disagree with your approach, but I can accept that some people might see it as a reasonable approach. It's definitely better than your original post.

(On the depression issue - I know someone who had severe depression. Counselling would have had no effect, because they wouldn't get out of bed to go. Diet, exercise - same issue. Sometimes, and I accept not always, but sometimes meds are the only option). Oh, and it's not a once-off diagnosis - there's always followups, which is what the OP is complaining about!

I never said don't go to a psychiatrist. I said don't go to a Quack... and there any many quacks out there. I said get some broad-based advice. that is better than any advice I have seen you offer?

True, but the implication was that all psych's are quacks. You said the OP could have saved money by giving his wife Syndol! Instead of meds prescribed by a psych! When you have no idea what her problems involve!

My advice, as I said before, was go to a GP, and let him refer as needed. And in the OPs specific case, I suggested that his GP might be able to handle the prescriptions in future. It might not be what you advise, but you can't say it's no good.

 

[SirFooK'nG]

I have to TELL my doctor what's wrong with me, and TELL him what to prescribe; how do you like that?

does not surprise me .... at all

 

[Park@82]

I reckon 70% of all doctors just guess these days.

Is that a guess?

 

[LazyLion]

True, but the implication was that all psych's are quacks. You said the OP could have saved money by giving his wife Syndol! Instead of meds prescribed by a psych! When you have no idea what her problems involve!

My advice, as I said before, was go to a GP, and let him refer as needed. And in the OPs specific case, I suggested that his GP might be able to handle the prescriptions in future. It might not be what you advise, but you can't say it's no good.

I would be very interested to hear what the medication was that she was prescribed. maybe the OP can post for us? My guess is it is something like Trepilene, or a variation thereof.

You will notice that I also made a post suggesting that he get his GP to do the prescription for him.

 

[SirFooK'nG]

I would be very interested to hear what the medication was that she was prescribed. maybe the OP can post for us? My guess is it is something like Trepilene, or a variation thereof.

You will notice that I also made a post suggesting that he get his GP to do the prescription for him.

Its a whole crapload ... Its on chronic now so at least I only pay like 65% and not full, still costs me about R690p/m and defiantely will go through GP. Never ever go back to the Phsych.

 

[LazyLion]

Its a whole crapload ... Its on chronic now so at least I only pay like 65% and not full, still costs me about R690p/m and defiantely will go through GP. Never ever go back to the Phsych.

Can you identify and of the medications? I mean did he tell you what they were for? Are any of them for chemical deficiencies or imbalances?

Have you googled all of their names to see what he is giving your wife.

Strongly suggest you go see your doc and that you take your wife for a full medical if you have not yet done so!

 

[Serqet]

Is that a guess?

Yes it is a guess and probably a good one at that. I am also very dissapointed in doctors as of late. It seems all the good ones have immigrated and we are left with mediocre 'professionals' who are unable to diagnose anything except for the common cold.

It took a number of different doctors over 2 months to diagnose me with a parasite yet they were very quick to to want to book me into hospital for a colonscopy and gastroscopy when i kept telling them i did not have any acidity problems and therefore it was highly unlikely i had an ulcer. They insisted it was that.

FAIL!!!

So i can understand the poster's frustration at not being provided with a service that you expect. If you can't trust a doctor...who are you suppose to trust in times when you are at your most vulnerable?

 

[SirFooK'nG]

Can you identify and of the medications? I mean did he tell you what they were for? Are any of them for chemical deficiencies or imbalances?

Have you googled all of their names to see what he is giving your wife.

Strongly suggest you go see your doc and that you take your wife for a full medical if you have not yet done so!

She's been diagnosed as BiPolar, has to take Anti-dep pills, sleeping pills, anxiety pills - totaly kills the s3x life!!!! Using mostly generics. At least we got a good chemist!

anywhooooooo ... i'm going home now, gonna have me a mid week braai and beer!!! Shot 4 advice though!

 

[zeridine]

dont generalize. i highly doubt that the psychiatrist and dermatologists are quacks. the wonder of the medical fraternity is that if you're not happy - get a second opinion. no one is forcing you to see "an incompetent doctor". there was probably a good reason why your wife had to see a psychiatrist.
if i had to go on and say everyone in your profession was quacks incl you, would that be ok? it seems like you're projecting your shock and anger on the doctor. we're only human too, and we also make mistakes.

 

[SirFooK'nG]

Yes it is a guess and probably a good one at that. I am also very dissapointed in doctors as of late. It seems all the good ones have immigrated and we are left with mediocre 'professionals' who are unable to diagnose anything except for the common cold.

It took a number of different doctors over 2 months to diagnose me with a parasite yet they were very quick to to want to book me into hospital for a colonscopy and gastroscopy when i kept telling them i did not have any acidity problems and therefore it was highly unlikely i had an ulcer. They insisted it was that.

FAIL!!!

So i can understand the poster's frustration at not being provided with a service that you expect. If you can't trust a doctor...who are you suppose to trust in times when you are at your most vulnerable?

Too True! Thats one nail on the head!

 

[zeridine]

i'm really sorry to hear about the bipolar diagnosis. if you want to you can pm me if you got questions and i'll try and get back to you later today?

 

[SirFooK'nG]

dont generalize. i highly doubt that the psychiatrist and dermatologists are quacks. the wonder of the medical fraternity is that if you're not happy - get a second opinion. no one is forcing you to see "an incompetent doctor". there was probably a good reason why your wife had to see a psychiatrist.
if i had to go on and say everyone in your profession was quacks incl you, would that be ok? it seems like you're projecting your shock and anger on the doctor. we're only human too, and we also make mistakes.

one - I never once said "quacks" another poster did
two - I am disgusted at the way we are peddled for money for very little service
three - in my personal experience with doctors, I can only picka few that really "in my opinion" were good.
four - I'm outa here .... cheers

PS thanx 4 the invite to pm ... might consider

 

[zeridine]

no problem man. if i were in your situation i would def also be upset.

 

[adamr]

i got charged R2000 for a consultation at an opthamologist! and it was just a consultation that lasted no more than 15min ... at some point its illegal what these people charge ....

 

[Dolby]

Outta interest - you didn't notice bipolar tendancies before she was diagnosed ... ?

 

[LazyLion]

dont generalize. i highly doubt that the psychiatrist and dermatologists are quacks. the wonder of the medical fraternity is that if you're not happy - get a second opinion. no one is forcing you to see "an incompetent doctor". there was probably a good reason why your wife had to see a psychiatrist.
if i had to go on and say everyone in your profession was quacks incl you, would that be ok? it seems like you're projecting your shock and anger on the doctor. we're only human too, and we also make mistakes.

Um chill dude. It wasn't him, it was me who called them Quacks... and that is because in 90% of the cases they prescribe the same medicine. But we did say to get a second opinion. so relax.

 

[eaglebeaver]

My wife went a Phsyciatrist 4 times. The first visit cost R350.30 (1st time innitial fee) + R758.00 for 15min. The other 3 visits were all under 10min, all she did was ask how she was feeling with the medication and renewed the presctription. F*&^ thats R3382.30 for less than 1 hour actual work! Now my MSA is in its flippin glory. I hate f...... doctors, what a f...... rip off. Basta%ds.

Any chance of the community fund donating R758 to me

I think you got a bargain - untreated bipolar you usually end up in psych hospital (very expensive) or prison(bad for libido)

 

[zeridine]

Um chill dude. It wasn't him, it was me who called them Quacks... and that is because in 90% of the cases they prescribe the same medicine. But we did say to get a second opinion. so relax.

it wasnt really directed just at him. but yes, i am relaxed. things just get a little iffy when i get lumped into the same group. R2000 a pop for a consult for example is fn nuts. i wouldnt pay it. it makes me kinda mad hearing things like this - its just glorified exploitation of the desperate and sick.