Doctors today finally after about a year of avoiding!

[ladymillion]

I have been avoiding going to my Gp to discuss mediaction for panic disorder and agoraphobia for over a year because the last time i was there she said she didnt believe in medication and felt CBT would be best.

Well i have been attending CBT since last July and although it has helped a bit it hasnt had the desired effect i was praying for. I have discussed with my therapist the option of medication as well as CBT.

I have been feeling lonely and isolated because i cant make myself leave the house unless my fiancee is with me. My life is so restricted, i only go to work and i only make it there because my fiancee takes me there and picks me up. On my days off i stay in the house unless my fiancee is there. Obviously at 22 i want to be going out and enjoying myself and socialising with others.

I am going to the doctors this evening and i am terrified because i know the way she feels and i just dont know where to start with her. I dont know what medication i need. The anxiety is the worst and i wish i could just stay locked up in my house but then this causes depression. What do i do??

[panickyme]

Awww I know how you feel, I don't like to go anywhere without someone by my side. I barely make it to work. So proud of you with your CBT and going to the Doctors. Honey you know how you feel, don't let that Doctor tell you how you feel. Insist that she give you something, so that you can move on with life. You are paying her to make you feel better. She is not living in your shoes, and you are to young to feel the way you do. If she does not help you, I would strongly consider getting a new Doctor and a second opinion. You are doing so well. Good luck with your appointment, and let us know how you did. :hugs:

[ladymillion]

Aw thank you!! I think its just the way she treated me the last time that put me off ever going back but my fiancee is coming with me tonight which will hopefully make it easier. i know i make myself worse by avoiding things and hiding away but i feel if i have the right medication then it will help me get out more and get on with my life. Take care :)

[ladymillion]

Thanks for your advice Sam. It has helped becuase it just didnt know what to say to her but what you have written has put what i want to say into words. I do think that the GP was trying the CBT before medication and i am sure she will understand that i have been trying. I just worry about going to the doctors and make it worse for myself. I think i am concerned that if i get prescribed anti depressants will this help the anxiety as well. I suppose i wont know until i go there and see what happens!!

Thanks for your help :)

[CarmR]

Hi Ladymillion
I am sorry you are feeling so bad...
I totally agree with panickyme, you have the right to see another Doctor if you feel yours is not helping.
No one should have to suffer and if Medication could help you then you should not be denied the chance to try it..sounds like you have given the Cbt a good go, so maybe some extra help is needed and you're Doctor should not have any personal opinion on it like 'she does not believe in it'..a Doctors duty is to help their patients end of!.
Be strong as you can and really tell her how bad it is for you, if she doesn't try to help then you should immediately arrange to see another Doctor and do not feel bad about it...
Let us know how you get on please

Carmel :hugs:

---------- Post added at 12:29 ---------- Previous post was at 12:27 ----------

I agree with Sam too, just saw her reply.
There you go x

[ladymillion]

Carmel, Thank you for your reply. I definately have tried my best with the CBT. I went with the attitude that i was going to push myself to make sure i got the life i once had back. As you mentioned the CBT has helped but i feel medication would make it easier for me! fingers crossed it goes well!!! I will let you all know!!
Take care :D

[CarmR]

Hi Ladymillion
I've been wondering how you got on at the Doctors?. I do hope it went well.
Sending you :hugs:
Carmel x

[ladymillion]

Hi Carmel,

Nice to know you were wondering how i got on. She has prescribed me fluoextine 20mg (not sure of the spelling). I started them yesterday as i was working over the weekend and i didnt want any side effects to affect me At work. So far i have not had any side effects so i hope itl stay that way. I am glad that they will help my mood. Not sure what they will do for anxiety and panic but i have to go back to my GP in a month to see how i am doing. X