need help/advice
Question:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, Bob…. I wish I had an answer for you. I guess there comes a point when you have to place your trust in those you have chosen to take care of you… and follow their lead. As noble as it might be, no, most doctors do not make house calls anymore. And when you live a distance away I can understand the problem with logistics. But it seems to me that you *know* what would be best for you right now (ECT)… *If* that is the case, then you have to find the courage to give someone else the control for awhile… and go through with it. Handing over the control to someone else is a scary proposition… I know. But hopefully you have put your trust in the right people… and they can and will assist you. Please keep us posted on how you are doing….. and *never* be afraid to share your thoughts and feelings with the group. Take good care! MikeH
((((Mike)))) (is it ok for me to hug ya?) I feel so nice – knowing what you have been going through in your life, that you find or make the time to be concerned about me. I had a good visit with my therapist yesterday (made it there myself) and I am pretty certain I know what a lot or maybe all of this agoraphobia and anxiety is related to. I just have to keep working to deal with those things. What I really need, I think, is an extended stay in an intensive inpatient program, for a while. This has helped me in the past (over a decade ago). Whether my insurance would be as willing to pay as they were then, I don’t know. And the hospital I was in then, is no longer in existence. Thank You Again, and I read your update – it sounds like you are doing very well! I admire you for coming through this so well, and with courage. Bob — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – <gently snipped ::I hope to see my therapist tomorrow, and she is a very good one. But I need ::much, much more. :: ::My question is, What does a person do when they need medical (in this case ::psychiatric and psychological) help, and is too agoraphobic to go to the ::appointments? Someone said a while back, the doctor should come to my ::house. I apologize but I cannot imagine many doctors doing something like ::that. And it is a 25 mile drive one way, anyway. :: ::What does a person do? Any thoughts will be appreciated. Dear Bob, I know what it`s like to be too agoraphobic to leave the house. LM gave you really good advice. Please take it! Tell your doctors, therapists, etc that you are too afraid to leave the house at this point. There has to be something that can be done to accommodate you. If they tell you otherwise, ask how they help people who are physically unable to leave their house for a doctor appt? Good luck! (((((Bob))))) Jackie ~*~The world is full of suffering, it is also full of overcoming it~*~
Jackie, I like your quote. : ) I guess I find myself wondering – I mean I’ve asked various people about a doctor coming to my home, and no one seems to think this is practical or very likely to happen. I did make it to my therapy appointment yesterday, as well as going to the grocery store. I feel like I can be proud of that accomplishment (and I think you would agree). Thanks, Bob — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
Response:
<snipped OP if your ect is absolutely necessary then the facility can send a car to pick you up and pre medicate you so you will be somewhate comfortable getting there-any good doc will make a housecall and any even better doc who knows what agoraphobia can do will continue to write scripts to you indefinetly regardless of script requirements for c4 substances or the pseudo ethical issues of a face to face-you are under his care and that care needs to be responsive to your medical needs-if he cannot comply with the needs of his patients over his own conveniences he isn’t practicing good medicine-finding the right doc is ofetn as arduous as finding the right mate-and like a marriage, your healh is worth the investment to find that right person.
Margove, while I respect and appreciate your help, I don’t really understand. My doctor has many patients (I don’t know that he has TOO many)…. I do know that his calendar stays pretty full. I’m not sure: 1. How he could devote what would be 2-3 hours to come to see me at my home, and be fair to his other patients. 2. In treatment of Agoraphobia, would my doctor coming to my home be – or WOULDN’T it be… I guess a bit of a statement that it is "Ok" not to go out? I don’t mean "Ok" ethically, of course, I mean healthy. I’d also like to support my doctor by saying that he works holidays (including most Christmases) seeing his patients who are in the hospital. I know that he is at the hospital many days at 7am, and sees patients into the early evening in his office. I *hope* he takes some breaks in the day. He does return my phone pages promptly, and is considerate. I live in a rural area and know some of the other psychiatrists around (there are maybe five) and none of them would do that. I had a psychiatrist once who charged by the minute for "phone consultations." I do think your suggestion about the possibility of a transportation service – whether it is courtesy of the hospital or the government, might be something worthwhile to check into. It might make it possible for me to have ECT’s as an outpatient again. My Dad simply cannot sit and wait in a waiting room for hours due to his health now. Something I’ve been wanting to ask for, but have been a bit ashamed, is whether on really tough days when I have an appointment with my Doc, if I might be allowed to be the next patient he sees when I arrive. I don’t feel this is really fair for other patients who may have been waiting their turn, but hopefully I would not abuse this. It is very difficult for me to sometimes have to wait an hour – especially when his waiting room can often be quite noisy. Thanks again, Bob — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
Response:
I guess I find myself wondering – I mean I’ve asked various people about a doctor coming to my home, and no one seems to think this is practical or very likely to happen.
When I read my files from the mental health clinic here I found out that it had actually been discussed, soon after I first presented there, amongst staff that I should have home visits by both therapist and Pdoc. What wasn’t in the files was why this never happened. :/ I did make it to my therapy appointment yesterday, as well as going to the grocery store. I feel like I can be proud of that accomplishment (and I think you would agree).
Well done on both counts Bob! 
Vashti — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
Response:
[snip] 2. In treatment of Agoraphobia, would my doctor coming to my home be – or WOULDN’T it be… I guess a bit of a statement that it is "Ok" not to go out? I don’t mean "Ok" ethically, of course, I mean healthy.
I think the idea would be that your doc could accompany you outside. If your doc is too far away maybe there’s a psychiatric nurse or home help organisation who could be enlisted to aid you in desensitising? [snip] Something I’ve been wanting to ask for, but have been a bit ashamed, is whether on really tough days when I have an appointment with my Doc, if I might be allowed to be the next patient he sees when I arrive. I don’t feel this is really fair for other patients who may have been waiting their turn, but hopefully I would not abuse this. It is very difficult for me to sometimes have to wait an hour – especially when his waiting room can often be quite noisy.
I asked at my old mental health centre if there was somewhere quieter I could wait when I wasn’t feeling well, happily there was or I would have had to sit in the stairwell instead. Hope you can find a solution for this Bob! Vashti — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
Response:
::I guess I find myself wondering – I mean I’ve asked various people about a ::doctor coming to my home, and no one seems to think this is practical or ::very likely to happen. I understand why you would think this way. I also understand that you live in a very rural area…. which makes this more difficult. I do know someone that was able to have a therapist come to her home. This woman was agoraphobic. The therapist helped her to leave her home again. ::I did make it to my therapy appointment yesterday, as well as going to the ::grocery store. I feel like I can be proud of that accomplishment (and I ::think you would agree). I`m so glad you made it to your appt! It certainly is something to be proud about. I am proud for you too (((((Bob))))) Jackie ~*~Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much~*~ — Helen Keller — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
Response:
:::::Gently snipped::::: :: It is very difficult for me to ::sometimes have to wait an hour – especially when his waiting room can often ::be quite noisy. Dear Bob, You could always schedule your appt to be the first one of the day. I do this whenever possible, and most of the time it works. I`ve had appts where I was the first one…… and was in and out within 15 minutes. Jackie ~*~Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much~*~ — Helen Keller — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
Response:
You could always schedule your appt to be the first one of the day. I do this whenever possible, and most of the time it works. I`ve had appts where I was the first one…… and was in and out within 15 minutes.
Now that’s a good idea! Vashti — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Bob, I understand how you are feeling about going out at the moment, I am the same way right now. My doctor also wanted to see me face-to-face last year, but after having a huge panic attack in his surgery I couldn’t make myself go. In the end I got my mother to explain how bad I was, he decided to make a home visit, for which I thanked him so much. It was the best consultation I had, I felt more able to express myself and we had a better talk, he suggested seeing a Psychiatrist who had just come to our area, as he felt I needed more specialised care than he could offer. I was worried about how I would go to a Psychiatrist but he explained my problem to the lady and she very kindly also made a home visit. I now work through my own doctor by mail or phone call and he consults with the Psychiatrist. It is such a relief, and now my depression is so much better after increasing my Efexor, next we will try working on my anxiety/Agoraphobia. I hope you can manage to get your doctor to understand or find another doctor who can help. I really do feel for you!! Best wishes, Jude. Hi Everyone. I know there is a lot going on for a lot of the folks here. I have to ask for help/advice for myself right now. I almost changed my mind about writing this, but I got up some courage. There are so many phobias and situations which I think are related to OCD in my life right now. I am also having spells of serious depression and other things, but I’m needing answers to questions about the phobias and OCD. I made plans yesterday (Sunday) with my doctor who was on call and kind enough to return my phone call quickly and in a friendly manner, to go into the hospital psychiatric unit today, and have ECT’s tomorrow morning. Let’s not get into the ECT question, it is not the point. I am tempted to say "I chickened out" and that is easy to say about myself, but I realize that there may be one or two people here who would not appreciate those type of words. : ) I was afraid to go, that’s better. It turned out the office which was to admit me is closed today anyway, so I couldn’t have done it anyway. My doc is not on call today, but I left a message on the machine at his office. I guess it is agoraphobia. I have had ECT’s several times and I’m not afraid of them. I’m afraid of going out, anywhere. I do seem to manage to get my groceries, thankfully. But my doctor sent me a message, and I know him well enough to know that it was a gentle message, that I must see him in an appointment face-to-face to get any more prescriptions. Please don’t diss my doc for this, a doctor cannot continue sending in prescriptions for a patient who does not show up for appointments. I hope to see my therapist tomorrow, and she is a very good one. But I need much, much more. My question is, What does a person do when they need medical (in this case psychiatric and psychological) help, and is too agoraphobic to go to the appointments? Someone said a while back, the doctor should come to my house. I apologize but I cannot imagine many doctors doing something like that. And it is a 25 mile drive one way, anyway. What does a person do? Any thoughts will be appreciated. Thank You, Best to You All, Bob
Thanks Jude. I did make it to my therapy appointment yesterday, and it went well. I don’t feel like I want to "cave in" to this by having people come to me. Maybe it is pride, or maybe it is healthy, I’m not sure which. But I’m very glad that your situation has worked out as well as it has. Thanks, Bob — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Everyone. I know there is a lot going on for a lot of the folks here. I have to ask for help/advice for myself right now. I almost changed my mind about writing this, but I got up some courage. There are so many phobias and situations which I think are related to OCD in my life right now. I am also having spells of serious depression and other things, but I’m needing answers to questions about the phobias and OCD. I made plans yesterday (Sunday) with my doctor who was on call and kind enough to return my phone call quickly and in a friendly manner, to go into the hospital psychiatric unit today, and have ECT’s tomorrow morning. Let’s not get into the ECT question, it is not the point. I am tempted to say "I chickened out" and that is easy to say about myself, but I realize that there may be one or two people here who would not appreciate those type of words. : ) I was afraid to go, that’s better. It turned out the office which was to admit me is closed today anyway, so I couldn’t have done it anyway. My doc is not on call today, but I left a message on the machine at his office. I guess it is agoraphobia. I have had ECT’s several times and I’m not afraid of them. I’m afraid of going out, anywhere. I do seem to manage to get my groceries, thankfully. But my doctor sent me a message, and I know him well enough to know that it was a gentle message, that I must see him in an appointment face-to-face to get any more prescriptions. Please don’t diss my doc for this, a doctor cannot continue sending in prescriptions for a patient who does not show up for appointments. I hope to see my therapist tomorrow, and she is a very good one. But I need much, much more. My question is, What does a person do when they need medical (in this case psychiatric and psychological) help, and is too agoraphobic to go to the appointments? Someone said a while back, the doctor should come to my house. I apologize but I cannot imagine many doctors doing something like that. And it is a 25 mile drive one way, anyway. What does a person do? Any thoughts will be appreciated. I always forced myself to go to the psychiatrist’s office even though I was agoraphobic. Often I had to desensitize myself to the area of his office by driving there in a car several times before the first meeting. When I had to meet a psychiatrist in his 9th floor office, he promised to come down to the lobby and accompany me in the elevator up to his office. After the first few visits in any particular office I became desensitized and felt alot more comfortable. Good luck, Bob! Chip
Thank you Chip! There are a lot of complexities here. Bob — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Everyone. I know there is a lot going on for a lot of the folks here. I have to ask for help/advice for myself right now. I almost changed my mind about writing this, but I got up some courage. There are so many phobias and situations which I think are related to OCD in my life right now. I am also having spells of serious depression and other things, but I’m needing answers to questions about the phobias and OCD. I made plans yesterday (Sunday) with my doctor who was on call and kind enough to return my phone call quickly and in a friendly manner, to go into the hospital psychiatric unit today, and have ECT’s tomorrow morning. Let’s not get into the ECT question, it is not the point. I am tempted to say "I chickened out" and that is easy to say about myself, but I realize that there may be one or two people here who would not appreciate those type of words. : ) I was afraid to go, that’s better. It turned out the office which was to admit me is closed today anyway, so I couldn’t have done it anyway. My doc is not on call today, but I left a message on the machine at his office. I guess it is agoraphobia. I have had ECT’s several times and I’m not afraid of them. I’m afraid of going out, anywhere. I do seem to manage to get my groceries, thankfully. But my doctor sent me a message, and I know him well enough to know that it was a gentle message, that I must see him in an appointment face-to-face to get any more prescriptions. Please don’t diss my doc for this, a doctor cannot continue sending in prescriptions for a patient who does not show up for appointments. I hope to see my therapist tomorrow, and she is a very good one. But I need much, much more. My question is, What does a person do when they need medical (in this case psychiatric and psychological) help, and is too agoraphobic to go to the appointments? Someone said a while back, the doctor should come to my house. I apologize but I cannot imagine many doctors doing something like that. And it is a 25 mile drive one way, anyway. What does a person do? Any thoughts will be appreciated. Thank You, Best to You All, Bob
I wish I had some suggestions, but I’m at a loss. 
Just here to support and wish you good luck. Tono — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Everyone. I know there is a lot going on for a lot of the folks here. I have to ask for help/advice for myself right now. I almost changed my mind about writing this, but I got up some courage. There are so many phobias and situations which I think are related to OCD in my life right now. I am also having spells of serious depression and other things, but I’m needing answers to questions about the phobias and OCD. I made plans yesterday (Sunday) with my doctor who was on call and kind enough to return my phone call quickly and in a friendly manner, to go into the hospital psychiatric unit today, and have ECT’s tomorrow morning. Let’s not get into the ECT question, it is not the point. I am tempted to say "I chickened out" and that is easy to say about myself, but I realize that there may be one or two people here who would not appreciate those type of words. : ) I was afraid to go, that’s better. It turned out the office which was to admit me is closed today anyway, so I couldn’t have done it anyway. My doc is not on call today, but I left a message on the machine at his office. I guess it is agoraphobia. I have had ECT’s several times and I’m not afraid of them. I’m afraid of going out, anywhere. I do seem to manage to get my groceries, thankfully. But my doctor sent me a message, and I know him well enough to know that it was a gentle message, that I must see him in an appointment face-to-face to get any more prescriptions. Please don’t diss my doc for this, a doctor cannot continue sending in prescriptions for a patient who does not show up for appointments. I hope to see my therapist tomorrow, and she is a very good one. But I need much, much more. My question is, What does a person do when they need medical (in this case psychiatric and psychological) help, and is too agoraphobic to go to the appointments? Someone said a while back, the doctor should come to my house. I apologize but I cannot imagine many doctors doing something like that. And it is a 25 mile drive one way, anyway. What does a person do? Any thoughts will be appreciated. Thank You, Best to You All, Bob (((((((((Bob)))))))))))))))) Margrove gave some excellent advice. I have only small episodes of agoraphobia, so I can’t actually answer yours, but there are medications that help. I worry about the ECT. I have so worried I may have to undergo it myself one day. Once I was in the hospital, and a girl had to have it, and afterwards, I asked her, innocently how it went… wrong question, wrong girl. She and her "girlfriend" turned on me, like I was a leper or something. I was trying to be nice, but it backfired on me. I hope you get your agoraphobia under control and get the proper therapy. Keep us posted. It must be bad to have to resort to this type of treatment. Love, Sally
Thank You, ((((Sally))))! Bob — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Everyone. I know there is a lot going on for a lot of the folks here. I have to ask for help/advice for myself right now. I almost changed my mind about writing this, but I got up some courage. There are so many phobias and situations which I think are related to OCD in my life right now. I am also having spells of serious depression and other things, but I’m needing answers to questions about the phobias and OCD. I made plans yesterday (Sunday) with my doctor who was on call and kind enough to return my phone call quickly and in a friendly manner, to go into the hospital psychiatric unit today, and have ECT’s tomorrow morning. Let’s not get into the ECT question, it is not the point. I am tempted to say "I chickened out" and that is easy to say about myself, but I realize that there may be one or two people here who would not appreciate those type of words. : ) I was afraid to go, that’s better. It turned out the office which was to admit me is closed today anyway, so I couldn’t have done it anyway. My doc is not on call today, but I left a message on the machine at his office. I guess it is agoraphobia. I have had ECT’s several times and I’m not afraid of them. I’m afraid of going out, anywhere. I do seem to manage to get my groceries, thankfully. But my doctor sent me a message, and I know him well enough to know that it was a gentle message, that I must see him in an appointment face-to-face to get any more prescriptions. Please don’t diss my doc for this, a doctor cannot continue sending in prescriptions for a patient who does not show up for appointments. I hope to see my therapist tomorrow, and she is a very good one. But I need much, much more. My question is, What does a person do when they need medical (in this case psychiatric and psychological) help, and is too agoraphobic to go to the appointments? Someone said a while back, the doctor should come to my house. I apologize but I cannot imagine many doctors doing something like that. And it is a 25 mile drive one way, anyway. What does a person do? Any thoughts will be appreciated. I always forced myself to go to the psychiatrist’s office even though I was agoraphobic. Often I had to desensitize myself to the area of his office by driving there in a car several times before the first meeting.
The anxiety from the first few trips to the psychiatrist’s office made me physically ill. Like Chip, I drove down there to make sure that I knew where I was supposed to go and how long it would take me. It didn’t help me much with the anxiety of the first few visits. I guess it did help if I consider having the confidence of knowing exactly where I was going. When I had to meet a psychiatrist in his 9th floor office, he promised to come down to the lobby and accompany me in the elevator up to his office. After the first few visits in any particular office I became desensitized and felt alot more comfortable.
Same here. ((((((((Bob))))))))) — Ron P Home Page: http://fp.kwic.com/~rwebb Just remember….if the world didn’t suck, we’d all fall off. — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
Response:
Hi, Bob…. I wish I had an answer for you. I guess there comes a point when you have to place your trust in those you have chosen to take care of you… and follow their lead. As noble as it might be, no, most doctors do not make house calls anymore. And when you live a distance away I can understand the problem with logistics. But it seems to me that you *know* what would be best for you right now (ECT)… *If* that is the case, then you have to find the courage to give someone else the control for awhile… and go through with it. Handing over the control to someone else is a scary proposition… I know. But hopefully you have put your trust in the right people… and they can and will assist you. Please keep us posted on how you are doing….. and *never* be afraid to share your thoughts and feelings with the group. Take good care! MikeH – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Everyone. I know there is a lot going on for a lot of the folks here. I have to ask for help/advice for myself right now. I almost changed my mind about writing this, but I got up some courage. There are so many phobias and situations which I think are related to OCD in my life right now. I am also having spells of serious depression and other things, but I’m needing answers to questions about the phobias and OCD. I made plans yesterday (Sunday) with my doctor who was on call and kind enough to return my phone call quickly and in a friendly manner, to go into the hospital psychiatric unit today, and have ECT’s tomorrow morning. Let’s not get into the ECT question, it is not the point. I am tempted to say "I chickened out" and that is easy to say about myself, but I realize that there may be one or two people here who would not appreciate those type of words. : ) I was afraid to go, that’s better. It turned out the office which was to admit me is closed today anyway, so I couldn’t have done it anyway. My doc is not on call today, but I left a message on the machine at his office. I guess it is agoraphobia. I have had ECT’s several times and I’m not afraid of them. I’m afraid of going out, anywhere. I do seem to manage to get my groceries, thankfully. But my doctor sent me a message, and I know him well enough to know that it was a gentle message, that I must see him in an appointment face-to-face to get any more prescriptions. Please don’t diss my doc for this, a doctor cannot continue sending in prescriptions for a patient who does not show up for appointments. I hope to see my therapist tomorrow, and she is a very good one. But I need much, much more. My question is, What does a person do when they need medical (in this case psychiatric and psychological) help, and is too agoraphobic to go to the appointments? Someone said a while back, the doctor should come to my house. I apologize but I cannot imagine many doctors doing something like that. And it is a 25 mile drive one way, anyway. What does a person do? Any thoughts will be appreciated. Thank You, Best to You All,
. — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
Response:
Hi Everyone. I know there is a lot going on for a lot of the folks here. I have to ask for help/advice for myself right now. I almost changed my mind about writing this, but I got up some courage. There are so many phobias and situations which I think are related to OCD in my life right now. I am also having spells of serious depression and other things, but I’m needing answers to questions about the phobias and OCD. I made plans yesterday (Sunday) with my doctor who was on call and kind enough to return my phone call quickly and in a friendly manner, to go into the hospital psychiatric unit today, and have ECT’s tomorrow morning. Let’s not get into the ECT question, it is not the point. I am tempted to say "I chickened out" and that is easy to say about myself, but I realize that there may be one or two people here who would not appreciate those type of words. : ) I was afraid to go, that’s better. It turned out the office which was to admit me is closed today anyway, so I couldn’t have done it anyway. My doc is not on call today, but I left a message on the machine at his office. I guess it is agoraphobia. I have had ECT’s several times and I’m not afraid of them. I’m afraid of going out, anywhere. I do seem to manage to get my groceries, thankfully. But my doctor sent me a message, and I know him well enough to know that it was a gentle message, that I must see him in an appointment face-to-face to get any more prescriptions. Please don’t diss my doc for this, a doctor cannot continue sending in prescriptions for a patient who does not show up for appointments. I hope to see my therapist tomorrow, and she is a very good one. But I need much, much more. My question is, What does a person do when they need medical (in this case psychiatric and psychological) help, and is too agoraphobic to go to the appointments? Someone said a while back, the doctor should come to my house. I apologize but I cannot imagine many doctors doing something like that. And it is a 25 mile drive one way, anyway. What does a person do? Any thoughts will be appreciated. Thank You, Best to You All, Bob — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Everyone. I know there is a lot going on for a lot of the folks here. I have to ask for help/advice for myself right now. I almost changed my mind about writing this, but I got up some courage. There are so many phobias and situations which I think are related to OCD in my life right now. I am also having spells of serious depression and other things, but I’m needing answers to questions about the phobias and OCD. I made plans yesterday (Sunday) with my doctor who was on call and kind enough to return my phone call quickly and in a friendly manner, to go into the hospital psychiatric unit today, and have ECT’s tomorrow morning. Let’s not get into the ECT question, it is not the point. I am tempted to say "I chickened out" and that is easy to say about myself, but I realize that there may be one or two people here who would not appreciate those type of words. : ) I was afraid to go, that’s better. It turned out the office which was to admit me is closed today anyway, so I couldn’t have done it anyway. My doc is not on call today, but I left a message on the machine at his office. I guess it is agoraphobia. I have had ECT’s several times and I’m not afraid of them. I’m afraid of going out, anywhere. I do seem to manage to get my groceries, thankfully. But my doctor sent me a message, and I know him well enough to know that it was a gentle message, that I must see him in an appointment face-to-face to get any more prescriptions. Please don’t diss my doc for this, a doctor cannot continue sending in prescriptions for a patient who does not show up for appointments. I hope to see my therapist tomorrow, and she is a very good one. But I need much, much more. My question is, What does a person do when they need medical (in this case psychiatric and psychological) help, and is too agoraphobic to go to the appointments? Someone said a while back, the doctor should come to my house. I apologize but I cannot imagine many doctors doing something like that. And it is a 25 mile drive one way, anyway. What does a person do? Any thoughts will be appreciated. Thank You, Best to You All, Bob
if your ect is absolutely necessary then the facility can send a car to pick you up and pre medicate you so you will be somewhate comfortable getting there-any good doc will make a housecall and any even better doc who knows what agoraphobia can do will continue to write scripts to you indefinetly regardless of script requirements for c4 substances or the pseudo ethical issues of a face to face-you are under his care and that care needs to be responsive to your medical needs-if he cannot comply with the needs of his patients over his own conveniences he isn’t practicing good medicine-finding the right doc is ofetn as arduous as finding the right mate-and like a marriage, your healh is worth the investment to find that right person. — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
Response:
Hi Bob, I understand how you are feeling about going out at the moment, I am the same way right now. My doctor also wanted to see me face-to-face last year, but after having a huge panic attack in his surgery I couldn’t make myself go. In the end I got my mother to explain how bad I was, he decided to make a home visit, for which I thanked him so much. It was the best consultation I had, I felt more able to express myself and we had a better talk, he suggested seeing a Psychiatrist who had just come to our area, as he felt I needed more specialised care than he could offer. I was worried about how I would go to a Psychiatrist but he explained my problem to the lady and she very kindly also made a home visit. I now work through my own doctor by mail or phone call and he consults with the Psychiatrist. It is such a relief, and now my depression is so much better after increasing my Efexor, next we will try working on my anxiety/Agoraphobia. I hope you can manage to get your doctor to understand or find another doctor who can help. I really do feel for you!! Best wishes, Jude. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Everyone. I know there is a lot going on for a lot of the folks here. I have to ask for help/advice for myself right now. I almost changed my mind about writing this, but I got up some courage. There are so many phobias and situations which I think are related to OCD in my life right now. I am also having spells of serious depression and other things, but I’m needing answers to questions about the phobias and OCD. I made plans yesterday (Sunday) with my doctor who was on call and kind enough to return my phone call quickly and in a friendly manner, to go into the hospital psychiatric unit today, and have ECT’s tomorrow morning. Let’s not get into the ECT question, it is not the point. I am tempted to say "I chickened out" and that is easy to say about myself, but I realize that there may be one or two people here who would not appreciate those type of words. : ) I was afraid to go, that’s better. It turned out the office which was to admit me is closed today anyway, so I couldn’t have done it anyway. My doc is not on call today, but I left a message on the machine at his office. I guess it is agoraphobia. I have had ECT’s several times and I’m not afraid of them. I’m afraid of going out, anywhere. I do seem to manage to get my groceries, thankfully. But my doctor sent me a message, and I know him well enough to know that it was a gentle message, that I must see him in an appointment face-to-face to get any more prescriptions. Please don’t diss my doc for this, a doctor cannot continue sending in prescriptions for a patient who does not show up for appointments. I hope to see my therapist tomorrow, and she is a very good one. But I need much, much more. My question is, What does a person do when they need medical (in this case psychiatric and psychological) help, and is too agoraphobic to go to the appointments? Someone said a while back, the doctor should come to my house. I apologize but I cannot imagine many doctors doing something like that. And it is a 25 mile drive one way, anyway. What does a person do? Any thoughts will be appreciated. Thank You, Best to You All, Bob
– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Everyone. I know there is a lot going on for a lot of the folks here. I have to ask for help/advice for myself right now. I almost changed my mind about writing this, but I got up some courage. There are so many phobias and situations which I think are related to OCD in my life right now. I am also having spells of serious depression and other things, but I’m needing answers to questions about the phobias and OCD. I made plans yesterday (Sunday) with my doctor who was on call and kind enough to return my phone call quickly and in a friendly manner, to go into the hospital psychiatric unit today, and have ECT’s tomorrow morning. Let’s not get into the ECT question, it is not the point. I am tempted to say "I chickened out" and that is easy to say about myself, but I realize that there may be one or two people here who would not appreciate those type of words. : ) I was afraid to go, that’s better. It turned out the office which was to admit me is closed today anyway, so I couldn’t have done it anyway. My doc is not on call today, but I left a message on the machine at his office. I guess it is agoraphobia. I have had ECT’s several times and I’m not afraid of them. I’m afraid of going out, anywhere. I do seem to manage to get my groceries, thankfully. But my doctor sent me a message, and I know him well enough to know that it was a gentle message, that I must see him in an appointment face-to-face to get any more prescriptions. Please don’t diss my doc for this, a doctor cannot continue sending in prescriptions for a patient who does not show up for appointments. I hope to see my therapist tomorrow, and she is a very good one. But I need much, much more. My question is, What does a person do when they need medical (in this case psychiatric and psychological) help, and is too agoraphobic to go to the appointments? Someone said a while back, the doctor should come to my house. I apologize but I cannot imagine many doctors doing something like that. And it is a 25 mile drive one way, anyway. What does a person do? Any thoughts will be appreciated. Thank You, Best to You All, Bob
(((((((((Bob)))))))))))))))) Margrove gave some excellent advice. I have only small episodes of agoraphobia, so I can’t actually answer yours, but there are medications that help. I worry about the ECT. I have so worried I may have to undergo it myself one day. Once I was in the hospital, and a girl had to have it, and afterwards, I asked her, innocently how it went… wrong question, wrong girl. She and her "girlfriend" turned on me, like I was a leper or something. I was trying to be nice, but it backfired on me. I hope you get your agoraphobia under control and get the proper therapy. Keep us posted. It must be bad to have to resort to this type of treatment. Love, Sally — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Everyone. I know there is a lot going on for a lot of the folks here. I have to ask for help/advice for myself right now. I almost changed my mind about writing this, but I got up some courage. There are so many phobias and situations which I think are related to OCD in my life right now. I am also having spells of serious depression and other things, but I’m needing answers to questions about the phobias and OCD. I made plans yesterday (Sunday) with my doctor who was on call and kind enough to return my phone call quickly and in a friendly manner, to go into the hospital psychiatric unit today, and have ECT’s tomorrow morning. Let’s not get into the ECT question, it is not the point. I am tempted to say "I chickened out" and that is easy to say about myself, but I realize that there may be one or two people here who would not appreciate those type of words. : ) I was afraid to go, that’s better. It turned out the office which was to admit me is closed today anyway, so I couldn’t have done it anyway. My doc is not on call today, but I left a message on the machine at his office. I guess it is agoraphobia. I have had ECT’s several times and I’m not afraid of them. I’m afraid of going out, anywhere. I do seem to manage to get my groceries, thankfully. But my doctor sent me a message, and I know him well enough to know that it was a gentle message, that I must see him in an appointment face-to-face to get any more prescriptions. Please don’t diss my doc for this, a doctor cannot continue sending in prescriptions for a patient who does not show up for appointments. I hope to see my therapist tomorrow, and she is a very good one. But I need much, much more. My question is, What does a person do when they need medical (in this case psychiatric and psychological) help, and is too agoraphobic to go to the appointments? Someone said a while back, the doctor should come to my house. I apologize but I cannot imagine many doctors doing something like that. And it is a 25 mile drive one way, anyway. What does a person do? Any thoughts will be appreciated.
I always forced myself to go to the psychiatrist’s office even though I was agoraphobic. Often I had to desensitize myself to the area of his office by driving there in a car several times before the first meeting. When I had to meet a psychiatrist in his 9th floor office, he promised to come down to the lobby and accompany me in the elevator up to his office. After the first few visits in any particular office I became desensitized and felt alot more comfortable. Good luck, Bob! Chip — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
Response:
<gently snipped ::I hope to see my therapist tomorrow, and she is a very good one. But I need ::much, much more. :: ::My question is, What does a person do when they need medical (in this case ::psychiatric and psychological) help, and is too agoraphobic to go to the ::appointments? Someone said a while back, the doctor should come to my ::house. I apologize but I cannot imagine many doctors doing something like ::that. And it is a 25 mile drive one way, anyway. :: ::What does a person do? Any thoughts will be appreciated. Dear Bob, I know what it`s like to be too agoraphobic to leave the house. LM gave you really good advice. Please take it! Tell your doctors, therapists, etc that you are too afraid to leave the house at this point. There has to be something that can be done to accommodate you. If they tell you otherwise, ask how they help people who are physically unable to leave their house for a doctor appt? Good luck! (((((Bob))))) Jackie ~*~The world is full of suffering, it is also full of overcoming it~*~ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
Response:
Related Posts
-
No matches
