GP Frustration

[Ed1975]

So I had an appointment with the GP again today to extend my MHCP and ask for another 13wk medical cert for centrelink as I just started processing trauma's through EMDR last week.

Doctor was useless, again. She asked if I was "enjoying" my treatment with the psychologist. She then said, "so you're diagnosis is depression?" I had to correct her that I had CPTSD and then she found it in the psychiatrist diagnosis letter.

She asked me what treatment I am having. I said EMDR for trauma. She said, "what is that (EMDR)".

She would only give me 2 week extension on my medical certificate.

I'm not staying with a GP who doesn't even know what EMDR is. The very treatment for the issue I am seeing her for. 

She didn't talk during appointment. Didn't ask me anything about my current state. Just looked bored, unsympathetic and like she was being put out.

Even my MHCP goal is, "to be able to live life normally with out remembering things". That goal was never discussed with me. What does that even mean?

I've booked an appointment for today with a brand new GP. I'm changing doctors.

Anyone have similar GP's that seem to not give AF?

[AnnoyedSheDevil]

@Ed1975 

I once got told I should try meditation instead of medication... for chronic depression 🤦‍♀️

I had been medicated for 5 years at that point and it wasn't my usual doctor, but the same clinic so they had all my details on file.

I didn't see that doctor again, thankfully

A tip that might be helpful is to look for a GP with special interest in mental health; it usually means they are better educated in that area of medicine and willing to learn.

I hope you find a doctor that can work with you and your needs better ❤️ 

[rav3n]

hey @Ed1975 i'm so sorry to hear about your GP experience, that must've been really frustrating and upsetting to deal with. i've had some GPs who made our appointments feel so transactional, i didn't even feel human. and then i've had some who sat with me and really made me feel heard. i could be wrong, but i did find that some of the younger docs had more energy and patience, while some of the older docs i've visited... i could tell they just wanted to get through their long list of clients so they can clock off. or maybe that was just how it was like in my local clinic. i get that its pretty easy to get fatigued in healthcare roles, and i do feel for them, but at the same time, we deserve the best care. 

i'm glad you've made the decision to change GPs, when i changed my GP i told my new doc why and ever since, she's never repeated the same mistake as my old GP. i have complete faith that you'll find someone who really hears you and asks the right questions. 

[Ed1975]

@rav3n @AnnoyedSheDevil 

As soon as I mentioned CPTSD and EMDR treatment and him reading my psychiatrist diagnosis, he gave me another certificate for 6 months. 

I'm pretty relieved now.

He also sent me for full bloods and prostate check.

He totally got it.

[AnnoyedSheDevil]

Guh, gotta love when they don't even bother reading the files, eh? :face_with_rolling_eyes:
Glad it's worked out ❤️

[Sparky79]

@Ed1975 You have my sympathy, I had typed a massive reply about my experience but I didn't want to trigger anyone, needless to say there are great GP's out there, but there's a lot of basic low skillset ones as well. One GP made me change to another GP asap after he asked me what I thought was wrong with me! Dammit, I'm an electrician not a doctor! turned out I had pulmonary sarcoidosis after my new GP sent me for tests and xrays. I won't go into the 2 years on Workcover being mistreated (as in wrong treatments given) by my current GP.

[AuntJobiska]

The GP is a GP, not a psychologist. It's totally reasonable that she doesn't know what EMDR is. That's nowhere in GP training. It's not even something she learnt in medical school, but has forgotten because it isn't part of her speciality as a GP - like anatomy dissection for example - it's literally not her wheelhouse!!!! GPs are not psychiatrists!!! GP is a separate speciality, they are not mini psychiatrists at all - EMDR comes into psychiatry, not General Practice. Truly, you have unrealistic expectations of a GP. 

• Whether your other complaints are valid or not... I get that you're grumpy she didn't remember what was written in the psychiatrist's letter re the diagnosis, but if it was a long letter, it can be hard to remember what's relevant... and I'd say that more often than not, people with cPTSD have depression of some flavour, so it's a reasonable question. Remember that by definition, you have personality/interpersonal issues, that's part of the criteria for cPTSD, so  you may be bringing those issues into the GPs office.

It sounds like you don't have a good rapport with that GP, so absolutely look for someone you gel with - but honestly, I'd easily make those same mistakes! They're not hanging offences, and seriously, you have unrealistic expectations about their knowledge base and I suggest you reflect on whether you also have other unrealistic expectations that they are perfect, and meet your requirements to be the perfect GP. Remembering that you do have difficulties with interpersonal relationships and I suspect this interaction is just a dimension of your disorder.

I'm not saying you don't gel with your GP, and that you shouldn't find one you do gel with, I'm saying it's unreasonable to expect them to incarnate your perfect GP and blame them because they haven't. An interaction can not work out, and it doesn't have to be anybody's fault.

[Junie]

@Ed1975 

GP are there to test us. They aren't who they used to be years ago where they actually followed a family and had good medical history notes. 

I have had my fair share of trial and error with GPS. 

I'm grateful I can actually attend one now after my regular GP who mind you her place was medication refer and piss off. 

This gp committed fraud the Medicare. An appointment was booked and someone attended and charged me. It wasn't me wasn't there. My medical history from that practice I requested and she had changed my medical records apparently a huge smoker 20 or more a day bhahaha can't afford it love. 

Hugs and support it's a big hill to climb you have support here. 

My funny story is my first pregnancy I saw a go I'd never seen. He was weird from the get go. He told me to basically birth on country in the bush but alone 🤔 hmmmm I was high risk. 

Second opinions can be worth their weight in gold. 

Good luck navigating through your recovery.