7 replies to this topic

[Penzel]

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Hey,

 

I'm planning to trial many of the wonderful AD's, antidepressants, for constant pain as well as continuous tension headache. 

This process may take a year or longer considering that each trial needs to last 1-3 months. I'm not sure who would be the best doc for this, GP or GI or Neurologist or Psychiatrist. I'm not interested in doing any more testing at this point. I'm ready to try the AD's. I feel uncomfortable with thought of getting a doctor on board with what I think is best, should there be a disagreement. I have my list of meds that I feel comfortable with trying based on journal articles and summaries. But I don't know how docs react to patient direction or choice. Before this happened a trip to the doc was rare. I don't want to be a difficult patient. Hopefully I'll be able to present my understanding logically and concisely but these days that doesn't always happen.  Any input or suggestion is welcome. 

 

Thanks

[Rboe]

I am not a fan of starting off with medication. I prefer to try more natural ways, such as diet changes before medication. However, this is your choice. I would start with a GP. No matter what type of doctor you choose, it may be challenging to find a doctor to listen to you. I wish you well.

[Penzel]

Thanks Rboe. From doing the IBS-SSS and reading the Rome foundation paper on severity I'm pretty sure I'm in the severe camp. That's why I'm now at that point of adding a medication. I see the AD as another leg on the stool that along with mind-body practices, therapy, and positive relationships will hopefully let my body repair itself over time.  I don't have an established relationship with my GP at this point so I'm not entirely sure how he will react with my protocol. Of course the evidence is there for some success with AD's - TCA and SNRI at least. And from what I've read AD's are worth a shot if other methods don't provide adequate relief. I'm thinking the next visit will require some planning and rehearsal if it's going to be successful. The appointment is usually about 10 minutes so I don't feel I've the time to really calm myself. 

[smieling]

http://thelancet.com...0046-5/abstract  - not specific to any AD but a great article. 

 

I would say find a GP that works with other allied health. In Canada we have family health teams where you can also get in contact with social workers.

 

For example your tension headache (social work would know to refer to headache clinic at one of our hospitals) while a GP might not know on their own. 

[Penzel]

Hey Smieling, do you know if these type of health teams are available in BC. 

[Penzel]

Just an update. The conversation with my GP went surprisingly well. He listened and was supportive of what I wanted to try. 

[mikeju990]

I have no idea of it.

[mikeju990]

I am not quite sure about it.