Seething Anger - Psychiatrist

[rhonda13000]

I am wondering if any other girl has experienced this...whatever in hell the intent was, on the part of the staff psych at the counseling center which I am terminating services with.

I've been cognitively recycling this incident all day, anger accruing in the process....

Two days ago, my former counselor agreed with my wish to change SSRI medications and she told me to set up an appointment with the staff psychiatrist, in order top procure the prescription. I haven't gotten 'good vibes' from the man since he started working there - something about him seemed 'off'.

So he calls me back and asks me in somewhat of a gently condescending, avuncular [typical] fashion,

"What shall we talk about today?" or something in that general tone.

But I dismissed this and stated my desire to switch medications, to which he had no problem with and he asked me about the impending BA [it was in my chart] and how my transition was going, but there is always something of an air of...I don't know for certain something 'off' whenever he inquires.

But I had no problem with answering the queries, as they did [ostensibly] appear to be germane to the case management.

But what really.....'initiated a process' in me was when he once again asked me what my sexual orientation was [hetero] and again if I was dating [again, NO, I am not going to date [guys] for a while and especially while my spouse and I are still living in the same domicile].

I'm thinking, "I have told you TWICE what the answers to these queries were and this should have been sufficient. And why is this information germane in effecting a change in medication??" 

Perhaps my anger is largely the product of extreme fatigue; I don't know. But the more today that I ruminated upon this, the more incensed that I got.

I am getting the sense now that he has something of a prurient fascination with me and my case and this perception is really angering me.

I will not be returning to him; I do not need to. This is a blessing to him; he clearly has no idea what kind of a girl that he is dealing with. 

My opinion of the profession very much 'subterranean' as it is and of course now, it's pretty much at center of the rhetorical earth.

I'm certain that I am not the only girl whom has dealt with things of this apparent nature, before. 

--I'm mildly curious as to how his demeanor would have changed, after I came back and saw him, after my breast augmentation.

That might have proven to be highly revelatory.

[cindianna_jones]

I've dealt with unprofessional "professionals" too. 

Several years ago, I had a kidney stone attack with excruciating pain.  My hubby took me in to the emergency room for attention. They were very helpful at first until I told them about my past.  They then closed the curtain to my "room" and proceded to ignore me and attend to other patients.  My husband tried to no avail to get someone to give me some drugs for the pain. But no one would help.  Yes, they were busy.  They had several patients with the flu which recieved priority attention over me.

After an hour, hubby threatened legal action if they would not give me something for the pain. They finally brought me something.

But they continued to ignore me.  Hubby finally dragged me to the car and we went somewhere else.  This happened in California kids.  In downtown silicon valley.  Yes, bigotry is alive and well.

Rhonda, who knows what this guy is doing.  It sounds like he may in fact have a voyeristic attitude.  He's getting some kick out of getting your particulars.  But based on my experience, if someone is asking, I'll treat it as an educational opportunity.  If they are willing to treat me, I'll deal with it!

Cindi

[Suzie]

I wouldn't be too harsh with the psych guy.  They are busy people like the rest of us and can't remember everything that's been told to them.

Recently my GP had me come back for a 2nd visit because she wanted to recheck something.  I go into the office and she says "so, what can I do for you today?" and seriously had no idea why I was there.  I had to remind her.

My family is the same way, every time I visit them, they ask the same questions and for the most part they get the same answers.  I'm sure I ask them redundant questions as well.

So, yeah, I've been there and have been ticked off by professional incompetency.  My point is that this happens all the time.  I used to hold the medical community to higher standards, but learned they are just as fallible as the rest of us.

Maybe next time he asks for your sexual orientation, tell him you are into mountain goats and german shepherds.  He might remember the next time.

xo
Suzie

[rhonda13000]

I wouldn't be too harsh with the psych guy.  They are busy people like the rest of us and can't remember everything that's been told to them.

Recently my GP had me come back for a 2nd visit because she wanted to recheck something.  I go into the office and she says "so, what can I do for you today?" and seriously had no idea why I was there.  I had to remind her.

My family is the same way, every time I visit them, they ask the same questions and for the most part they get the same answers.  I'm sure I ask them redundant questions as well.

So, yeah, I've been there and have been ticked off by professional incompetency.  My point is that this happens all the time.  I used to hold the medical community to higher standards, but learned they are just as fallible as the rest of us.

Maybe next time he asks for your sexual orientation, tell him you are into mountain goats and german shepherds.  He might remember the next time.

xo
Suzie

very deep and hearty laughter...

[shaking her very tired head]

I uh,....I'll have to remember that one...

I really needed the laugh, hon. It's been a crazy day [duty weekend, etc.]

I'll treat the affair as being without basis and inconsequential; there were too many biases in active play that precluded rational analysis.

I know how I am, sometimes. THANK YOU. 

[melissa90299]

I am wondering if any other girl has experienced this...whatever in hell the intent was, on the part of the staff psych at the counseling center which I am terminating services with.

I've been cognitively recycling this incident all day, anger accruing in the process....

Two days ago, my former counselor agreed with my wish to change SSRI medications and she told me to set up an appointment with the staff psychiatrist, in order top procure the prescription. I haven't gotten 'good vibes' from the man since he started working there - something about him seemed 'off'.

He is a man. What do you expect? All my health care providers are women.

[Steph]

Health care providers can be baffling at times and their actions can be down right bewildering.  I know that my own doctor has lapses from time to time even after she has written information into my file.  I remember that she once forgot why we did one series of blood tests.

I wouldn't put too much emphasis on your particular incident he simply may have forgotten or he may have asked to re-confirm your previous answer for his own piece of mind/records.

Steph