Tips for dealing with a new doctor during taper???

[Guest [...]]

Moderators, wasn't sure where to post this, so I did here. Please move if not in correct area.

Long story short, the doctor I have (family physician) is overseeing my taper from Ativan and is responsible for helping me get "stabilized." is retiring. Next week I start with a new physician that I know very little about. I am tapering at about 10% every week or two depending how I feel. But I am scared of meeting a new doctor, not sure about his protocol about benzo use, much less tapering and withdrawal. For those of you that may have had circumstances where you had to switch physicians mid taper and we're unsure, do you have any tips on how I can approach a new doctor?

[[me...]]

Hi,

 

I think the most important thing is to remain calm and fairly unemotional, lest you be perceived as being "agitated."  Also, it's best to not appear to be a "drug seeker."  Some doctors will actually dismiss benzo withdrawal symptoms or the need to taper slowly, out of hand.  Hopefully your new doctor won't be one of them. Most of us here plan and execute our own tapers ourselves because of these kinds of issues with doctors. Good luck.

 

[[Tw...]]

Had it happen twice and I was just straight up honest and told them exactly what I was doing and why, to a degree, and never had an issue. This new doc commended me for coming off benzos bc of how hard he'd seen it was for some people. Gave me some reassurance that was much needed too.

[Guest [...]]

Thanks! I guess I have seen so many horror stories on here about switching doctors and it being  rather traumatic for them that I generally fear the worst.

[[Lo...]]

Most doctors that are worth their salt will know that they cannot just stop your prescriptions like that, and I mean all prescriptions, not just ativan. Bring all your meds with you, as well as the ativan bottle. Since it is a new doctor who doesn't know you, he will most likely look at the state database, look at your ativan bottle and the dosing instructions and prescribe what you already take in the same way. It's a meeting of 2 strangers. He doesn't know you and your life/history, and you don't know his views on benzodiazepines, prescribing practices and the level of his knowledge regading these meds. If he won't continue your prescription, definitely find another doctor ASAP. Definitely bring your Gabapentin bottle and Metmorfin, too. Very important. Your medications will presents a picture of a highly anxious type II diabetic with a plenty of pain, which is, well, not so far from the truth at the moment .

 

 

[[Ca...]]

Hey Pumpkin,

You are reducing your meds (benzo), You are happy (for want of a better word) to do it...

Any Reasonable Dr should be more than happy to see that in a patient...

If he Does have any issues, ask him to please explain his/her thoughts clearly...

It should all go fine...

Best wishes..

[Guest [...]]

Most doctors that are worth their salt will know that they cannot just stop your prescriptions like that, and I mean all prescriptions, not just ativan. Bring all your meds with you, as well as the ativan bottle. Since it is a new doctor who doesn't know you, he will most likely look at the state database, look at your ativan bottle and the dosing instructions and prescribe what you already take in the same way. It's a meeting of 2 strangers. He doesn't know you and your life/history, and you don't know his views on benzodiazepines, prescribing practices and the level of his knowledge regading these meds. If he won't continue your prescription, definitely find another doctor ASAP. Definitely bring your Gabapentin bottle and Metmorfin, too. Very important. Your medications will presents a picture of a highly anxious type II diabetic with a plenty of pain, which is, well, not so far from the truth at the moment .

So very true Loraz!  Thank you so much for the tips!!!

Hey Pumpkin,

You are reducing your meds (benzo), You are happy (for want of a better word) to do it...

Any Reasonable Dr should be more than happy to see that in a patient...

If he Does have any issues, ask him to please explain his/her thoughts clearly...

It should all go fine...

Best wishes..

That is true as well! I thought about bringing along my dates and amount of taper too with me. I do have my last doctor's notes from the visit when I asked him to instead of prescribing all 1 MG pills to instead prescribe half the amounts in 1 mgs and the other half in. 5 mgs. Hopefully this might see to him the nature as well as a "plan" of tapering...saying that loosely as tapering can be unpredictable.

[[Ca...]]

Hey You WILL be fine, unless he is a total tool, and you wouldnt want him anyway...

Just be confident, as you should be, cos you know what your doing...

 

On a lighter note... -If he/she Is a tool, -challenge him to post his theory on bb, and see if he can hold his own....

 

I think most Drs just dont want to see or be liable for mistakes... If your medication isnt increasing under his watch, all should be well...

Dont be over confident on your reduction schedule, thus backing yourself into a corner... (a mistake i made tapering opiates at one point, trying to show my good intentions)

 

But im sure you will be fine... -Prepared, calm, and confidant...

-what more could a good Dr want...!

 

[[Ta...]]

I've had a handful of doctors over the years, and some of them have been great. More than anything, when it comes to your new doctor trust your instincts. If you feel like your doc is genuinely listening to you and is understanding about the symptoms you're feeling, then you're in good hands. If you feel like your doc is dismissive and more interested in seeing you quit taking your medication entirely, it's time to pull up anchor and go see someone else.

 

In my experience, inexperienced doctors will dismiss your withdrawal symptoms or say things like, "I'm not sure why you feel dizzy because that doesn't happen to other people on this medication." The best doctors understand that everyone is different, and if withdrawal is causing you to feel a certain way, they WILL address that instead of being dismissive.

 

Hopefully your new doctor is someone you feel you can trust. Good luck and trust your instincts!