Overwhelmed

Had a full hysterectomy and removal of both ovaries on 12/23/08. Am having issues with my emotions the last couple of weeks. Had my estrogen dosage raised and I was good for about a month, now the more dramatic mood swings are back. Have some issues sleeping at night, but not sure whether it's hormone or stress related. Some minor night sweats, but definitely tolerable.

This week was kind of a disaster because I found out on Tuesday that my ob/gyn is not in my network. The only reason he was covered for the surgery was because I was admitted to the hospital through emergency...so now I don't know how many office visits post surgery I'm going to have to pay entirely out of my own pocket. $750 out of network deductible. Ugh!!!

Was only into recovery at about 14 weeks and the ob/gyn was already trying to put me on an anti-depressant (Effexor XR, 75mg daily), which I had some bad side effects after only one dosage. There was some kind of a major communication mix-up between him and the nurses, because I had called asking if I could get my estradiol dosage raised .5 mg. When I finally did see him about a month later, he had thought I didn't want to raise my dosage.

I hate the thought of having to start over with a new doctor and the possibility of every doctor I see trying to put me on an anti-depressant rather than pursuing other options first.

So that's been my week...

That's a lot to have to deal with! Try not to get too stressed about the money. I know, easy to say and hard to do, but you had to have this for your health. If you have to pay a lot out of pocket, so be it. There's not much more important than your health! At least the surgery itself was covered -- that would be a really HUGE expense, obviously.

It's tough to find good docs, I think. I hope you don't have to change. But you may find one you like better! Some docs do seem quick to give antidepressants -- others aren't. But now you've had some experience with trying the antidepressant, so if you have to go to a new doctor, you can report how that didn't work and you'd rather pursue other options like trying different things with your HRT (or whatever else is appropriate).

Hugs and good wishes!

I think Rallycairn said it in a nutshell=) My question though, is have you been happy with this dr? Is it typical for there to be miscommunication between dr and nurse or was that a one time thing? I do understand how the finances can be a huge issue, especially in these economic times, but don't let that be the only deciding factor if you are truly pleased with your doc! They are usually willing to work with you if they know that there is an issue and you want to stay with them...worth asking=)
Hope your day is better today!! Do something for you today...don't think about those things that stress you.
God bless, Debbie