Negative Doctor :(

[Leafy]

Just want to get this out. I suffer with anxiety and depression and have been on & off meds since I was 17, (I'm 27 now) I came off my medication when we started TTC 15 months ago and it was hard for me at times. I intended to go back on the medication eventually (after a baby) but then things just never happened for us and we started the basic fertility tests at 11 months.
At my DR surgery you have to see whichever DR is available so I rarely see the same one twice! The last one I saw was lovely and said he would refer us to the FS as all my tests seemed to be normal. I just had to bring OH SA results and the referral would be done then...

In the meantime I started to get more anxious and depressed as everyone around me fell pregnant except for us and I felt stressed out & hopeless I went back to the DR and explained I was struggling a bit but came off the tablets in prep for TTC and felt it would be a shame to go back on after all the hard work coming off. He assured me he would research the matter and arranged to see me a few days later. When I went back he said he had spoken to some specialists and they said Prozac is considered a safe option and he was happy to put me on this knowing we were TTC. I've been taking them about 7 weeks now but was told it takes until week 8 to kick in and benefit me.

I finally went back to the DR today & saw a different DR - I was taking OH SA results in ready to be referred! and this DR really upset me. He looked at my notes and questioned whether or not this is the right time to be TTC because of how I am feeling and going back on the tablets I told him it was not an easy decision to make (going back on medication) and partly not conceiving is linked to my state of mind so I definitely wanted to go ahead with the referral to the FS. He said he would refer me but seemed to me to be looking down on me for this decision and I felt ashamed Now all day I have felt like a bad person and am worried the FS will think the same of me I am wondering whether to just stop taking the tablets and suffer the anxiety. I feel like utter shit.

 

[Dalila]

It's not up to the doctor to tell you if you are ready.

 

[NavyWife84]

I just want to tell you that you went to a sh*t doctor. It is not his job to judge you and should not have done so. Anxiety and depression is a serious condition that shouldn't be taken lightly.

I too have suffered from depression and anxiety. I got off the meds when I first started TTC, but just like you have recently decided to get back on them. I asked both my general practitioner and my FS. They both said that Welbutrin was completely safe for TTC, pregnancy, and breast feeding. Both doctors told me that it is really important that I be a "happy mommy". They encouraged me to get back on the meds for the health and safety of myself and my future baby. Try to put what your doc said out of your head. I'm sure your FS will agree that your mental state is very important for your TTC.

If you ever need to chat, feel free to PM me...I know exactly what you are going through.

 

[Armywife84]

I echo NavyWife.

Actually my anxiety and depression are the result of infertility. It's not what's stopping you from getting pregnant, it happened as a result of not conceiving.

I agree with you staying on Prozac..none of the anxiety/depression are harmful to be on while LTTC (my therapist told me this). The only other option would be counseling with a therapist, but that only works so much and won't keep your anxiety, depression at bay on a daily basis.

I'd switch doctors if possible.

 

[Indiapops]

Hey,

Sorry to hear you have been treated like this I have had similar issues in the past and was told to come off my meds when we decided to start ttc...although I have not yet gone back on them ... my doctor was reluctant to help me at all... but now I'm under the FS there is no issue...its not for anyone to tell you when you are ready for children we all face ups and downs in life... it makes us the people we are...

Unfortunatly some doctors can be unhelpful... and push what they think at you without looking at what is best... try to forget about this bad experience...you have nothing to feel ashamed about... there are people who will be understanding and help you... and seeing the FS is a positive step in the right direction... plus if your GP acts like this again.. I would go with what the other ladies have said and find a new one....xxx

 

[Leafy]

I echo NavyWife.

Actually my anxiety and depression are the result of infertility. It's not what's stopping you from getting pregnant, it happened as a result of not conceiving.

I agree with you staying on Prozac..none of the anxiety/depression are harmful to be on while LTTC (my therapist told me this). The only other option would be counseling with a therapist, but that only works so much and won't keep your anxiety, depression at bay on a daily basis.

I'd switch doctors if possible.

I have tried counselling in the past but found it very hard and mostly unhelpful - if anything it made my anxiety worse :S medication definitely helps me but i cant help feeling judged. I just hope the FS isnt as judgemental as this Dr I saw :\ Are you taking any meds?
xxxx

 

[NavyWife84]

I echo NavyWife.

Actually my anxiety and depression are the result of infertility. It's not what's stopping you from getting pregnant, it happened as a result of not conceiving.

I agree with you staying on Prozac..none of the anxiety/depression are harmful to be on while LTTC (my therapist told me this). The only other option would be counseling with a therapist, but that only works so much and won't keep your anxiety, depression at bay on a daily basis.

I'd switch doctors if possible.

I have tried counselling in the past but found it very hard and mostly unhelpful - if anything it made my anxiety worse :S medication definitely helps me but i cant help feeling judged. I just hope the FS isnt as judgemental as this Dr I saw :\ Are you taking any meds?
xxxx

Counselling has never helped me either and it stresses me out. I am way too cynical for the self help methods they try to make me do. Looking in the mirror and telling myself it is going to be a good day just does nothing for me, iykwim. I ignore the judgement other people have. I would like for them to TRY to walk a day in my shoes...first battling depression for over a decade and then dealing with infertility. Bring on the judgement! I started back on welbutrin two days ago. I am feeling really positive about this decision. Maybe if I feel better about life my body will react better and I will get my miracle baby. If not, at least I can cope better!

 

[Tiki]

I haven't told my OB/GYN that I have been on anxiety and depression medications, and I haven't told my GP that I am TTC. I have done most of my own research, and am not currently taking any of them. I don't really think it is a concern of theirs TBH...

 

[no_regrets_91]

I too suffer from anxiety and depression.(not diagnosed, but pretty evident) I am not on any meds nor have I ever been. When I was 16 I tried to kill myself twice (needless to say it never worked) No one ever found out, I did end up telling my husband about it as we started dating a few months after. At the time I was also cutting and I continued to do this until I was 18. My husband knows about my emotional problems and he tries the best he can to help me cope as infertility has really made things alot more difficult (Don't worry I am not suicidal, I wouldn't do that to my husband).

To get to the point
I think you are very brave, It takes alot of courage to actually get help. Do not be ashamed. when you actually see a fertility specialist I am sure that he/she will understand the emotional tole that infertility takes after all, they speciallize in helping people that have gone through this terrible journey. the office that I go to actually has a councler on staff. They will understand alot better then a gp will.

Good luck.

Have you ever tried accupuncture? when I was doing accupuncture it dramtically helped to improve my mood, it is very relaxing and may help at least with the anxiety.