Seeing the consultant on this week..

[KayHarker]

...about my reduction in meds. I feel fine, I really do - everyone is expecting me to crash or something, and apart from a few hairy days when I first reduced, I'm coping well. I'm a bit sick and tired of people tip toeing round me about it, especially my social worker, who has invited herself along to the appointment to make it a case review. Which I'm ticked off about as I wanted to be able to speak to the consultant about the med reduction, not irritating bureaucracy that doesn't help me at all.

I think I just needed to rant - my SW is a royal pain in the backside.

I guess consultant's reaction it depends how much you have reduced.
Hopefully he/she is happy with your progress :)

I want more meds or a med change

They can advise you on what they think best but at the end if the day it's your decision as to what medication you're willing to take.

Just out of interest if you've reduced your meds without speaking to your doctor what is it you want to discuss with him?

You misunderstand me (Most likely my fault for not expressing myself better) I am reducing with the say so of the Doc, with the goal of changing the medication entirely to something that doesn't make me a zombie. This is the first meeting since beginning the reduction, and I'd prefer the meeting to be about the next step, which should be about the introduction of the new med. Only now we're going to be filling in forms and I shall be lectured by the SW again. (She didn't agree with my change in meds)

ok :). Abilify is not zombifying. I have it with lithium.

Sorry if I'm missing something, but why don't you just tell the SW you don't want her there? The management of your medication is between you and your pdoc. Plus she can surely consult with your pdoc other ways if she's concerned? Again, apologies if I'm missing something.

I don't think you're missing anything :) I think I'm just a wuss and completely incapable of being assertive when it comes to my SW. I'm getting better at it, but it's quite hard to come at from a standing start, iyswim, when she is so forceful as a personality.

I would definitely tell the SW it is a private consultation with you and the dr ( after all she would not sit in on a smear test now would she) and if she would like a general meeting about you with other professionals present then kindly ask her to arrange it and let you know when and where - assertive and polite!!

Tell her to fuck off. She doesn't own you. She also has no professional right to agree or disagree with a medical decision.

Obviously I mean say what Hoophopes said but with underlying intent of 'fuck off'.

Agree with the others, if you don't want her there tell her. I'm guessing she's not medically trained in which case your medication is between you and your doctor. I don't think SW are actually allowed to challenge a doctors medical decision (at least that you're aware, who knows what goes on behind closed doors).

Thanks everyone. I'll let you know how it goes :)

It went great - she didn't turn up! I had a long chat with consultant and the further reduction was agreed. All is well. Thanks again for your wise words/kick up the bum

Fantastic. You did not turn her down so it will not hold against her and you got a good appointment on your own!