Frequency of follow-up when in remission?

caz23 · 31-05-2012, 04:31 PM

Could anyone who is, or has been lucky enough to be in full or partial remission share with me how often you did/do attend follow up appointments. Also; how you felt about going, and whether you continued to do so for the recommended length of time?

I wouldn't say that I have achieved the elusive goal of full remission from MDD just yet, but have most certainly doing much better over recent months. I am off meds since last october, and am currently under the sole care of my GP who is keen to see me every eight weeks. Now whereas I truly appreciate this gesture, I also feel somewhat indifferent about it, and am eager to discontinue these follow up visits, as I just don't feel the want or the need for them at present.

I do understand the need to err on the side of caution here because of the risk of relapse, and don't want to run before I can walk so to speak. So I just though that I would gather some opinions here before I go making any rash decisions. I realise that the questions I have asked above are terribly specific, and I would be grateful for any sort of input really.

Thanks in advance, and apologies for the somewhat pointless thread!

talaiporia · 01-06-2012, 12:24 AM

How often would you like to see them? Usually if you state that you'd prefer to see them more/less, they're good with that.

8 weeks is only ten minutes, every other month. Is that so bad?

And it's good to hear you're doing better. :)

why · 01-06-2012, 02:40 AM

Glad you're doing well.

Checking in every couple of months sounds pretty sensible to me. Do you know what bothers you about the appointments? Is it because you want to put the illness behind you, and not view yourself as someone who is "unwell" or do you just not get on with the GP?

Maybe they can do a telephone appointment if you don't like to go in - many GP's will and it's less hassle. Breaking off contact against their advice doesn't seem the best idea though.

bitomato · 01-06-2012, 05:15 AM

The temptation is there to cut off services all together- but you haven't been off meds for a year yet. It is better to have the appointments and use them as personal check in points, than to let bench marks pass by without monitoring them.

The difference between mental illness and most physical illnesses- is that it isn't cured. You are well and that is great. Going to the doctor does not mean that you are not well. Just utilise the visits as part of your stay well plan.

caz23 · 03-06-2012, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aunty T

8 weeks is only ten minutes, every other month. Is that so bad?

You're right, it really isn't that bad. But I'm just so fed up of attending bloody appointments! I know that it's wise to contine seeing my GP incase I relapse or whatever, but I just struggle to make myself go sometimes.

Quote:

Originally Posted by why

Checking in every couple of months sounds pretty sensible to me. Do you know what bothers you about the appointments? Is it because you want to put the illness behind you, and not view yourself as someone who is "unwell" or do you just not get on with the GP?

No, I luckily don't have any problems with my GP; she's friendly, approachable and has always been vey supportive - more so than my local CMHT who are the epitome of incompetence! Whats bothering me I suppose is that I just want to leave the last few years behind me now and move on. I really do appreciate the fact that my GP is willing to keep an eye on me, and get the impression that she's doing it because she actually cares. But I've had to be quite firm with myself in terms of actually attending my last few of appointments, and to be honest I have often felt as though I shouldn't have bothered going afterwards; not because the appointments haven't gone well, but because I felt as though there was no particular need for them, and didn't gain much of anything by going.

A part of me also feels as though she doesn't really get an accurate picture of my overall mental wellbeing anyway, due to the length of time between the appointments. I know that I could ask to see her more, or less often if I wanted to, but I can't keep on seeing her forever, and need to break away and stand on my own two feet at some stage. I could always go back if things start to deteriorate.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bitomato

The temptation is there to cut off services all together- but you haven't been off meds for a year yet. It is better to have the appointments and use them as personal check in points, than to let bench marks pass by without monitoring them.

Yeah, that does make a lot of sense, especially as I came off my meds of my own accord. I also discharged myself from the psych services a few months ago, primarily as it has been staffed by locums for about a year now which I was extremely dissatisfied with. I have been doing well since then though, and in some respects coming off meds and breaking free of the shackles of psychiatry turned out to be a good decision and has given me a huge boost in confidence. But I guess I can't afford to be complacent, so it would be wise to continue checking in with her every now and again, even if I don't really want to on some occasions.

Thanks for the advice guys :)

talaiporia · 08-06-2012, 02:01 AM

Maybe it would be worth keeping a journal or mood diary of how things are between appointments? I have a 'calendar' on my door and it has a box for 'mood' and 'other' and whether I went for a walk and other stuff that is specific and rambly and it helps me get a good picture of my overall mood.

Anyway. Take care.