$Unique_ID{BRK00924}
$Pretitle{Mental and Emotional Conditions}
$Title{Frustrated by Problems with Heart and Digestion}
$Subject{anxiety psychology tranquilizers medications}
$Volume{E-23}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Frustrated by Problems with Heart and Digestion


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QUESTION:  I wish I could get an appointment with you just to sit down and
talk about my problem, because my own doctor won't.  I am having severe
problems with my heart and digestion, and sometimes cannot catch my breath.
Instead of dealing with my physical problems, my doctor keeps directing his
attention to all types of emotional situations.  Please tell him he is wrong
and to pay more attention to me.

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ANSWER:  I have had to select just a few important sentences from your 8 page
letter, but I would like to help you and the many other readers who are
experiencing similar problems with themselves and their physicians approach to
their problem.  It is pretty clear to me that you are a person who is
suffering with a problem you don't quite understand and feel a bit frustrated
that the physician is not dealing with the problems you think you have.  From
your long list of complaints that include your stomach, your heart and lungs,
your bladder and bowels, and your nerves, it is clear that your problem is a
general one that can most probably be related to emotions or, if you will, a
psychological problem.  Now, this is not the first diagnosis that must be
considered in cases such as yours.  Rather, a complete but delicate
consideration of all the possible physical causes of your complaints must be
carried through with the laboratory and clinical evaluations that can help to
clarify your situation, for anxiety disorders (yes, that is what I think your
problem is) can take many forms, and can indeed be provoked by many factors.
But your physician, by your own account has done just this, and his evaluation
has now focused his attention on your problems as they affect your life style.
His prescription for "tranquilizers" which you dismiss as being an easy way
out, is just a beginning of therapy, and the choice he has made for your
specific case shows a great deal of insight and thought has gone into the
selection.  All tranquilizers are not the same, and until your fears and
doubts can be reduced, it is difficult to move forward.  Many other people do
have similar problems, and your doctor's statement that he has success before,
and his willingness to continue to see you, demonstrates his real concern for
your welfare.  When a doctor takes the time to carefully seek out the physical
causes for anxiety, prescribe appropriately while continuing ongoing care, and
is taking the time to spend with you (no I don't think a half hour visit is a
"brush off") then you have found a conscientious physician, who can help you
if you but give him a chance.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
