Doctor, Doctor...

I went to the doctor this afternoon. I ended up bringing Little Sister with me because she wasn’t feeling well. On our way in, she said, “We always come to this doctor.” I told her it’s because I like this doctor!

I never really cared about what doctor I saw. I used to see the same Birkenstock-wearing doctor my mom saw until I ended up getting an appointment with the only other female doctor in the practice. I couldn’t believe how different they were and immediately switched. When I was pregnant with Little Sister, I had to go to a different group because none of the doctors at my clinic did OB care. (I begged, too, but they wouldn’t start for me, how dare they?!) I ended up seeing a male doctor…and as it usually goes, by the end of my pregnancy, I didn’t care who was looking down there anymore.

When my insurance changed shortly after Little Sister was born, I had to change clinics again. I found a very nice doctor that I really liked before she moved to New Mexico. I chose my current doctor because I knew she would be a hard-ass about my weight. I need that. I don’t need a doctor who will smile and pat my arm and tell me she knows I’m trying. I need a doctor who will tell me to stop making excuses and get up off my ass and exercise.

Amazingly, I’ve been seeing her for almost five years now. I really like her and don’t mind driving more than a few miles out of my way to see her. She’s been with me through crazy diets, scared me about surgery, and written me prescriptions to make me exercise. This was the first time in a long time that I was excited to go to the doctor so I could show off my weight loss.

She’s so proud of me! (As I’m proud of myself!) It was so great to hear that I’m doing something right.

Onto the reason for my visit. I’ve been keeping a journal of my not sleeping patterns for the last two weeks. When I showed it to her, she asked me how I’ve been functioning. (And honestly, I’m not sure.) She asked about my history and family history. When I was in high school, I used to have nights where I wouldn’t sleep…and my dad has no trouble falling asleep, but can’t stay asleep. I’ve cut back on caffeine, increased my exercising, and tried everything I can think of to get to sleep.

My doctor said that if I could manage to get two weeks of good sleep—-with the help of medication-—that I may be able to get myself back on track and sleep without medication every night. She gave me Lunesta…I’ve tried Ambien CR and it hasn’t been working. She listed 4 or 5 other meds, but gave me Lunesta because she had samples—-which is okay by me. She also wrote me a prescription and a coupon for $25 off. (Also, fine by me.)

At this point, I’m desperate for sleep and willing to try anything. I’m off to bed…