I've never left an online review before, nor have I ever felt compelled to, and I want to make the disclaimer in leaving this review - my intent is not malicious, I'm simply hoping somebody looks into their provider before seeking professional help as I wish I had before making my first appointment. I have seen Dr. Banjanin twice, and in summary, I have never felt less listened too in my entire life. Setting the stage, before I get to the meat of my frustration with my doctor's appointment, I want to note that in our last appointment I stated my last name changed since I had gotten married, my maiden name is still the name on file in the system, additionally, my recorded profession is para-educator; I am a teacher and have NEVER been a para-educator. I have been a bra-specialist and a barista, but never a para, to me this just reiterates that I wasn't being heard, which when seeking counsel about your health, I would say in #1. Regardless, here is my story. When in college I was… experiencing extreme fatigue. I was so tired I couldn't stay awake during lectures, etc . . . I was also gaining weight, and had a swollen foot for over a year. I began to wonder if I had a thyroid problem. When I went in for a doctor's visit I was quizzed about my family history (which is normal) however, when I shared that my mother is extremely bi-polar, his immediate response was, "I think you too are bi-polar." I am a special educator and am not resistant to a mental health diagnosis, however, if you know me, I am someone who 100% of my life has been labeled as "optimistic" and "the happiest person" I asked those closest to me (bff, husband, co-workers, etc) what they thought, and for an honest opinion, and they laughed when I shared my most recent diagnosis. Seeing a natureopath subsequent to my visit w/ Dr. Benjanin she requested I cut out gluten. When I did my lethargia and swollen appendage subsided. The next time I went for a visit to Dr. Benjanin was when I decided to confront something that has impacted me my whole life. When I was little I was so hyper and my teachers would tell my dad to take me to the doctor to see if I had ADHD (he refused). I excelled in HS and was excited for college. College was much harded for me, I went from a straight A student to someone who got an F, a C and a D :( I persisted, developing strategies to help me stay organized. Now, as an adult I take so much pride in my job. I find so much joy in the ways I can positively impact my lifeskills students (those who are most impacted by their disabilities) . However, with that pride comes large responsibilities. I have legal deadlines and a class of about 20 students who need full support across all settings in addition to many other things that come with the job (prison visits, meeting with medical professionals, meetings in the home, implementing systems in the home, Special Olympics, and more . . . ) I shared at my last doctor visit that I was working 20 hours a day 5-6 days of the week and accomplishing nothing! Spending just as much time getting organized as I was actually working. Looking for help I instead got reprimanded and was asked "Do you want adderoll, speed, is that what you want" "every student at Western is ADHD" "You are just legally doping" excuse me, I am an adult, not a young party queen, trying to get organized so I can be the best for my students, I have never felt more self conscious and weirdly guilty even though I hadn't done anything. It was actually the nurse who comforted me by telling me it was my body and my choices. When he was writing my prescription he was talking into a recorder mic saying that I refused a bi-polar evaluation even though it was strongly recommended, but actually I didn't want to pay hundreds of dollars to say I told you so. Also, the doctor told me it is highly unlikely that I would finish a college education having ADD or ADHD, but he has classic ADD and had the discipline to finish school. So me, this young dumb blonde can't get her BA with ADD but a prestigious doctor is able to get his doctorate with the same diagnosis??? So after being prescribed 1 month of ADHD meds, I was very transparent with my staff who I work with directly and asked them about their noticings: am I more focused? are there any negative side effects? They all reported I am more focused, more organized, it is a night and day difference, I know where my keys and phone are, I am less frazzled . . . and I'm pretty my 40-60 year old staff doesn't want me "legally doping" around kids. Well, I have found a new doctor since and am very happy, but being a sensitive person I had to share that I felt violated and small when I saw this doctor. I think he has a big heart, and is doing what he thinks is right, but maybe he is just set in his ways? Whatever it was, this was not a good fit for me, I will not be returning, hoping this review can make someone feel reassured if they have a similar experience.
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