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Ms. Evans:
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Hello Doctor Balis. How was your weekend?
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Dr. Balis:
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Hi Cassie. My weekend was fine. And yours? More importantly,
how are you doing today?
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Ms. Evans:
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A subject I just love to discuss--my health status! What can
I say, really? I think I am still reacting funny to the drug. An aunt called
me on Sunday to say hello--small talk. After chatting for about 5 minutes,
she asked me if I had been drinking. She said my speech was slurred and
I sounded inebriated. I told her I was trying a new medication and perhaps
that was causing the effect. I am getting used to the side effects but it
still bothers me. Does that make any sense?
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Dr. Balis:
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It makes some sense. Are you still nauseated?
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Ms. Evans:
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Very much so. And dizzy. I walked into a wall yesterday as I
was losing my balance. I wish I could say I see a difference in my attitude
from the drug. This way I can see the reason for taking the damned thing.
But no such luck.
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Dr. Balis:
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Perhaps we should consider a different antidepressant. How is
everything else going?
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Ms. Evans:
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Oh, I don't know. Spoke with Brian this weekend. He wanted to
come over, but I just wasn't in the mood. It's like I have lost my patience
with him. He has been getting on my nerves and pissing me off to no end.
Not that he is doing anything different, mind you. I just don't want to
be bothered by his petty crap. Weird... Oh! I had that dream again.
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Dr. Balis:
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Which dream is that? Refresh my memory please.
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Ms. Evans:
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About this guy with the smoldering eyes. Actually, it wasn't
the same dream. This time, I was at a medieval festival of sorts, brushing
this beautiful horse. A man came over and tapped me on the shoulder, asking
me to dance. I nodded politely and accepted his hand. We walked to the center
of the courtyard and danced. It was like in the film Romeo and Juliet. When
we were together, it was like time was moving in slow motion. And his eyes
burned through my soul. It was incredible!
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Dr. Balis:
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Sounds like you enjoyed this dream.
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Ms. Evans:
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Oh very much so. My sleep was disturbed by a garbage truck so
I woke up. What a bummer! It just gets me to thinking, if Brian doesn't
make me happy then why do I bother with him? On the other hand, I can't
help but think I am defective merchandise. What sane man would want to take
on a burden like me? I started reading through the CDC information this
weekend. My eyes were all wobbly in my head, so I couldn't concentrate for
very long. Did you know there is no cure or proper treatment for this disease?
I guess it's just starting to set in, and I really don't like knowing this
stuff!
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Dr. Balis:
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Well, hopefully there will be more research and that will lead
to some breakthroughs. There have been many emerging epidemics...diseases...where
medical scientists have made great strides. And there are many cases of
chronic fatigue syndrome that just get slowly better by themselves without
any treatment.
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Ms. Evans:
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I guess. I know I should have a positive attitude, but I'd rather
crawl into bed and cry right now.
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Dr. Balis:
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Tell me Cassie, how is work going?
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Ms. Evans:
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Well I am not sure. I don't want to be paranoid but I saw a bunch
of co-workers gossiping and looking at my direction today. I have been able
to rearrange my schedule so I can make some customer follow-up calls from
home. Makes it easier on me even though it is still hard to do when I feel
so sick. Anyway, I suspect one of the gossipmongers is responsible for that
awful letter in my file.
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Dr. Balis:
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I am glad you were able to find a way to work sometimes from
home.
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Ms. Evans:
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Well I called in sick on Friday, and heard that there were some
calls that needed to be made. I wasn't in a good state to do so immediately,
but I spoke briefly with Sylvia about making the calls from home Monday
morning if I was feeling weak. She has been quite cool about it and understanding.
She even complemented me on my work. I really needed that boost in morale.
I think she realizes I am very conscientious. Oh! I was invited to a special
performance by the acting troupe I was a part of--Winging It. It was great
to hear from them. They are doing a benefit for the local elementary school
and they sent me two tickets. The note also said I could jump on stage for
a quick performance if I wanted to. I so totally miss that rush of adrenaline
you get when on stage! Am I jumping from topic to topic again? I am sorry.
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Dr. Balis:
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That's quite all right.
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Ms. Evans:
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I don't know if I will ask Brian to come along. I may not bring
anyone with me. It's this Thursday night, which kind of worries me. Having
to work all day and then be human and normal later that evening. Eessh!
A lot to juggle for sure.
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Dr. Balis:
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I think taking things as they come is a helpful rule of thumb
for you right now. You need to listen and pay careful attention to your
body. Have you had a chance to tell anyone about your diagnosis yet?
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Ms. Evans:
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I told my aunt--the one who called me and thought I was drunk.
She started asking questions and such, so I figured I might as well tell
her. Wait a minute. Can you hold on for a second please?
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Dr. Balis:
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Yes. Is everything okay?
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Ms. Evans:
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Um. I just threw up a bit.
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Dr. Balis:
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I want you to stop taking the medication. I am not sure if you
are having a reaction or not, but I would rather be safe than sorry. I think
we should wait a bit before trying something new. Give this drug a chance
to metabolize out of your body. Are you eating properly and drinking plenty
of fluids?
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Ms. Evans:
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I'm trying. Luckily the supermarket near me delivers, and has
some very good ready-to-eat meals. It's all freshly prepared and well balanced
nutritionally. Plus I always have a bottle of water by my side and drink
frequently
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Dr. Balis:
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Good. Do you have another appointment with Dr. Halsey?
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Ms. Evans:
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Nothing is scheduled as of yet, but he did say he wanted to see
me again.
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Dr. Balis:
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Okay. Do you think you will be able to come in next week so
that we can do our next session face to face?
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Ms. Evans:
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I'd like to. Can we play it by ear? Also I'd like to make the
appointments for Thursdays instead of Tuesdays. Would that be okay with
you? I think I have more of a need to talk towards the end of the week.
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Dr. Balis:
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Sure we can arrange that. Let me look at my schedule. Do you
want to stick with late afternoon appointments?
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Ms. Evans:
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Yes that is much better for me.
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Dr. Balis:
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Fine. How is 5:30 pm?
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Ms. Evans:
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That'll work fine. Then I'll see you next Thursday at 5:30 pm.
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Dr. Balis:
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That's right
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Ms. Evans:
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Great. Thanks Doctor. Goodbye.
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Dr. Balis:
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Goodbye Cassie.
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###
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Doctor Balis' Notes on this Telephone Call
Transcripts of Cassandra Evans' Therapy Sessions
