posted
We have been referred to Dr. F in NYC for my 10 year old daughter. Does anyone have any views or opinions on Dr. F? This is a long way for us to go so we want to be sure we are making the right decision. Thanks for any info you can share.
Posts: 6 | From Tennessee | Registered: Sep 2016
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Bartenderbonnie
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 49177
posted
Welcome to lymenet missyd
I'm sorry you will have to travel such a great distance. But to insure your daughter has the very best doctor to treat this horrendous disease, it is absolutely necessary.
Dr F is very well known in the Lyme community considering she is so young. She trained and frequently collaborates with Dr J in Connecticut. Dr J is considered the WORLD'S leading Pediatric and Adolescent Specialist on Lyme Disease and Tick Borne Infections. He has over 40 years experience and has treated over 15,000 children.
He is our hero here at lymenet ! ! !
Dr F is a Pediatric and Adult Autoimmune Neurologist and Lyme Specialist. She is frequently seen on t.v. and does numerous interviews. She is very vocal about the mistreatment of Lyme sufferers throughout the world.
Dr F. quote : "Lyme Disease is a global pandemic and a human rights concern."
I believe you and your daughter will be in good hands. Good luck and keep us posted on your journey. Healing wishes sent your way mom.
Posts: 2977 | From Florida | Registered: Nov 2016
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TF
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 14183
posted
She has only been treating tick-borne diseases since Nov. 2016. That is no time at all in the lyme world. In my opinion, based on my observations and MANY patient reports, it takes at least 10 years for a very smart doctor to become an expert on tick-borne diseases. They are VERY complicated.
I have been cured of lyme, babesiosis, and bartonella for nearly 13 years now. The doc I saw followed the Burrascano protocol.
Then, I sent 5 of my friends to Burrascano-type doctors and they all got well also.
That is why I believe in the Burrascano protocol. I only send people to doctors who follow that protocol and the improvements that have been made on it.
I have been in the lyme world for a long time and have at least 7,000 lyme patient reports, many of which talk about their doctors. That is how I have amassed the info I have on lyme doctors here in the east.
I strongly suggest you read and STUDY the Burrascano protocol and then find out if the doc you are considering follows it. It is here:
However, barring some unusual circumstances, I would not go to a lyme doctor with such little experience.
The lyme doc I recommended to you a few months ago for your husband is VERY experienced and treats children of all ages.
There is a wait to see her, but that is who I strongly recommend to you. I know you will be in good hands with her. I know how she treats. She has gotten many, many people (including children) well. So, she has a great track record behind her.
See this word of warning about Dr. F. by Rumigirl:
Rumigirl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15091
posted
One other thing about Dr. F: She used to take insurance, but now doesn't. That is not unusual for LLMD's, or for many doctors who spend a long time with patients.
BUT she now, apparently, has the practice of only allowing patients to see her only on the first visit, and after that they have to see doctors under her. What?? (This is according to online reviews; you can check with the office). If so, that is outrageous in my book!
You could check into her further, but I have some strong reservations due to this and what I've written in the other threads that TF mentioned.
What about Dr. J in CT? I know that he likely has a long waiting list. And also is a long distance away. Ask to be put on his waiting list, if you consider him, and then keep checking to see if they have cancellations.
Does your daughter have neurological symptoms, is that why you've been referred to Dr. F?
Posts: 3770 | From around | Registered: Mar 2008
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posted
Yes she has developed lots of neurological symptoms including severe tics that are getting worse at a rapid rate. I believe this is indeed why we were referred to her. I appreciate all your comments and concerns. I had read the reviews on her and was also concerned about not being able to see her again after the first visit.
Posts: 6 | From Tennessee | Registered: Sep 2016
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Tincup
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 5829
posted
Missy...
1.) A large majority of Lyme treating doctors, in order to be able to see as many sick patients as possible and to have the advantage of multiple view points, use additional doctors, PA's, etc. in their practices.
Most of our very best of the best doctors do this. And the ones who see a patient have full access to the doctor overseeing the practice, as well as hundreds of other doctors on several private groups where they can share problems and get opinions.
2.) Only a SMALL number of doctors take insurance for Lyme patients. That is not unusual at all.
3.) This doctor is known for being extremely good in her speciality. Not all doctors know herbs, or know traditional routes, know neurology (very few in fact), know about heart issues or about muscle complications, etc.
4.) Since your little girl is having mostly neuro problems this would be an excellent choice.
5.) I've referred a zillion patients to doctors over the years and would not discount this one for any of the reasons given above.
6.) Additionally, she is a voting member of ILADS.
7.) She is a Medical Adviser to Project Lyme - a non for profit organization.
8.) She is an expert in many neurodegenerative disorders : Alzheimer's s, Lewy body dementia, declining memory, Parkinson's disease, Parkinson's plus syndromes, ALS etc.
9.) She treats neurological disorders such as Lyme disease, Multiple Sclerosis, ADHD/ADD, Autism, PANS/PANDAS, Arthritis, Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction (i.e POTS) Fibromyalgia, Dystonia, Myoclonus, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Seizures/Epilepsy and many others.
10.) She works up and treats neuropsychiatric disorders due to Lyme and co-infections, such as, Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Insomnia, OCD behavior and Ticks.
She is VERY sought after and very active in her efforts to help Lyme patients. See her speaking engagements from just THIS year...
Bartenderbonnie
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 49177
posted
missyd,
Everything is spelled out to you in Tincup's post. Just the facts, as you requested.
Dr F can help your daughter. We would not say this unless we really believed this.
Almost all doctors in medical mainstream have LPN, NP, or other doctors that comprise their medical practice. This is the normal medical model of present day medicine. It does not represent a doctor's skills or lack thereof. It's an efficient way to help more patients.
Dr J has stated he has been prevented from adding extra Practioners to his VERY busy practice because of the scrutiny of the licensing board. He is trying to protect new Practioners from the multi-million dollar lawsuits, legal defenses, and licensing censorship that could follow their careers.
Our great Lyme doctors are always striving for answers, for us. They consult, research, hold clinical trials, advocate, write books, educate other medical professionals, and see as many patients humanly possible.
Dr F is a VERY busy LLMD and I thank god we have her !
Posts: 2977 | From Florida | Registered: Nov 2016
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posted
Hi Missyd I was recommended by TF to Dr. S in DC a little over a year ago and can never thank her enough. Last year I was at a point I was loosing hope and no longer had any trust in the medical community. I had mainly neurologic symptoms and was ver ill. I am now about 75 to 80% better and getting my life back. Dr. S has renewed my trust in Drs, which I thought would never happen. She is like no other Dr. I have ever met. She treats all her patients with respect and with individual attention and treatment. You will feel she is holding your hand in the process. She also treats children, and understands mothers specially because herself and her daughter have been sick with lyme. She has been treating lyme for over 10 years, which I think is very important. She is one of a kind. She will answer your emails usually within hours even on weekends. Which is unheard of specially in the lyme community. I cant' say enough good things about her. I feel your daughter will be in the best hands with her above anyone else. Dr. F is a well known Dr. but in my opinion the fact that she doesn't have a long period of time treating lyme and that she will only meet with you on the first visit, after that you continue treatment with doctors under her would be a reason to go somewhere else. Lyme is so complicated and so personal, that having that personal communication and treatment with Dr. S has made a big difference in my optimism towards my recovery.
If you need more information, please PM me.
Posts: 68 | From new york | Registered: Aug 2016
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Rumigirl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15091
posted
**Reviews of LLMD removed**
People used to like her in the past. Maybe some still do.
But I have to disagree with what some people above have said. The well-known LLMD's (mainly 1 or 2 that I know of) who have NP's, etc. working under them only did that after being in practice with Lyme for many years. She has only been treating Lyme for a number of months.
The doctors under her never trained with Dr. J or Dr. H (not sure if she shadowed with him). I doubt that they go to ILADS. ANd,in fact, they seem to last not long in the office according to the reviews.
It just feels like she is taking advantage of people in this way (the fact that you can't see her after the first visit, etc.). It takes a lot of training, experience, and time to treat complicated Lyme patients.
I just don't want your family to make this huge sacrifice of time and money and not get what you need for your child. Please consider this carefully. It is awful that there aren't more Lyme Literate neurologists.
There is one other neurologist who understands about Lyme, although isn't exactly an LLMD per se, in CT. I will try to clear out my PM box soon, if you want to PM me.
[Oh, I just reread your original post; I guess you already saw these reviews]. When, oh, when will there be more help for all of us?? My heart just hurts thinking about the children suffering so. It's bad enough for us adults, but children?? Criminal!
PS I have asked for feedback from our local Lyme group for you. I will get back to you either on this thread or via PM. It might take a few days.
I don't mean to bash this doctor; I do believe that she understands and cares about Lyme patients. It's just what I said above.
[ 12-16-2017, 10:23 PM: Message edited by: Lymetoo ]
Posts: 3770 | From around | Registered: Mar 2008
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