I live in rural VA. Last week I noticed a bullseye rash on my arm. I went to my GP and was given Doxy for suspected/possible Lyme. I am currently on a 3 week regimen.
The only symptoms I noticed different from my usual symptoms (I live with spinal cord injury and quadriplegia) was exhaustion the week before I found the rash. Needed lots of naps and sleeping in.
Having a spinal cord injury and paralysis complicates my situation since I already have many symptoms shared with Lyme (fatigue, chronic pain, neurological issues, fibro, joint/muscle pain, etc.)
My concern is that I can’t be sure if I have recovered from Lyme (if I even have it in the first place) after this doxy treatment is over since I can’t distinguish the symptoms. I have not had any testing done and I would like to find an LLMD in Virginia, preferably Charlottesville.
Thank you in advance for your assistance!
Posted by Bartenderbonnie (Member # 49177) on :
Welcome to Lyment Dizzie
So very sorry to hear about your health struggles, you are an inspiration to many.
I commend you for being your own healthcare advocate. You are right in wanting to find a LLMD. You cannot waste any time with this stealth infection. Most LLMD'S will utilize state-of-the-art laboratories that specialize in Vector Borne Infections. When caught in its early stages, Lyme can be effectively elimatated from the body.
You can request a LLMD through Global Lyme Alliance here;
We are here for you to answer any questions you may have. Healing wishes. I will send you a private message.
Posted by hopingandpraying (Member # 9256) on :
Welcome to Lymenet! PM sent5 for VA.
I am not a doctor, but three weeks of Doxy is not nearly enough and you are probably getting a lower dose of it. This is how most non Lyme-literate doctors treat based on flawed guidelines.
You need to be evaluated and treated by a Lyme-literate doctor (LLMD). Non LLMDs have no clue about this horrible disease or its complex treatment!
A LLMD is one who has treated Lyme disease and the co-infections which come with it for many years and has gotten patients well. A good one will follow Dr. B's Guidelines, the "gold standard" for Lyme treatment.
Unfortunately, LLMDs are far and few between. You need to go where they are. I don't know of any in Charlottesville.
Also most LLMDs do not accept insurance due to the politics surrounding this horrible disease. Read poster TF's explanation, "Why Lyme Doctors Don't Take Insurance":
Read the books written by the top LLMD, Dr. H, titled, "Why Can't I Get Better?" and "How Can I Get Better?". They are an excellent source of information.
Also read "Cure Unknown" by Pamela Weintraub. View "Under Our Skin" and "Under Our Skin 2: Emergence" DVDs. Check your local library or buy them used online.