I appreciate all the words of advice that people have given me so far in my post below. It has really helped.
Maybe this forum is the wrong place for this but here goes anyway
I am in the need of further help!
Today I saw my Physician here in Shanghai. I went with a pile of information and informed him that many people had thought it was highly possible that I do have Lyme or similar, including the Neuro from the Cleveland clinic site (www.medhelp.org) where I was also able to post my question a while back - 13th August.
The Physician was very interested in my case (I don't think it is ``interesting'') but told me directly that Lyme can not be tested for in China and that he has tried to send blood etc abroad before for other things and it has always been denied by the Chinese authorities. The Physicians recommendation was to travel to the US, seek further medical advice and get the relevant tests I need ASAP so I can start the correct treatment ASAP.
So I am seriously thinking in following his advice, but obviously as I have only been to the States once, I need serious help.
Obviously I will need to be tested for Lyme and possible co-infections, mycoplasma's, parasites etc and I will probably also need testing for other viral encephalitis activity (preferably via lumbar puncture).
I would obviously prefer to see a LLMD, who also has an idea about problems like the above which could be causing my problems. So far I have not had good dealings with Neurologists but this may also be useful.
I would fly to west coast - San Francisco or LA (closer to, and direct flights from, Shanghai) but if necessary I could travel elsewhere if it will make it easier for me to do everything in one place without long waiting periods.
I would hope to be able to do it in a 10 day window while I am there; I am already risking my job at that length. So I would hope to see the LLMD or somebody at the start who could have the tests done/ordered etc so that I can follow up results with the necessary person before I need to fly back. I know this will not be easy but I am hopeful.
However, I have no idea how to proceed from here. I have only been to LA for 2 days. Where should I go, who should I try to see?
Can anyone help?
I obviously do not just want to do this without planning it well so if someone would be able to seriously help me or at least point me in the right directions I would be forever grateful and would return the favor somehow.
I am keen to come as soon as possible (next week for example), so that I can at least get to the bottom of my troubles, and will be looking into flights over the next day or two so I would really appreciate if someone would email or PM with assistance or info!
My Physician reccomended to get in touch with the Cleveland Clinic but I am doubtful this is the way to go?
Thanks in advance
Steve
Posts: 34 | From China | Registered: Aug 2006
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I think what you need to do is post in the "Seeking a Doctor" forum and try to find a doctor in or near one of those cities. Once you have an appointment, you can make further plans.
Best of Luck,
Corgilla
-------------------- "I'll never forget good old Whatsisname." Posts: 694 | From PA | Registered: Jun 2003
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posted
Email me if you would like a San Francisco doc recommendation. I have one whom I think would be perfect for your situation (living outside the US).
-------------------- Suzanne Shaps STAND UP FOR LYME Texas (www.standupforlyme.org) (Please email all correspondence related to protecting Texas LLMDs to [email protected] with copy to [email protected]) Posts: 977 | From Austin, TX, USA | Registered: May 2004
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5dana8
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7935
posted
Hi ShangSD
If you decide to make a trip to the the US for care with a LLMD and only have a 10 day window then
When you find someone make sure to mail (in plenty of time to get there ) all of you medical records.
And also a good idea to make a detailed medical diary. Of dates, symptoms ect..and mail this ahead of time.
Some LLMD's require testing up front for lyme & also to rule out other diseases. Many of these test take weeks to get back the test results.
And some will go by symptomatic diagnosis and patient history and some by both.
This would be important to find out maybe about your LLMD .
Hopefully he may want to go by this & start you on some orals
specially if you have only a short time to stay the first visit.
I would also check with customs before you leave what is the legalities on bringing back meds/herbs and supps. Maybe a good idea if can do some research ahead of time regaurding customs.
Good luck to you
and hope you can find treatment
and feel better soon
-------------------- 5dana8 Posts: 4432 | From some where over the rainbow | Registered: Sep 2005
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posted
I can only suggest finding a LLMD in California. Post on the SEEKING DOCTOR section and someone will get you information.
I would advise AGAINST the cleveland clinic, lots of people have had trouble there. You definately need a LLMD. You can try to read more about it on here...
or maybe even try a colon cleanse for parasites, I would be tempted to go to a chinese herbalist for help until you can get into a LLMD in the states.
What part of Australia are you from. I traveled there extensively as a young lady, did the backpacking thing. I love Australia and never pass up a chance to talk about how wonderful a country it is.
Sorry I don't have any real answers for you but I am praying for you, hope you find answers soon.
Good Day Mate,
-------------------- Daisy Posts: 122 | From at the computer | Registered: Jul 2006
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posted
Hey Steve I wanted to add that you shouldn't limit yourself to only California docs, you may be able to get in sooner with another one so check out all that you can in major cities.
-------------------- Daisy Posts: 122 | From at the computer | Registered: Jul 2006
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posted
Send You PM
Posts: 13 | From bridgeport,ct | Registered: Apr 2006
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Truthfinder
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8512
posted
I sent you a PM, too.
-------------------- Tracy .... Prayers for the Lyme Community - every day at 6 p.m. Pacific Time and 9 p.m. Eastern Time � just take a few moments to say a prayer wherever you are�. Posts: 2966 | From Colorado | Registered: Dec 2005
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