Kinda discouraging I drive 7 hrs and he spent 5 mins with me and anded flayal( spelling) did really say anything ...... just said to take pain medicine and i dont look as sick.. wow
Posted by map1131 (Member # 2022) on :
shelly, I'd be angry also. That's ridiculous for you to travel all that way and get 5 minutes.
His comment that you look good is also less than acceptable. My goodness, most of us with this illness look good most days, but feel like hell.
What's really frightening is the rx for flagyl, which the majority of people have experienced very serious herx reactions from this abx.
Flagyl is known to cause not only physical herxes, but the mental and emotional herxes can be quite scarey.
How many times have you been to this LLMD? Have you always had poor appts with him?
I know I've gathered the know-how to be able to express my disappointment with health care providers. Ten years of experience will do that. Do you have the strength at this time to express your thoughts with him or his staff?
Pam
Posted by Need Lots of Help (Member # 18603) on :
Shelly,
I am sooo sorry. We all have these appointments, but you would think with an LLMD you would have a better experience!!!!
I am driving 17 hours in March to see a LLMD for me, my daughter, and my husband. I would hit the roof if he only gives us 5 minutes a piece!!
But, I searched far and wide to find my LLMD, and got references from several other people. I was just tired of doctors who don't believe, and I am so tired of hearing that I am depressed...
Where did you go and to whom did you see, maybe you can spare some other people the aggravation? I know, no full names!!
Shalome
Posted by steelbone (Member # 14014) on :
Brutal
Time to find a new DR...
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
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Shelly,
That would be disappointing even in you did not have to travel so far.
Is this an LLMD who was referred by other patients who had successful treatment paths? (maybe from you closest lyme support group?)
Is this an ILADS-educated LLMD or one who is a member of ILADS (as their appts are usually more encompassing).
Not all LLMDs are the same (and while the ILADS connection helps us know they've had a certain amount of education, it is no guarantee in how they practice).
Are your far along with treatment? A short appointment might work for someone who is 6 months or more into to treatment, but is certainly seems a very short amount of time to be able to assess how you are doing and discuss the next step.
A note about flagyl, note what map said above - not to be scared but prepared.
(Also, although lyme patients are not supposed to drink or smoke, sometimes someone might forget that. With flagyl, any amount of alcohol - any amount - will make you extremely ill. So, be sure not to think you might be able to indulge in even a sip of wine.)
If you want more from your doctor, first ask. Ask about the time of appointments. Was there a mistake in the scheduling, perhaps. Or, maybe, did he think you did not need a more complete discussion?
Still, I hope you can find a doctor who can better address your needs - answer questions - better prepare you for each step - be sure you have the support measures in place, etc.
And, oh, if this doctor is covered by insurance (especially an HMO), that might be a reason for the shorter appt. but I don't see how any good doctor can assess a patient's progress and plan ahead in just 5 minutes.
If you have friends or relatives in places with a good LLMD, you might try that approach and be able to stay a couple nights to ease travel and expenses.
Good luck.
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Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
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I may have recommended this book before (as I frequently do) and you may have it already. So if this is a duplicate suggestion, sorry. If not (or for other readers), this book answers so many questions and can help you prepare for each phase.
This book, by an ILADS member LLMD, holds great information about treatments options and support measures:
I am sorry for you! My doc always spends about an hour with me on every appointment. I would be so angry if I traveled that far and spent all that money for 5 minutes.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
thank you all for your input .. i dont know if he was busy or what. sometimes i wonder if he thinks i have lyme.. iam CDC positive and he was recommend by this site.. not sure
Posted by bebfire (Member # 18096) on :
Shelly, Why do I suspect that this 'LLMD" is really an infectious disease MD or something....?? That's where I was sent..an Infectious disease MD who proclaimed to be lyme literate. I knew more about lyme than he did!!!
It's so hard to believe that a legit LLMD would do this to any lyme patient given the controversal issues and how lyme patients hve been treated in the past and present by duck doctors.. Find a new Dr!
Posted by sutherngrl (Member # 16270) on :
Shelly, I tried to PM you, but your mailbox is full.
Posted by Connieaag (Member # 15199) on :
Probably full from people wanting to know who her doctor is! I know I do so we stay clear of him/her! That's crazy! It's stressful enough to go to LLMD appointment, let alone have something like that happen.
Posted by shelly23 (Member # 16124) on :
In box cleared, my doc comes recommended by lyme net by some long standing ppl he even wrote a book maybe i just got him on a wrong day...
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
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Shelly,
well, you obviously did all the right things and found an expert doctor. Still, something sounds off and you deserve to have some answers.
I would call and voice your disappointment. Perhaps he had some emergency or something. I assume, a five-minute appointment was not the full price.
Have a conversation with the office manager to clear the air. Has this doctor changed his approach or methods?
Then, go with your instincts.
Sometimes, our instincts are very clear. Be sure to distinguish instinct (your brain's intellect combined with inner wisdom) from feelings of disappointment, etc. Sort it out and then you may do better to find a doctor who better suits your needs.
Sorry this is so hard. I hope it gets easier and that you find exactly what you need to proceed.