Anyone know how this LLMD is? I have an appointment to see him in February. Since he doesn't take insurance I want to make sure it's worth the 3 hour drive and the cost of the office visit.
Posted by humanbeing (Member # 8572) on :
I met with him in January after many months of misdiagnosis from many specialists in ct. I found him to be well worth the money. He is brillliant re lyme disease - a walking encyclopedia of medical studies.
You will not be dissatisfied. Bring all your lab results and history of symptoms. He spent over an hour with me. I know I am in good hands.
Good Luck,
Posted by ticked in ri (Member # 7736) on :
Thank you for the feedback. I'm in the process of gathering all of my lab work and other tests for my visit. I have quite a few doctor's office to call and get information from.
Posted by shazdancer (Member # 1436) on :
If you haven't already, I would also suggest keeping a journal of your symptoms, and make a list of them when you go to see him. AND bring a list of questions -- we have a way of having caca for brains when the pressure is on, ya know?
Dr. P sometimes talks fast. Don't trust your brain to remember everything -- write it down. Or ask him if you can record his recommendations.
He is not Mr. Bedside Manner, but he isn't nasty or gruff, either. If you are looking for someone to hold your hand and say, "Aw, so sorry you feel bad," this is not the guy. But if you're looking for someone who is up on the latest research on this stuff, he IS your guy.
Regards, Shaz
Posted by dmc (Member # 5102) on :
Funny SShaz you said that. When I first went to him (been with him 2 yrs now) he overwhelmed me with the knowledge. Thought he was business like...then cracked a joke, and since then always manage to crack each other up. He really is a hoot and has/had "coddled me" when I needed it. He usually is very availabe by phone if a crisis ie: weird herx.
I do remind him periodically that he's talking to a lyme brain....to tell me in simple terms.
I have two brothers, sister, brother-in-law, and two cousins that are under his care since I started. So we (family) tend to bombard him as much as he overwhelms us.
By the way...all have made major improvements.
Posted by ticked in ri (Member # 7736) on :
Thank you for the feedback. I have all my lab work and other tests now so I'm going to work on putting all my information together for my appointment in Feb. I will be sure to document past and current symptoms.
I really need someone who knows his stuff, will run the right tests including co-infections, and put me on the right meds.
I'm also going to take my husband with me so he can hear and hopefully remember everthing the doctor says.
Posted by shazdancer (Member # 1436) on :
Yeah, dmc, he cracked me up one time. I was complaining that I was gaining so much weight on this last relapse, and he said something like, "Yeah, I thought you were looking a little wider lately."
Gee, thanks for noticing, doc!
His style works for me. I just thought it would be fair to give a sense of what he is like.
Regards, Shaz (making mental note to mention to doc that I LOST all that weight, and then some....)
Posted by dmc (Member # 5102) on :
shaz...too funny!! I too "gained" weight. 17lbs in two weeks....all water. Dandelion leaf tea, not the root but leaf tea is a great diuritic. Learned from a natropath doctor. Seep tea bag for 6 minutes. have three servings a day.
Posted by shazdancer (Member # 1436) on :
Nope, mine was real weight gain -- about 20 lbs. in 10 weeks. I was trying to eat to have enough energy to get through the day.
I first had to get well -- any attempt to take it off made me feel sicker. Several months of orals, then Mepron/Zith for babesia. I lost 5 pounds gradually during treatment, then another 5.
Finally back in remission, I lost 15 more the old-fashioned way, with diet and exercise, at the rate of about a pound a week. I've kept it off for about 3 months now. AND I got back in shape.
I never thought I would get my old body back! And I couldn't do it without getting well first.
Regards, Shaz
Posted by viva (Member # 8183) on :
A good friend of mine drove 16 hours to see Dr. P, and I'd say it was well worth it. After 15 years of the medical runaround, he finally knows he has Lyme, and has started getting treatment. I've been impressed with how good Dr. P is at returning phone calls. He's willing to treat based on clinical symptoms, but he's also very thorough diagnostically.
I think my friend would agree with Shaz's comments about bedside manner, but the bottom line is that Dr. P. seems very competent.
Best of luck!
Posted by tickedntx (Member # 5660) on :
Could someone please send me a private message with Dr. P's full name and contact information (address, phone, etc.)
TIA, Suzanne
Posted by dmc (Member # 5102) on :
sent you PM
Posted by flipper (Member # 8765) on :
Any idea what it would typically run for an initial visit with testing? I was considering seeing him in the past but finances are an issue. Been infected since 1989 & vision problems are getting out of control.
Thanks
Posted by ticked in ri (Member # 7736) on :
I was told over the phone that the initial visit would be 1 hour and cost $575. I'm hoping to submit the expense to my insurance company after and get some reimbursement. Of cource not 100%.
Posted by Crabby (Member # 6804) on :
will someone please PM me with info too... thanks!
Posted by Nancy2 (Member # 95) on :
Crabby....I PM'd you!
Nancy
Posted by JustMeInCT (Member # 7237) on :
I would concur.
Dr. P is excellent. His office is somewhat out of the way but everything said about him so far has been my experience.
It appears that trying to like Lyme with MS is his current pursuit.
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
I too "gained" weight. 17lbs in two weeks....all water.