Hi, I am looking for an LLMD as close to Tampa as possible. Financial hardship is a factor as my condition continues to deteriorate and ability to provide via self employment becomes more difficult. Probably need to limit initial attempt to treat chronic Lyme to antibiotics and whatever will minimize anticipated herxing. Initially diagnosed with Parkinsonism in 2/2012 and by the grace of God diagnosed with chronic Lyme recently. Thanks for any suggestions.
Posted by hopingandpraying (Member # 9256) on :
Welcome to Lymenet!
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!
They are far and few between, unfortunately. You need to go where they are. There was a LLMD in Tampa, but he retired.
I would recommend you contact the FL Lyme Support Groups I have listed for you below. They would know better about FL.
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":
Btw - please break up your posts into 2-3 sentence paragraphs, as there are people on Lymenet who cannot read large blocks of text due to neurological problems from Lyme. Thanks.
Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :
Try the Doctor Referral page here, on the left side menu.
Hope it helps! And you feel better soon!
Posted by galsal59 (Member # 45955) on :
What ever happened to the what was touted as the stupendous test that was from the Tampa Bay area? This goes back to about 2000 and after. Just curious since I've not seen much referenced about it.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Bowen Labs?? I know Lida Mattman passed away .. perhaps that is why it's no longer used? I know they tried hard to discredit it.
Posted by galsal59 (Member # 45955) on :
Yes, tried terribly hard to discredit That was the one. Thanks.
Posted by KittenMittens (Member # 46080) on :
HEY!
I traveled from NJ to Palm Harbor, right outside of Tampa to go see Dr. S. DR Sponge Bob, I call him.DONT WASTE YOUR TIME OR MONEY! We spent $100,000 over 6 months and as soon as you get off his IV and drugs that mask symptoms, you CRASH. They arent honest with you and you get the same treatment as everyone. They HAVE helped some, but greed got to them. Its sad. Everyone who just works there is great. But I was treated pretty ****ty by my doctor (Spon.) and my head nurse....
That being said, I am still in the area. There are many doctors who believe and recognize Lyme in the area!! I didnt find that in NJ ironically, where its more prevelant. But now im looking for a new Doc. I recently saw Dr. M. and was VERY VERY impressed. he has a 5 week program(specifically for me, because i have every co-infection, both MTHFR crap genetics, and am highly allergic to mold, EBV, and some thyroid issues). So, unlike the previous doctor I mentioned, he wrote up EVERYTHING I will be taking and doing and my end date. With my PICC line, vitamins, and 5 weeks of IV its still $16,000. But a far cry from Sponaugle. There was someone who was cheaper and did all holistic meds you take from home. My one doctors wife was HEALED, yes, healed from him! But he got shut down. I just heard of the Hansa Clinic from a friend fromDR S.--he treated Yolanda 2 years ago but only for 6 weeks and we all know shes still fighting, (because were all still sick!!!!). I havet checked it out yet, but I will. And I know of a place in Orlando, where you do one visit then its from home, but Im not sure how that works and pain is my biggest issue, so I cant drive far. DR M. is in Clearwater. it's $350 for the first visit but he spent almost 2 hours with me and did muscle testing and all sorts of stuff. He knew what was ailing me without even looking at my NOVEL of bloodwork from asking my body. Hes one o the few doctors that touches your body (sounds odd lol) to see what is wrong. Call me old school, but isnt that part of a "check up"? Most doctors wont come near me. They just read my blood work. They dont even check my glands. Im deciding now if I will be going to see him.
He does LOTS of IV Hydro therapies and treats many lyme and cancer patients. I looked up bad reviews for him and cant find any. I wish I looked for negative reviews for Sponaugle before we spent our life's saving on him I found a person with every single issue I had on the internet when I looked for the negative. Im always here if you need to chat!
We'll get through this!
[ 06-22-2015, 12:32 PM: Message edited by: KittenMittens ]
Posted by hopingandpraying (Member # 9256) on :
KittenMittens - you should write a new post instead of adding on to an existing one. That way, more people will respond because most don't re-read old posts.
Btw - please break up your posts into 2-3 sentence paragraphs, as there are people on Lymenet who cannot read large blocks of text due to neurological problems from Lyme.
In order to do this, click on the pencil/paper icon, make your changes, then click "Edit post". Thanks.
![[Frown]](frown.gif)
I found a person with every single issue I had on the internet when I looked for the negative. Im always here if you need to chat!