I need to see an MD as well as my current ND in the southwestern corner of Oregon. The MDs I've had to date are militantly opposing a Lyme diagnosis no matter how flagrantly illogical they have to be. Now my life is in danger because my ND is so heavily booked and can't deal with my other problems - only Lyme.
Posted by hopingandpraying (Member # 9256) on :
Here is what poster "Keebler " wrote and she is very knowledgeable about Oregon:
"Welcome. I hope you find what you need here.
I'm so very sorry to tell you that there are no Lyme literate MDs in Oregon. There is another kind of doctor, though, ND (naturopathic), see detail below.
IF this is a recent bite and you are lucky enough to have a current bulls eye rash, you might be able to get abbreviated treatment with a regular MD, but there is no guarantee and they would not have the fuller education required.
However, there are a couple LL NDs who are ILADS educated and there is an active Lyme support group that meets once a month. Contact them for all options in your health care providers, testing, etc.
An ND is a Naturopathic doctor. Not all know about Lyme (or know enough) so be sure anyone you see is ILADS educated. There are at least 2-3 in Portland and few others around the state.
The Kaiser Papers – not by or from Kaiser Insurance but about how they deal with Lyme inquiries
Also gives background regarding lack of Lyme assessment / treatment in general, regardless of one’s insurance coverage.
OREGON SUPPORT GROUPS listed at BOTTOM OF PAGE
Other than to see one of the few Oregon ILADS educated LL ND, many in Oregon jump north to Washington state or head south to California to see a LL MD - or travel elsewhere.
WHY you need an ILADS "educated" or "minded" Lyme Literate doctor (whether MD or ND, or both) - starting with assessment / evaluation for Lyme, OTHER tick-borne diseases, and other chronic stealth infections - and all that goes along for the ride.
Medical "models" explained here, as to differences in the ISDA & ILADS models of assessment & treatment - and exactly why it is so very important to know the differences."
Posted by hopingandpraying (Member # 9256) on :
[per Keebler] NEW links. This is the best group to connect with for good start.
Oregon Lyme Disease Network, founded in 2001
a 501c3 non-profit since 2004
OLDN has 6 support groups in Oregon, please go to our webpage or FB to find those support groups
OLDN educational program for BLM, forestry, SAR and other outdoor entities
[ 08-16-2015, 07:02 PM: Message edited by: hopingandpraying ]
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Thumper Cottontail,
Welcome to LymeNet. Sorry, of course, for the reason.
Glad that hopingandpraying posted some detail for you about Oregon.
I understand that right now you seek a LLMD who may be more accessible regarding case load, calendar and also sounds like you need a
MD who can treat OTHER issues you have, not necessarily lyme but they need to be somewhat lyme literate and even lyme "friendly" in order to do that to any extent.
Just as there are no MDs in Oregon who are "LL" and certainly none that can openly treat, there is also a huge attack on those patients with lyme who seek medical care from MDs for other reasons.
It's hard to hide the fact that one has lyme and just about every organ and every body system is so affected that unless a doctor understands what lyme does to a body
and knows of the protocol you are on and why
they just can't be effective but most are dangerous in their flat out rejection of such patients.
I'm really sorry that you are experiencing this. You are one of hundreds, if not more in Oregon who face this.
And, yes, it is a purposeful campaign by the Oregon Medical Board to create such hostility toward patients with lyme and to flat out deny lyme is even in the state.
Several doctors who tried to help have lost their licenses. It's a very serious risk for a doctor to even have any patient with lyme for any reason.
So, figuring out how to reconfigure your canoe, the OLDN is the best group to contact as they may know someone to suggest. Some doctors do what they can under the radar.
Or as you are so close to California, it may be an option to head south -- although insurance, etc. can be rough and not all MDs in California are so lyme friendly or helpful for other issues, either.
Best of luck to you. -
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Oregon Lyme Disease Network, founded in 2001
a 501c3 non-profit since 2004
OLDN has 6 support groups in Oregon, please go to our webpage or FB to find those support groups
OLDN educational program for BLM, forestry, SAR and other outdoor entities