My husband & I have just tested positive for lyme. He seems to be late stage with multiple symptoms, however, I'm asymptomatic.
We would like to get our toddlers tested & are looking for a pediatric LLMD in New York. We would love any advice or suggestions regarding testing or building up their immune system.
Thank you so much for your help!!!
Posted by TF (Member # 14183) on :
You can have them tested, but just know that the top pediatric lyme doctors will NOT treat children who are asymptomatic even if they test positive.
So, before you embark on this, make a list of their symptoms. No symptoms, no need to do anything.
At the top of Medical Questions is a permanent post that lists children's symptoms if you need help in deciding what could be a lyme symptom.
The philosophy for not treating a child who tests positive but has no symptoms is: Leave well enough alone. If the immune system is handling the germs, then do not interfere.
Posted by hopingandpraying (Member # 9256) on :
What part of NY are you in? Closer to NYC or in upstate NY?
Posted by Mjs (Member # 48612) on :
Hello, I am in long island Ny closer to nyc
Posted by Mjs (Member # 48612) on :
Thank you both so much for your help. If I may ask, what is the best way or the best lab to get them tested (blood/urine? Igenex?)
Posted by TF (Member # 14183) on :
Go to a good lyme specialist and go along with the testing he wants to do.
He will likely have a preferred lab and can explain why he prefers that one.
He will decide what tests to do also. Generally, you test for lyme, babesiosis, and bartonella at a minimum. There are various strains also. So, if you are paying the big bucks to see a good lyme doc, it just makes sense to rely on him to do the best testing based on his experience.
Igenex is a very good lab, and some consider it the best.
Posted by hopingandpraying (Member # 9256) on :
PM sent for CT.
Here are a couple of links about Lyme and children with very good information:
Dr. J is great in CT. Pretty much everyone who can goes there. I know Dr. F shadowed him for more than a year, and she started to see kids. She is in NY and might be an alternative
A word of warning about Dr. F. If you look on her website, her charges are enormous, but worse, her policies are extremely tough (re cancellations, etc.).
If they have symptoms, Dr. J in CT would be the best, in spite of the traveling.
Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :
Sorry to hear about hubby and his situation, and yours too. Hope you all will be on the road to recovery soon!
Look for DOCTOR REFERRALS (menu to your left). There is a list of doctors for all states there.
For testing, most use and think better of IGeneX Lab. Urine tests are often used to prevent unwanted needle sticks in the little ones. Not always, but it can be a kinder way to do it.
I would imagine you and/or hubby will be going to a Lyme treating doctor. If so, you can ask if he/she will run the tests on the children for obvious reasons.
This would let you know a little more by having the test results, and if necessary THEN you can set up an appointment with a children's doctor.
Faster, less expense, less time involved and easier for you. Just a thought.
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