I'm afraid I won't get well with the new one. I'm really not happy about leaving the dr I was with but what else do you do if you're not getting well and have only gotten worse?
If I need IV, I'll have to change again. Can't afford the iv fees at the new doc.
Now, tonight my DH told me there's a job in Michigan that looks very promising. It's with his previous employer and they're very interested in getting him back. We would be home.
So, then I'd have to find a doc in MI. I'd have to find ALL new docs.
I'm just stressing about all of it. My head feels and sounds like a pressure cooker 24/7 and has for a year, my eyes hurt, now my kneees hurt every day and I just don't think I'll ever get well.
I hate that we ever moved here. I'm going to pay for it the rest of my life.
Sorry. Just having a pity party.
Posted by BoxerMom (Member # 25251) on :
Pity Party on, sideways. Changing docs is STRESSFUL. Moving is STRESSFUL.
Any uncertainty is stressful, more so with Lyme because so much depends on the choices we make.
I can't even begin to list the life stressors my husband and I have gone through since beginning Lyme treatment.
You know that list of major life events? I think we've had them all, often concurrently, during Lyme treatment. And illness is one of the events!! And ours never ends!!
You will adapt. You will continue treatment.
Lyme adds a dimension to our lives that is simply unreal. But we keep plugging along.
Hey! At least Lymenet is always here!
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
You have every right to have a pity party. Rant on!!
We're here for you!!
Posted by lax mom (Member # 38743) on :
You are not alone!
I know it's scary changing Drs. My family has done it...once by choice for my husband and I and once not by choice for my little son.
Even in the case where it wasn't by choice, it was a blessing in disguise.
A new, fresh set of eyes may be just what you need. A different perspective can be a very good thing.
Posted by dbpei (Member # 33574) on :
I agree with all of the above. I know the thought of moving must be so overwhelming for you right now. You will need to take it slow. But you can do it. I often think that when one door closes, another opens. Maybe this is going to be the best move of your life.
It sounds like a wonderful opportunity for your husband and it will be nice for you to be back 'home'. That is positive energy, which is healing... I hope it all works out for you. And you always have us here on Lymenet!
Posted by faithful777 (Member # 22872) on :
Did you have a heart to heart talk with your current LLMD? IV turned me around quickly.
Posted by sideways (Member # 34352) on :
Faithful, sent you a PM.
Posted by Insomnious (Member # 40960) on :
I'm not sure many people realize that they can inexpensively do bicillin injections (penicillin g) at home. This treatment "compares closely to intravenous therapy in terms of efficacy if the dose is high enough." Burrascano 2008
Posted by Sammi (Member # 110) on :
Everyone has given good advice.
I know of only one doctor who charges "IV fees." I do not understand this charge, and I do not think it is necessary. I have been on IV before and never had to pay a monitoring fee.
Just take things one day at a time so you do not get overwhelmed.
Posted by faithful777 (Member # 22872) on :
Because I buy supplies in bulk outside of my infusion company, my monthly meds for infusing twice a day run around $360. That is for Clindamycin in syringes with a pump lended to me by the infusion company.
I get flushes cheaper online, and use a few other places for the huber needles and central line kits.
Saves me tons of money and makes IV more affordable, especially when two of us in the same family are on it.
Posted by seibertneurolyme (Member # 6416) on :
Sammi,
There is a vast difference in what docs charge for IV's. And it depends entirely on the doc as to whether they will let the patient administer their own IV's without using an infusion company. Some docs require the patient to actually buy the IV meds premixed from them directly which is exhorbitantly expensive. There are quite a few docs who do charge monitoring fees. Some docs will not treat out of state patients as well.
Anyone who thinks they may require IV meds may be rudely surprised to find that they forgot to ask a vital question when scheduling an appointment with a new doc. Hubby ran into all these issues multiple times over the years.
Bea Seibert
Posted by dbpei (Member # 33574) on :
What are some of those questions that you would recommend, Bea? It is all so confusing and overwhelming when you are sick already...
I am considering changing doctors and worry that I may need IV ABX in the near future. Many LLMD's do not file insurance claims. How does that affect those who need IV ABX? Are they on their own in trying to get any coverage or get any reimbursement?
Posted by treeinatree (Member # 38613) on :
I have heard that some docs are helpful in knowing which supply companies are better at processing insurance for IV, if you are going to infuse at home. There are sometimes infusion centers that are Lyme-friendly as well. The one I have heard of is supposed to be good with insurance. So know that the doc is only one part of it.
Posted by Rumigirl (Member # 15091) on :
From what I know, there are no good LLMD's in Mich, due to the medical board. But there are some in near by states, I think.
IV can make a BIG difference IMO & experience!
Posted by gmb (Member # 23562) on :
It probably varies greatly state to state. My LLMD's only requirement while I was on IV was for monthly visits vs every 2 or 3 months while just on orals.
I'm sure they need to do this to cover themselves, and monitor you labs and check on your PICC or port site closely thru treatment. Oter than hte visits all dressing changes and supplies were thru a home invusion business covered by my medical insurance.
good luck
Posted by faithful777 (Member # 22872) on :
quote:Originally posted by dbpei: What are some of those questions that you would recommend, Bea? It is all so confusing and overwhelming when you are sick already...
I am considering changing doctors and worry that I may need IV ABX in the near future. Many LLMD's do not file insurance claims. How does that affect those who need IV ABX? Are they on their own in trying to get any coverage or get any reimbursement?
If you use Infuserve for your supplies, they will file for you on insurance but you have to cash pay first. Then they send you reimbursement for what you paid when the insurance company pays them.
Posted by dbpei (Member # 33574) on :
Thanks faithful. I understand that Infuserve provides supplies and meds for IV Picc line. Do they also provide homecare nurses? Do most patients start out with a homecare nurse, but eventually move on to taking care of their picc lines themselves?
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