posted
Hey guys! I need your help. I leave tomorrow to drive half way across the country into tropical storm Dennis to see my first LLMD and I'm not letting some storm stop me, I've waited too long.
I have been putting together some questions for my first visit and was wondering if you guys had some good suggestions of some questions to ask during my first appointment with my first LLMD.
Thanks so much! You guys are wonderful!
jloisu
Posts: 197 | From Seeing Lyme Green in Iowa | Registered: Jun 2005
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Ann-OH
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 2020
posted
I always suggest that you write out a chronology of what has happened to you, when, what tests and procedures you have had (especially in the past year) and take along copies of test results and procedure reports.
I have a sheet I prepare with all the needed info about me, age, address, phone emergency contacts, meds I am taking, meds I don't react well to, recent medical problems, Medical insurance information, names and phone #'s and FAX #'s of my current doctors and info on Living will etc.
I keep that updated and take it to appointments. Nurses and docs love that as it saves them asking me lots of questions.
Then make a list of your most urgent issues and questions for which you really need immediate answers. Make a copy for you and for your doctor. I usually suggest people keep that list to about 5 or 6 questions, not more than 10!
Take notes on the doctor's answers and prescriptions. If they know you are taking notes, they are more careful to say things more clearly, and you have a chance to ask how things are spelled and get them to repeat directions etc.
I keep the notes in a notebook which I take to each appointment, so I can check back if there is any confusion on my part or on the doctor's part.
posted
If your financial situation allows for it, try and make sure that you get ketek as your macrolide. It's much stronger than zithromax, and there's mounting evidence that it helps with co-infections.
Then request a cephalosporin (rocephin, omnicef, or ceftin) to take in combination with the ketek. Although you will probably need a cyst buster at some point, it may pay to wait until you are over your initial herx. After that, especially if you take ketek right away, you will get a better idea of what your additional problems are, such as cysts or co-infections or some other health issue.
Always remember that you are in a business relationship. Even though I've been in your shoes and know how hard it can be to do this, try and make yourself an expert on all the treatments out there, so that you come across as savvy and strong.
FYI, my abx combination is ketek and omnicef for Lyme, and some other stuff for bartonella and babesia.
Always take liver support, and make sure schizandra is one of the ingredients.
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