posted
I am writing to hopefully get some advise. I am a newbie when it comes to all this Lyme info. After years of being sick, and many negative tests...I finally decided to do my own research, and now do feel that I have Lyme. (alittle back story, I am 25 years old and have been sick for almost 3 years, diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue and borderline Hypothyroidism in the past) I've been trying to educate myself as much as possible, but its beginning to get quite overwhelming with all the information.
I have found two possible LLMD's in my state. One of them in Northern VA is not taking new patients, but has a waiting list. This doctor does accept my insurance, she is in Internal Medicine and Rhuematology. (4 hours from my home) The other LLMD I am currently talking to, is taking new patients, but does not take insurance. This doctor is a holistic physician. (3.5 hours from my home) I am currently trying to see if I can make financial arrangments to see this doctor and pay out of pocket.
My question is...I'm not extremely familiar with "treatment" of holistic physicians...so I just wanted some advise from some experienced Lyme patients. If possible, should I try to work it out financially and see the holistic phys...or should I wait and hope the other doctor will be taking new patients soon ??!?! Is one (type) doctor better than the other as far as insurance payments, med payments, etc?
I am currently out of work on STD, I have been out for a little over a month now, this is because I have a understanding and willing Family doctor who feels that I am sick, but does not know what to do to help me. Another question...I have had a low-grade to moderate fever ongoing for almost 5 weeks now (my family doctor treated me with two types of antibiotics w/in the first few weeks, she thought I had a sinus infection, but the fever is still here), all the research I've seen says fever is part of the early stage of Lyme, not late stage...any ideas?
Any advise at this point as far as picking a doctor, insurance, treatment, etc. would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks again for any responses.
Rachel
Posts: 5 | From Lynchburg, VA | Registered: Nov 2007
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lou4656
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 10300
posted
Hi Rachel. I can perhaps help you find an LLMD, but they are in Northern VA (and may be the ones you are already talking about).
Send me a private message regarding which doctors you are talking about, and I'll see if I can help you find someone where you won't have to be on a waiting list.
-------------------- LouLou Posts: 1276 | From maryland | Registered: Oct 2006
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map1131
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 2022
posted
Ladybug, Hello. I'm sorry you had to come looking for this site. But I will say you have come to the best site, IMHO.
I've been at this lyme & company stuff since '99 when I first became ill with flu-like illness from hell and 10 days later I still felt like death. My PCP/internist was lyme literate, so he called it early lyme and put me on abx and combos for 2 mths.
He took me off abx for 2 mths because I tested positive for Epstein Barr Virus, therefore not lyme. I went back to him and gave him a list of symptoms that was 40+ and growing longer by the day.
He agreed it was lyme all along. Put me back on abx. Orals & IV rocephin. I then traveled to Missouri from KY to see a LLMD. Seen this LLMD for 6 visits in 2 yrs. More tests, different abx, more support for blood problems, hormone problems and not getting better.
I made a decision to go alternative and give some things a shot. I went holistic and alternative in 03. I'm better, but I'm still fighting. Some days winning and some days losing.
I still see my PCP. My LLMD I've not seen since '04. I would go back to him in a minute if I felt I needed to.
So my advice is start with the LLMD. Stick with this doctor and your regular doctor for treatment for at least 18 mths. But open your mind and ears for alternative things that you can add to your meds protocol that would help you fight and win this war.
You've been 3 yrs with this and not the proper treatment. You are in for a fight and don't worry it is going to get better.
Sorry this is so long, but I wanted you to know that I'm experienced on journey. Everyone of us is different and not all respond in the same way due to many different set of circumstances.
-------------------- "Never, never, never, never, never give up" Winston Churchill Posts: 6478 | From Louisville, Ky | Registered: Jan 2002
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posted
Thank you Pam for your post. It definatly gives me some things to think about.
Thanks again
Rachel
Posts: 5 | From Lynchburg, VA | Registered: Nov 2007
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map1131
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 2022
posted
Ladybug, I will warn you that holistic and alternative treatments are generally expensive and out of pockets can get you. BUT, you can pay all the co-pays on office visits and scripts and be spinning your wheels and wasting time and money with some traditional protocols too.
I remember telling myself 5 yrs ago, I will spend every dime I have and every bit of retirement money I have to get myself well. I'll even borrow it if I have to.
Pam
-------------------- "Never, never, never, never, never give up" Winston Churchill Posts: 6478 | From Louisville, Ky | Registered: Jan 2002
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lou4656
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 10300
posted
Rachel, I sent you a PM. Hope it was helpful. Let me know if you are still having questions.
-------------------- LouLou Posts: 1276 | From maryland | Registered: Oct 2006
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