I just got dumped by the only Dr. who has listened to me thus far. After 3 days of calling and getting NO response/call back from anyone(not typical of them) I assume the Dr. is done with me. I had done a 4mo round of doxy with him and about a month of amox, then he put me on Zith for mycoplasma and after the 5 days thought i would be better...but I wasn't. When I called to ask where to go now, what did he think of rifampin, etc? The message I got was it is a drug of last resort. That is the last call I got. Supposedly they were going to get back to me and never did. After calling for 3 days I gave up.
This threw me into a serious depression. I cannot afford a LLMD. My PC is a joke. I have been infected my whole adult life, but have only been 'actively' sick for about 5 years.
I am totally on my own now.
I am filling every abx Rx I can to have some on hand and I will have several months worth. I am going to try some of the herbal stuff but...I have completely lost faith in Doctors. I thought this was a SCIENCE? I would think Dr's went to med school to HELP people...not just to have $500,000 homes and drive a Lexus...
I am at a loss. Does anyone here do this completely on their own? I am lucky that my husband tries so hard to be supportive...but beyond that...
Sigh. Not a good day...
Posts: 206 | From In the shadow of a mountain | Registered: Feb 2011
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sammy
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 13952
posted
Don't give up on your doctor yet. You said that you have called the office 3 days in a row. Did you leave a message or speak with the doctor yourself?
If you left a message, the doctor might not have seen it yet. The doctor might have been on vacation or had a personal emergency. Or the doctor might be thinking about what to do next and consulting with another doctor on your treatment plan.
It might be best to make a f/u to see the doctor and speak with them face to face. Sometimes office staff do not really understand what you are trying to ask and messages get messed up. If you have an appt you can discuss your current treatment, what to expect while on it, and when to call or be seen again if you do not improve.
Don't assume that your doctor dumped you or doesn't care anymore. Find out the truth. If he/she cannot or will not help you any longer then they should tell you directly.
Posts: 5237 | From here | Registered: Nov 2007
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tickled1
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 14257
posted
I've been in your position. When I found the first doctor to listen to me and even remotely support long term abx and he left the practice I thought I would never find another after taking me a year to stumble across him.
But, I have been to several others since then. Some LLMD's, some not. I know what it is like to not be able to afford one w/out insurance. I recently found 2 that aren't terribly expensive compared to others and am trying to get an appointment. This will be the first time I'll actually be seeing an ILADS LLMD. Actually, that's not true. I did see one other but she was forced to stop treating by the medical board. She took my insurance. I knew it was too good to be true at the time. Now I know first hand why ILADS LLMD's can't take insurance.
Listen, if your current Dr. thinks Myco will be gone after a 5 day course in your situation he is completely unequipped to handle your case and you need to move on. Here is a link explaining how long chronic Myco needs to be treated alongside Lyme.
I don't know what part of the country you live in but if you're anywhere near me I could help you find a doctor. Please PM me if you are in the Northeast. I know of some that take insurance that can at least get you on your way and a couple that are about $450 first visit and $150 for follow-ups. Let me know.
Posts: 2541 | From Northeast | Registered: Jan 2008
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posted
Doctors cannot abandon a patient. So if they never call you back you can report them.
If this dr truly does not want to treat you I'm sure it is more about the Lyme controversy than about money. After all, he was making money off of you.
Hope they respond soon. Call them again tomorrow.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96220 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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tickled1
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 14257
posted
Also, I see you are a holistic health counselor. You'd be surprised at how receptive integrative/holistic dr.'s are to treating chronic illnesses and learning more about them if you bring in literature. There are a couple of practices near me like this that take insurance. They may not bring you all the way but may be able to get you on your way.
Posts: 2541 | From Northeast | Registered: Jan 2008
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lululymemom
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 26405
posted
quote:Originally posted by Lymetoo: Doctors cannot abandon a patient. So if they never call you back you can report them.
Hope they respond soon. Call them again tomorrow.
Here in Canada, they can abandon the patient. My daughter's daughter sent her a registered letter stating that she would no longer be able to care for her. I found out from the College of Physicians and Surgeons they have every right to discontinue as long as they give 30 days notice.
Not sure if your governing agency would tell you the same but I was stunned to learn this.
Bartonella henselae 1:100 Posts: 2027 | From British Columbia | Registered: Jun 2010
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kam
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 3410
posted
I would make an appointment and go into the office when you are able.
Posts: 15927 | From Became too sick to work or do household chores in 2001. | Registered: Dec 2002
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posted
I always ask to speak to his nurse directly, and even SHE stopped returning my calls. I do have an appt at the end of the month that I was going to cancel, but at the very least I want copies of all my labs.
I have had Myco for years...it showed up several years ago, I had been on doxy for 4mo before the latest test was run so you would THINK that alone would have clued him in to the fact a Z-pack wasn't going to cut it.
tickled1 thanks for the link! I JUST ordered some NT factor this morning...funny, that!
I am a HHC, but have had a very hard time self-treating due to being completely overwhelmed and brain-fogged/fried. I seem to be slightly clearer right at the moment and have set up a treatment pan for myself that I think will be ok...it just sucks to have to go it alone. I do have a friend who is a ND and I am going to see her sometime in the near future...she is a litte on the ~woo~ side for me right now...but I will take any help I can get.
I guess we will see what he says when I show up in 2 weeks...should be interesting as I don't think he knows I have a follow-up...t1 I am going to print out that link and take it with me...
Posts: 206 | From In the shadow of a mountain | Registered: Feb 2011
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posted
Don't give up on the doctor because you think you have been dumped. But you should if he/she thinks zith is the abx of last resort.
-------------------- enjoy the day.
-jmb Posts: 208 | From Maryland | Registered: Dec 2008
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sutherngrl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 16270
posted
Many times doctors do not return phone calls promptly. I don't think on that note that you should assume he has dumped you.
Doctors are very busy and maybe they just haven't been able to return your call, or maybe they forgot. They are only human.
I would call until I got them on the phone or else just see them at your next appt.
I think because you are feeling sick and vulnerable that perhaps you have over reacted about them dumping you.
Posts: 4035 | From Mississippi | Registered: Jul 2008
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desertwind
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 25256
posted
So very sorry you are having these issues...
I would at the very least keep that appointment at the end of the month and use it as an opportunity to discuss your concerns with him.
If he feels he can no longer help you and that your condition is beyond the scope of his practice then ask for a referal to someone else.
It is true, in the States anyway, a doctor cannot abandon you without forewarning and a referal. It is that way in my field of work as a Psychologist and I know that MD's must follow the same standard.
I know it is hard but try not to lose hope and keep that appointment at the end of the month!!!
Posts: 1671 | From Tick Infested New Jersey | Registered: Apr 2010
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posted
Sutherngrl, thank you for the reality slap Yes, indeed I am feeling butthurt because I feel awful and want someone to make it all go away...
desertwind and others, you are right Dr's are busy, etc and I shouldn't get all crazy because...
...his nurse called me back today. She assumed HE had called me as he said he was going to. So, I guess we are back together...he also ordered another z-pak for the Myco. I know it isn't enough but it gets me closer to my appt and I can manage until then.
Thanks for keeping me grounded, y'all...
Posts: 206 | From In the shadow of a mountain | Registered: Feb 2011
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posted
Oh, jmb he didn't think Zith was a las resort med, he thought rifampin was. He is somewhat cautious about prescribing things since this is outside his area of expertise. It took him months to try LDN with me as he wanted to research it himself. He did Rx it though...
Posts: 206 | From In the shadow of a mountain | Registered: Feb 2011
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METALLlC BLUE
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6628
posted
Rifampin is a very tough drug and it usually is one of the hardest drugs. I'd say Bactrim is up there and so is Levaquin. Truthfully though, IV Vancomycin would be the top of the line as far as I know, but that's way beyond what he'd be willing to do.
-------------------- I am not a physician, so do your own research to confirm any ideas given and then speak with a health care provider you trust.
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