My doctor told me yesterday when I went in for my monthly check up and prescription for antibiotics that she could no longer treat me.
She was very sorry, she said it was a crime and is not helping anyone (as we know). I am SO UPSET, SO SAD, SO FRUSTRATED!!!
I finally after years of trying to figure out what was wrong with me, find out it is LYME (positive blood test from Igenex) and now they basically say there is nothing I can do about it.
I know there are more doctors in other states to see but I am a mother of three who works full time. I can't just pack up every month to see another doctor (not too mention, I don't fly, I have major anxiety attacks).
I feel so helpless and alone. My husband (who tries to be supportive) said to me, "well it must not need to be treated that way if Texas laws say that". WOW what a blow! I know he just doesn't understand but it hurt me.
I don't know what to do. I guess just looking for advice or just really venting to people I know will understand the frustrations of this disease.
Thanks for listening! Posted by stella marie (Member # 7216) on :
Oh man, Kim......
I feel for you to say the least.
Can you Texans help a girl out? Maybe someone who is in your area will come by and offer you some advice.
Sorry your spouse doesn't understand, it would mean so much if he did.
I don't understand the part about TX laws. It seems very unlikely that TX has any such law forbidding treatment of lyme. More likely that your doc is getting heat from the state medical board and ins cos. and the recent IDSA guidelines.
Why don't you try to find out exactly what the situation is and then fill out the LDA form to document cases such as this, where patients are being cut off from treatment. If you need help with this, ask someone here or in a TX support group.
Going to edit this because the LDA deadline for these forms is today. If you want the form, holler, and I will post it.
Posted by Jill E. (Member # 9121) on :
Sometimes you can work out with a Lyme practitioner to be seen in person initially, and then do some phone consultation follow-ups between in-person visits.
So you'd have to fly somewhere first, but then at least be on treatment and in touch by phone to buy you some time.
Jill
Posted by TXKim (Member # 10146) on :
Yeah I am not sure what she meant when she said it was because of Texas laws or guidelines (something to that effect). I was so shocked I don't think I was totally listening to her reason.
She did say that it was the use of long term antibiotics that she couldn't do, she could still see me for other issues.
Basically, she can give me some meds for my achy joints and muscles but can't help me kill the little critters hurting me.
She did give me 3 other doctors in other states to see. But as for Texas doctors, she didn't have anyone here to send me to.
I have called several others that I knew of and they said they are not taking any LYME patients. So I guess I will have to get over my flying issues soon!
My concern is, how much longer until there are no doctors that will take us! Scary thought!!!
Posted by Jellybelly (Member # 7142) on :
Hi Kim
Sorry to hear this. One offering is, there is a LLMD in Santa Fe NM. It is about an hour flight from you and not to expensive on Southwest. He'll see you the first time and then he can work with you over the phone. He does this with my mom who lives in Hawaii.
Posted by Bflat (Member # 7275) on :
Kim, I sent you a PM with some information that may be helpful.
Posted by nan (Member # 63) on :
I do believe the "FEAR FACTOR" is alive and well thanks to the IDSA Guidelines. There are two people here in MA who have been dropped by their docs because they are fearful of losing their licenses to practice medicine if they keep their lyme patients.
Thank heavens for the few doctors who stick their necks out to treat us. They are doing their best to pick them off one by one.
If this is the way our government chooses to handle the lyme epidemic, I fear for all of us.
Sounds like Jellybelly has an option for you. It has to be so hard dealing with lyme and being a mother of three youngsters.
I do hope you will find some help.
Posted by treepatrol (Member # 4117) on :
My understanding is that TX passed some tort reform laws which gave the medical boards more power to eliminate drs not following the "proper mode of treatment."
I'll PM you also, Kim. I'm sooooo sorry. I feel so blessed to have moved from TX, where I now am doing so well after treatment. I would still be taking steroids if I had stayed.
I love Texas with all my heart, and will move back one day, but this whole IDSA thing is really a low blow to us all.
Hugs and prayers for you, Kim. I wish I could be there to help you.
Posted by DolphinLady (Member # 6275) on :
TXKim,
I have a lyme literate md that does phone consults. PM me if interested.
Posted by serendipity (Member # 8474) on :
Kim, I don't have any referrals to offer you. Just understanding. I found out my LLMD will no longer be practicing in TX.
It's crushing.
I haven't asked him what caused his sudden change in plans, but suspect it is related to a board matter.
What is happening in TX?
Posted by tickedntx (Member # 5660) on :
Very sorry to hear this, however, something else may be going on here and not necessarily pressure from lawmakers.
Is your former LLMD quitting tx of all other Lyme pts, or, just you? I know it seems like a strange questions, but, some docs do what's called "culling". This practice is a really bad one and IMHO, you may do much better with another doc.
PM me if you want further explanation. I may take a while to answer you, as I'm leaving town for a few weeks.
Better fortune to you, sister Texan.
"We are more than containers for Lyme." ping
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