the doctor would probably not return a call. Again I tried to explain that I wanted to speak
to him.
I called last month about the same issue and it
always seems that the message isn't told right
and when the nurse calls back it seems like she
only has half of the story.
An update on my meds, I take Biaxin 500mg 2x day
and switched form Ceftin to the Omnicef about 2
months ago. this is when all the increase pain
started. When I called his office is September
about it, the message was for me to skip the
Omnicef every other day. I cut back to every
third day and still in terrible pain. It may be a
herx, but it has been the longest on I ever had.
I stopped it on my own about a week ago, because
his office has been closed for two weeks, ok,
pain still just as intense.But figured I could
wait till the office reopened to talk to him about it.
Late yesterday his nurse calls back and says my
doc. says to find a new doctor. WHAT???? I told
her that I have been his patient for 3.5 years.
She said he is swamped and that he has been away
for two weeks, Ok I really don't care about that.
I am his patient and I don't believe a doctor can
just drop a patient like that. I also believe
that I should be able to speak to him if I am
having a problem. In all the years of threatment
I think I have called him once between my
appointments with a question. Once!
I told the nurse...I need to know what to do
about my meds etc.... and she said,"I don't know
what to tell you, I am telling you what the
doctor said"" he said to find a new doctor"
Honestly I cried all nite....not sure what to do
or where to turn. I don't believe it is legal for
a doctor to just abandon a patient for no reason
is it?
I really need your help guys on what to do? I am
trying to find a new LLMD as soon as possible. I
posted under doctors, because I lost my
list....thanks ....sorry for it being so long.
Posted by Pinelady (Member # 18524) on :
Well thats exactly what I would do. Find a new doc.
In the meantime I would go pick up all my records.
And I may back off on meds to see if that helps
your symptoms. You may need to see a reg. MD before
you get to a new LLMD as those symptoms could be
caused by something else. Sorry but it sounds like it is for the best.
Posted by seibertneurolyme (Member # 6416) on :
I think different states have different rules about firing patients. In Virginia a doc has to send you a 30 day letter -- they will continue to treat for that 30 days. In theory you should be able to find another doc in 30 days.
Hubby has gotten a few of these letters from PCP's but never from LLMD's. One letter was after the first appointment with a new doc -- he decided hubby was too complicated.
We have changed LLMD's a few times as well mostly due to finances (couldn't afford to travel etc) -- not a fun position to be in.
Actually many Lymies stay with an LLMD too long -- if you are not making progress (stalled for 6 months or longer) or the office is unresponsive to your needs (especially in emergency situations) then it is probably time to switch. Different docs have different treatment protocols and favorite meds and new eyes sometimes can make a big difference.
Sorry for what happened and hope you find a new doc soon.
If you include more info on which infections you have, your primary symptoms and what your treatments have been someone can help more with suggestions.
Bea Seibert
Posted by mindylynn (Member # 21401) on :
Thanks for the replies. My problem with being in
Maine is that we are so rural and there are only
two LLMD's in the whole state. But I have made up my mind to travel wherever I have to to get better.
I was diagnosed 3.5 years ago, been ill for
probably 7 years prior, went thru what I guess we
all go thru for misdiagnosis.
I have all the symptoms of late stage Lyme, with
memory problems, arthritis etc. I have been on
numerous ABX, primarliy Biaxin and Ceftin, tried
Doxy and and now Omnicef. also, plaquinel,
mobic,meds for pain and sleep. Pain has always
been one of the worst symptoms, varying from
throbbing to buring stabbing pain, ncek,
shoulder, hip, hands, elbows, knees,ankles you
name it and I probably have had pain there. the
thing is....last year I was better, the past six
months have been horrible for me.
Is it a relapse?
Thanks again for the replies. I am
still so upset with all of this. But I appreciate
you all taking time to answer me.
Posted by Shosty (Member # 12232) on :
Our PCP has fired three out of 5 members of our family. He gave us 30 days warning.
This includes my husband, who thought he was healthy and did not visit the PCP for a few years. When he had a stroke, he was stranded in the hospital until he could find a new PCP.
Posted by kellyjk4 (Member # 19731) on :
mindy, in my opinion, you're better off without a dr who would treat you that way.
I'm sorry you're so upset, and I'm sure I would be too, but looking at it from the outside, I think this might turn out to be a good thing.
Make sure you get a copy of your medical record from that office to take with you to the next LLMD that you see.
Since you've been suffering so much, perhaps your PCP could help?
Is your PCP lyme friendly at all?
Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :
I would write a short, short short letter. NO emotion. No accusations.
It could be a bad nurse day... and NOT the doctor's intent.
`````````````````````````````````````````````````
Sample...
Dear Dr. X,
I contacted you by phone last _______ to ask what you wanted me to do about the increased pain and worsening of symptoms I am experiencing. It started shortly after my last visit; after I started taking the new dose of medications prescribed by your office.
My next scheduled appointment isn't until _______.
I was told by Nurse X after leaving a message, that your response to my question was to "find a new doctor".
If your intention at this time is to abandon me as a patient, please advise me of this in writing and include a copy of all my medical records with your official response. If you have any recommendations of who I may see to monitor me while on your treatment protocols, please advise.
Thank you,
XXXXXXXX
`````````````````````````````````````````````````
Then wait for a response.
Posted by disillusioned (Member # 23003) on :
I was dumped by my infectious disease MD-i wish it was illegal in this state just so I could make an issue of it!
He made his nurse say to me 3 times, as if I were an idiot, "You had an infectious disease. You were appropriately treated for the infectious disease, and you are now cured. You are now dealing with the damage left behind and we cannot help you"
I was stunned. I had had great rapport with this MD. I was miserable, and no doctor would see me.
I am stunned that there is ever an istance where an MD would dump someone for any reason. An attorney told my nursing class that we cannot abandon patients ever, such as in a strike situation, or our replacement didn't show up, etc. I assumed that was one of those ethical situations that would be the same for an MD.
My heart breaks every time I read stories like yours. What have we done to deserve this?
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
That's HORRIBLE... I have heard of others here who had the same problem.
It's really uncalled for.
I would DEFINITELY type up Tincup's suggested letter and send it!
Posted by METALLlC BLUE (Member # 6628) on :
That is terribly unfortunate I've heard it before and experienced it before.
Follow Tin Cup, and if you need a list let me know, I'll give you plenty of names for all the states around you (including Maine).
You're also welcome to write up a brief summary of your experience with the particular doctor you worked with. I record the anonymous reports of patients like yourself so other patients who come looking for help have an idea of what others experienced with the various doctors I provide.
Posted by B and M (Member # 13544) on :
My wife was fired by her LLMD when she was not responding they way he thought she should.
I guess she was messing up his statistics about the percentage of people he helps.
Turns out he did us a huge favor.
Our new doctor is much better and we have seen significant improvement.
She has a long way to go, but from where we were things are looking up
Posted by mindylynn (Member # 21401) on :
Thanks you all are the best. I do feel better
about all this. I think it will turn out for the best.
Tincup thanks for the advice...I will do that.
Calling today for a new doctor appointment.
Thanks to all again. Posted by trigal2 (Member # 20578) on :
A MD can discahrge you from tx BUT he/she needs to provide notice and a referal for a new MD. He/ She cannot just abandon a patient mid treatment.
IF there was a breakdown in the Doctor/Patient relationship then that should have been discussed with you by the doctor and an appropriate referal given to you.
I know for sure in the state of NJ an MD cannot just "dump" a client like that. I am a Psychologist and have worked in the same office with MD.'s and that situation had come up on nunmerous occasions.
A letter from the Doctor with 30 days notice and a referal MUST be given. If not there is too much room for liablity and a lawsuit.
Best bet is to move on and take care of yourself. Really quite a shame though....
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