LymeNet Flash: Virginia doc needed

This is topic Virginia doc needed in forum Seeking a Doctor at LymeNet Flash.

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Posted by daphnelyme (Member # 47821) on :

Looking for an LLMD in Virginia.

Had tested positive for Lyme about a decade ago and was treated for several months with oral doxy by my PCP.

Recently, I have been having waxing and waning rashes over my torso and bad arthritis of the knee as well as mild fatigue and other vague non-specific symptoms. I will be having blood work drawn the beginning of next week and sent to Igenex. While my PCP is great, he is limited in his knowledge of Lyme - example being, I just found an embedded tick in my back yesterday and his level of concern is low as I don't have erythema migrans 24 hours later. He gave me a prescription for doxy, but unless I run a fever (which would mean Ehrlichia or Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever), I won't be taking it until after the blood draw early next week. I called Igenex and they said only the PCRs would be affected, so I am hoping to get in touch with my doc and start the doxy sooner (unless he is ordering a PCR test).

Additionally, he said if the blood work came back positive for chronic lyme, he would be sending me to an ID doc. I need to find someone educated in Lyme as I don't want to be seen by an ID doc who is not knowledgeable. Sorry this is so long! Thank you in advance!

Posted by hopingandpraying (Member # 9256) on :

Welcome to Lymenet! PM sent for VA & MD.

You need to be evaluated and treated by a Lyme-literate doctor (LLMD). Non LLMDs have no clue about this horrible disease or its complex treatment!

A LLMD is one who has treated Lyme disease and the co-infections which come with it for many years and has gotten patients well. A good one will follow Dr. B's Guidelines, the "gold standard" for Lyme treatment.

Here is a link for them:

http://www.lymenet.org/BurrGuide200810.pdf

Unfortunately, LLMDs are far and few between. You need to go where they are.

Also most LLMDs do not accept insurance due to the politics surrounding this horrible disease. Read poster TF's explanation, "Why Lyme Doctors Don't Take Insurance":

http://flash.lymenet.org/scripts/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=025539;p=0

When calling for an appointment, ask if they have any cancellations or a waiting list. Patients have been able to get in sooner by doing this.

Check the online state Lyme groups at:
https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/VirginiaLyme/info

Maybe they can help.

Some more resources for you (including Support Groups info):
http://whatislyme.com/websites-and-support-groups-by-state/

http://www.lymenet.org/SupportGroups/UnitedStates/Virginia/

The top LLMD, Dr. H, has written a book entitled, "Why Can't I Get Better?". It is an excellent source of information.

Read "Cure Unknown" by Pamela Weintraub. Get it at your local library or buy it used on Amazon.

View "Under Our Skin" for free on https://www.viewster.com/movie/1193-15367-000/under-our-skin/

Btw - please break up your posts into 2-3 sentence paragraphs, as there are people on Lymenet who cannot read large blocks of text due to neurological problems from Lyme.

To do this, click the pencil/paper icon, make your changes, then click "Edit Post". Thanks.

[ 04-19-2016, 10:56 AM: Message edited by: hopingandpraying ]

Posted by me (Member # 45475) on :

Pm sent

Posted by TF (Member # 14183) on :

I sent you the name of the Maryland doctor I recommend.