LymeNet Flash: Dr. or PA OK?

This is topic Dr. or PA OK? in forum General Support at LymeNet Flash.

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Posted by MarsyNY (Member # 7766) on :

My Dr. suspects chronic Lyme
based on ongoing symptoms and is suggesting
6 wks IV antibiotics. I in turn decided
to make an appt with a specialist. However
the wait is over 3 months so I made the
appt with the PA which is still 7w away.

Since the cost of consultation is over $500 I'm wondering if seeing the PA will yeild the same results?
I'm so confused- I've been reading here
for days lots of wonderful information.
I ordered a kit from IGenex today. I don't
want to fool around with the wrong ABX.
However considering the cost and wait to see the PA and the brain fog ??? I'm
wondering if I could get answers sooner.

Thanks,
MarsyNY Newbie

Posted by daniella (Member # 6753) on :

Hi there,

Sorry your suffering..Did you ask to get put on their waiting list? Maybe if you call back and let them know how bad you are they could squeeze you in earlier.

The Pa's are generally as good as seeing the dr..Everyone usually ends up with the PA's their are just too many Lyme patients for one dr. in the office to handle..

Is it Dr. H? Thier PA's are great!

good luck,
Daniella

Posted by MarsyNY (Member # 7766) on :

Daniella,

Thanks you broke the ice for me -1st post
1st reply .

No not Dr.H - Dr.B. nothing sooner.

Are all the LLMD so expensive? I understand
that most do not accept insurance.

MarsyNY

Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :

Which Dr B?? DR Ba or Dr Bu ?? very important difference!

My LLMD charges around $400 for the first visit, but it's well worth it since he spends 1 1/2 to 2 hrs with you. So $500 isn't out of line.

Treepatrol's links http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/Forum5/HTML/000569.html

Tincup's Links for new members
http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/Forum1/HTML/009342.html

Dr. Joseph J. Burrascano's Guidelines http://www.ilads.org/burrascano_1102.htm

Western Blot explanation: http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/Forum1/HTML/022767.html

The cause and spread of Lyme http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/Forum1/HTML/032259.html

More info: http://www.ILADS.org/

Camp A and Camp B http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/Forum1/HTML/021395.html

Lyme Wars http://www.wildernetwork.org/Lyme_Wars.html

Lyme Disease State Info http://www.lymeinfo.net/support.html

Rose's 15 Facts for Newcomers http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/Forum1/HTML/011977.html

Abbreviations for Lyme-speak
http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/Forum1/HTML/020494.html

Making the most of your LLMD visit
http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/Forum1/HTML/020605.html

Success Stories http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/Forum1/HTML/022173.html

http://www.anapsid.org/lyme/matthewgoss/index.html

------------------
Do not take anything I say as medical advice. I am not a doctor, but I DID stay at a Holiday Inn Express!
oops!
Lymetutu

Posted by Starphoenix (Member # 2402) on :

Daniella: I'm happy to hear this! I have an appointment with one of the PA's in about two weeks!

I'm desperate. I've been sick 20 years and still haven't had much treatment (long story).

Steph

Posted by daniella (Member # 6753) on :

steph..I love them in that office..THe PA's are great...Either one..good luck keep us informed of your progress..

peace
Daniella

Posted by MarsyNY (Member # 7766) on :

LymeToo,

It is Dr. Bu and the cost is over $500
$750 for the 1st visit whether you see the
dr or the pa. Since I cannot wait 3 1/2 mos
I was just wondering if anyone has gone this
route and seen the PA for initial consult.
Since it is a big chunk of change I'm leary.
At the same time feel lucky that I was able
to get an appt at all.

Thank you LymeToo for all the valuable
info you have provided. I have alot to learn.

Marsy

Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :

Dr Bu ...

good!

I would just go with the PA. Hopefully you can see the DR next time. This will get you on the road to success!

------------------
Do not take anything I say as medical advice. I am not a doctor, but I DID stay at a Holiday Inn Express!
oops!
Lymetutu

Posted by valymemom (Member # 7076) on :

You are going to the best doctor's office from the very beginning. You will be in good hands. So yes, see the PA first to get in.

Posted by MarsyNY (Member # 7766) on :

Valymemom,

Have you seen this Dr. if so could you
e-mial me.

When I set up the appt. they explained that
whoever you start with it's 2 visits then
rotate. Therefore I will see the PA for 2
visits then the Dr. I would rather see the
Dr. for 2 visits then the PA but the wait...

Posted by kumba (Member # 7733) on :

Hi Marsy,
I suspect I have Chronic lyme too. Did your doc do any labs or western blot yet?

Posted by MarsyNY (Member # 7766) on :

Kumba,

My last Lyme test was October -
always negative which is why I was so
suprised HE suggested IV rocepherin. For
a co-pay of $10 he sat with me for an hour.

He said he has never seen as much Lyme and
specifically Babesiosis as he has this summer. 2 patients with B needed total
transfusions. He also has patients he tells
me that have regained their energy, lost the brain fog after
6 wks IV ROC. I however need to take in
alot of information before making a decision
I have been seeing this Dr.
for several years and was always hesitant
to press the issue. Meanwhile he has been
treating several patients with MS diagnois
for Lyme with success. Never knew he was
on this track. So I have ordered the
Igenex kit and will ask for those tests next.
I live in Quogue many tick bites
over the years. No BE rash however.

Many stories out here. All friends with
early Lyme were successfully treated.
Now I'm wondering about the ones with
MS. Lupus and Sclerderma that all grew
up from Westhampton to Montauk.

This is a very scary persistant multiplying
little devil. Hope to see a good vaccine
one day.

Marsy