My brain is not working, and I am fighting panic about it. I have a question, but I am struggling to compose it with enough but not TMI.
I have a cool, obviously lyme friendly doc who started me on doxy 150mg 2x/day a week ago on suspicion of neuro lyme. My WB came back reactive only to band 41.
I have been pretty sick for the past month, I think I may be worse now (herx?) but I'm not sure if I am or if it's just more of the same. I had an episode like this last October, and was unable to drive or participate in life much for about 2 months. Then it lifted, and we thought it was because of the bio-identical hormones the doc started me on.
Okay, here's my question: I think I want to see a LLMD. My primary doc is super cool, but if this IS lyme, this doc (kind of) missed it the first time it surfaced, and maybe I would be best served by a lyme specialist.
Okay, now here is my question, really: how do I go about getting one? Lou sent me a list (thank you) of llmd's. They are clustered in the DC area, which is about 3-4 hrs from me.
Should I start calling the ones that are geographically closest to me, and see what happens? Are all the llmd's on the list equally good?
I feel like a five year old. Can't think my way out of a paper bag, no problem-solving skills, can't remember my own symptoms/med history, can barely comprehend half the posts I read here.
I'm scared. I think I need to be in the care of somebody that can do some thinking for me (which is a scary thought in itself!).
I know this sounds ridiculous, but can somebody propose a next step for me? Not a comprehensive list of options, but just a simple logical next step in getting an llmd?
Thank you. My heart goes out to all of you who suffer. From reading your posts, I know how very fortunate I am in many ways, and how much worse it could be. Hugs to you!
Posted by Need Lots of Help (Member # 18603) on :
Hi,
Go to the topic "seeking a doctor". Start a thread with something like, Doctors in the DC Area...Advice.
Then you can find a LLMD based on someone's previous experience. And you also have to determine if the LLMD accepts insurance or not because many are pay out of pocket.
Good Luck, Shalome
Posted by [email protected] (Member # 20152) on :
TY Shalome
Posted by MorningSong (Member # 19989) on :
Vallapalla~
I was overwhelmed in the beginning as well. I just kept it simple and did the following:
- Got out the list of LLMDs. - Looked at the ones that were the closest. - Prayed to God that he would direct my steps and to the doctor that would help me the best. - Started calling and went with the doctor that was able to get me in the soonest.
I was in a really desperate place (not being to walk, etc)and did the above steps. Hope this helps.
Posted by MorningSong (Member # 19989) on :
Also, I see a LLMD in Northern Virginia (I see you are from VA as well).
Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
VALLA,
this work has been done for you!!
go to top of SEEKING DR. forum, and look for METALLIC BLUE/ MIKE'S post on QUESTIONS TO ASK....
lou has sent you the most current info we have on llmds...
print off mike's comments to use when calling.
also on the drs. you have you are THINKING of going to, go to www.ratemd.com and read the good/bad comments on whatever has been reported.
those you are seriously thinking of going to, email mike; he shows his home email, and give the full name, city/state of llmds 1-2 you are thinking of seeing.
he'll send you what he's been collecting here from patients who see them!! a WIN-WIN situation!!
Posted by [email protected] (Member # 20152) on :
Thanks all for your help. I really appreciate it.
I am such a lucky idiot - I just got back from my primary doc and now realize that I have a perfectly lime literate doc already! In my little burg, it's a freakin miracle, too. So MorningSong, I guess my steps have already been directed and I just didn't know it. Posted by MorningSong (Member # 19989) on :
VallaPalla~
I am happy that you have a Primary Care Physican that takes Lyme seriously. Tick illnesses not only include Lyme, but other bacteria, parasites, etc. You may want to strongly consider asking your doctor if he will test for these other infections through the Igenex lab for your own health and physical safety.
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