I cannot find an LLMD in my state or neighboring states that will bill my insurance, and not having money to pay out of pocket I have been grasping at straws for how to get any kind of relief or treatment. I thought the next best step (only thing I could think of) would be to see an endocrinologist. My mom has a history of thyroid disease and even though I've had mine tested in years' past, I am still convinced mine is out of whack.
I asked my PCP for a referral to an endo, but she wants to send me to a neurologist (it sounded to me like she thinks the neuro will refer me to an endo if he thinks I need it.) Oh, and she wants me to start back on Doxy because she says she understands how serious my Lyme is and doesn't want me to let it go without treating it.
I can't understand how a neurologist can help me, and am equally nervous to go back on just Doxy. My worst symptoms at this time are widespread pain (especially in my legs, feet & hips), overwhelming fatigue, daily headaches and some problems with short term memory.
Can a neuro help me? Should I go back on Doxy, and if so, what dosage should I push for?
Posted by Carol in PA (Member # 5338) on :
Have you considered taking systemic enzymes? This will reduce the inflammation and pain.
Some of the LLMD's are prescribing this for their patients, as it cuts the biofilm and exposes the Lyme bacteria in the bloodstream to the white blood cells. It also reduces body pain and headaches.
Physicians in Europe use it for arthritis and also for cancer. (Many of the supplements for Lyme also work for cancer.)
Posted by lou (Member # 81) on :
I don't understand your post. If you can't find a LLMD that won't bill your insurance, and your PCP will prescribe for you, why would you be afraid to go on treatment? This will not get better if you don't treat it. It is true that monotherapy is maybe not as effective, but unless you find a lyme doc or your pcp will let you use two drugs, that would be a holding action for now.
Unless you have insurance that will not reimburse at all for out of network docs, then you will have to pay most lyme docs up front and file a claim to get whatever reimbursement the ins co will provide.
Lyme often hits thyroid function. Good thyroid docs are almost as hard to find as lyme docs.
Posted by aklnwlf (Member # 5960) on :
This is just my personal experience....
My neurologist did a gazillion tests but no treatment.
My endocrinologist diagnosed me with low HGH which caused weight gain, severe fatique, etc.
I was on HGH injections for awhile until I developed some adverse reactions but most people tolerate them pretty well.
I'd go the endo route first.
My GP referred me.
Posted by jackie51 (Member # 14233) on :
If your insurance pays for a neuro, then go. Not everything is lyme. It's always nice to rule things out. These days many people disagree with their doctors diagnosis. Some doctors are jerks about it, some will listen and get you better. Be prepared for the jerks out there.
If your PCP is willing to treat you with doxy, see if it helps. don't take on an empty stomach, don't take with milk, don't take it and then lie down. Think of doxy as acid in a pill. It is a very strong antibiotic.
Be sure to take probiotics 2 hours away from all your antibiotics.