Topic: Thinking of switching doctors. What to expect?
richedie
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 14689
posted
I have been seeing the same LLMD for 3 years and can't seem to turn the corner. I have to take a day off work and travel two hours for little other than some discussion and new prescriptions.
Recently, a prominent LLMD moved in down the street from me. I am seeing this doc next week and might switch. How do you think my current doctor Williams the news.
What has been your experience?
-------------------- Mepron/Zith/Ceftin Doxy/Biaxin/Flagyl pulse. Artemisinin with Doxy/Biaxin. Period of Levaquin and Ceftin. Then Levaquin, Bactrim and Biaxin. Bactrim/Augmentin/Rifampin. Mepron/Biaxin/Artemisinin/Cat's Claw Rifampin/Bactrim/Alinia Plaquenil/Biaxin Posts: 1949 | From Pennsylvania | Registered: Feb 2008
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posted
We have had 6 LLMD's between the two of us, so I have some experience with this. lol
I told two of them that we were switching. The rest I just didn't go back.
Early on, I told the first one, but I don't really think it was necessary. He has so many patients that he probably wouldn't have noticed.
After that, I just moved on.
Then, my daughter's last LLMD took such an interest in her and called in between appointments. I knew I had to tell him or I would have a call from him, wondering how she was.
Both of them took it very well. I still talk to the second one about supplements and alternative treatments, but we have a new LLMD for the abx. He is still very supportive and e-mails me to see how she is.
Posts: 984 | From US | Registered: Dec 2007
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posted
I have come to believe that different LLMDs can be helpful at different points in treatment. My husband has seen 3 LLMDs that are often mentioned on this board. All were very helpful for him.
The first was instrumental in getting him diagnosed and starting him on abx. We saw him for 6 months. But his overall treatment strategy felt too narrow.
The 2nd was more integrative, and gave us a lot of say in treatment. That was great for a while; but then, we actually wanted someone to be a bit more authoritarian! We saw him for about 2 years.
The 3rd was integrative and called the shots. He was fabulous. However, office visits required cross-country travel, and phone consults were difficult to set up. We saw him for about 2 years.
Now (with LLMD #3's blessing), we're seeing a local doctor that has an emerging Lyme specialty. He did ILADS training, goes to ILADS conferences, and is very holistic in his approach. He has made some great decisions for my husband. We feel that treatment is going in a positive direction.
No one size fits all in anything, including (and especially!) Lyme treatment. A good doctor will want you to feel satisfied, and will understand if circumstances point toward trying something new.
Just my 2 cents!
Viva
Posts: 532 | From southeast US | Registered: Oct 2005
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