posted
This is something I'm beginning to think is really important on many levels. The ability of a Doc to witness for many types of people with so many different treatments has to be a huge advantage at tackling Lyme.
To my understanding there are maybe less than a handful of such docs (Doc H in ny, Dr A in CA Famous Dr B retired) Dr C (retired) Dr K in WA) Not sure If I really can think of any others. Seems the treatment is in early days- especially with respect to experienced treatment. thanks, jeremy
-------------------- jeremy Posts: 71 | From new york city | Registered: Sep 2011
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-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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seekhelp
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 15067
posted
Yes, Lymetoo, TF says it makes a huge difference. Only a few doctors can get anyone well.
Posts: 7545 | From The 5th Dimension - The Twilight Zone | Registered: Mar 2008
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posted
Well, certainly, I'd rather have a doctor who has treated hundreds, if not thousands... but it's not like there's a set number. Knowledge is what counts.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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posted
I went to a doc who had treated "hundreds". Ended up being a total quack and scam artist.
Numbers do count.
Posts: 88 | From NE | Registered: Apr 2012
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t9im
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 25489
posted
Well I would add a few of the ones for children, Dr. J (CT), Dr. C (PA), Dr. S (CT), Dr. J (MD), DR. J (DC & SC) ,Dr. K (CT).
I can tell by his waiting list Dr. M in CT is now in the thousands but of course to new to have been successful yet (I'm assuming at least 2 yrs to cure). I think it is great that he has spent time with both Dr. J and Dr. H plus follows Dr. K (WA) approach.
-------------------- Tim Posts: 1111 | From Glastonbury, CT | Registered: Apr 2010
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sparkle7
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 10397
posted
It's a really hard question. Everyone is different & responds differently to the various approaches.
Some cases are complicated & others are relatively uncomplicated... I don't think there is a one size fits all answer to this question. Alot of the doctors are just making educated guesses no matter how many people they treat.
Being "famous" doesn't correlate to actually "curing" people in my opinion.
Posts: 7772 | From Northeast, again... | Registered: Oct 2006
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Being "famous" doesn't correlate to actually "curing" people in my opinion.
- It's certainly not a hard and fast rule. I hear from a lot of Lymenetters who are NOT happy with SOME of the well-known LLMD's. Drs who have treated for years.
So I'm sure they've treated thousands by now.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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posted
Being famous definitely does not equate to cure. I spent two years under such care. I have grown to believe that yes, the numbers matter. I believe it gives them a greater frame of reference. I will never forget my first phone consult with my doc, it was like he had several options of what to do when my first doctor wouldn't return my call when I differed from his protocol. We are all so different, I think experience is everything...
Posts: 859 | From Southeast | Registered: Mar 2011
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posted
What about Dr H in CA?
Posts: 844 | From CA | Registered: Apr 2010
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Summer3
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 35286
posted
I don't necessarily think that numbers matter. I also know many people that go to very well known LLMD's and are not impressed.
The main reason that they have said they are unhappy is because of the length of time between appointments, the very short duration of appointments after the initial one, and the fact that many times they do not even see the actual doctor.
The huge advantage of a top LLMD is experience and track record, but there are advantages to seeing a lesser known or new LLMD as well (as long as they are following ILADS guidelines).
One of the advantages is that sometimes they take insurance. Another is that they often are able to follow cases more closely, they can remember and get to know their patients more easily, and they often have appointments available more quickly than those with thousands of Lyme patients.
Would I go to an unknown LLMD and follow what they said without question? No. Especially if it didn't seem to align with the guidelines. I would ALWAYS ask questions and research any treatment plan no matter what doctor I was going to.
Another important factor that I think is just as important is the doctor's firsthand experience with Lyme. Why are they interested in it? Did they have it? A member of their family? I think that firsthand experience makes a dramatic difference in a doctor's understanding and motivation for researching and helping those with Lyme.
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