posted
I may have to switch docs again. Don't get me wrong I am SO grateful to find an llmd willing to treat. But can find one that's a good match.
First doc missed my cos Second doc was practically mute and an awful listener even when I was getting worse Third doc prescribes based on muscle testing and not at all on symptoms and also never looks at her files so suggests 4-5 supps every visit
I just want someone that listens, keeps up with the science, and has a rational approach. Is that so hard!?!?
Posts: 342 | From Philadelphia | Registered: Dec 2011
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Judie
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 38323
posted
Keep looking, I went through 3 doctors and it was the 4th one I went to that made a difference.
It can be expensive shopping around (I was just lamenting that earlier today actually), but I finally got to the right place and I could take ALL the combined experience with me to the new doc so we didn't have to start from scratch.
I think it's soooooo important to find a doc who treats based on what symptoms you CURRENTLY have.
I know there are some that have had good experiences with this, BUT I got THE WORST care from someone who muscle tested.
Hang in there! I know it's frustrating.
Posts: 2839 | From California | Registered: Jul 2012
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posted
Lots of doctors self-proclaim Lyme literacy when they are really not fully literate. I use the term Lyme friendly to describe docs that recognize that Lyme can be a chronic, persistent infection and understand the need for long-term treatment but may not be well-versed in the various treatment protocols or the other facets of the whole process. They play an important role but often are not up to the task of treating the chronic Lyme patient.
Even among the Lyme literate doctors, there is a broad spectrum of literacy. The Lyme learning curve is a long one. It takes a long time and lots of exposure to a vast number and a large variety of patients to become truly Lyme literate. Some doctors are faster learners than others. I always tell patients to be active participants in their care and not to assume their LLMD is always on target. Too many patients are so happy to finally find a doctor that accepts and understands their illness and become passive recipients of their care. It is a partnership and a patient's feedback and guidance can help a doctor make better decisions regarding one's care. Lyme and the coinfections can be confusing and our LLMDs are seeing so many chronically ill patients that sometimes I think they can get lost and overwhelmed by it all. A patient can help provide some direction.
These comments are not directed at you. Just making some general points. I hope you are able to find a doctor that matches up with your needs.
Posts: 57 | From CT | Registered: Jan 2005
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Catgirl
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 31149
posted
Wow, Jessie, it sounds like we have had the same docs (lol)! Even though my lyme specialists missed stuff, each one I tried helped me, and I learned something from each of them (grateful). Judie is right, the combined experience helps to finally find the right person for you. Eventually I found the right team for me.
I believe that we need both functional medicine and alternative docs/providers. The alternative providers find stuff that the other docs miss, and the functional medical docs find stuff the alternative providers miss. Each provider holds value in my book. We are so fortunate to have them, especially since the allopathic docs suck.
-------------------- --Keep an open mind about everything. Also, remember to visit ACTIVISM (we can change things together). Posts: 5418 | From earth | Registered: Mar 2011
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GretaM
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 40917
posted
I agree with ticktox.
I lucked out, my doc is great and I am making strides with my treatment so far.
But I do think it is experience in interpreting symptoms, and also I feel, from what I've read, successful lyme docs have to be natural "risk takers"
Look at Dr. B for instance. Dr.J just treating kids.
The patients making the best progress are with docs that are willing to push the envelope.
Posts: 4358 | From British Columbia, Canada | Registered: Jun 2013
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