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Originally posted by LymeGirlInAz:
It seems as though a lot of people really like Dr J in NC because I have read a few people are moving to NC to be closer to him for treatment. So my question is does he take insurance? Most Lyme docs these days do not and it is so expensive. I am also wondering for those of you who do see him what type of treatments does he do, or treatment is most common and for how long is the average for his treatments? I am intrested because I really am considering finding myself a differnet llmd. Does he mix in any homeopathic stuff? He must be great for people to move near him, it seems Dr C is also good for what I hear but I do not hear of anyone moving to be closer to him. Pleas e let me know any info on Dr J that anyone can I really would like to know if he is worth my switch and travels. Thanks for any advice or thoughts. Take care and have a great day.

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I am a holistic type of person and am having a hard time thinking about the abx treatment. They were very understanding and said they would try to work with me to establish a treatment protocol I could live with and be happy with. We talked about a few alternative treatments although not a great deal since my test results will be a deciding factor in my treatment.

Anyway what I'm trying to say is that my visit was a wonderful experience and if it is any indication I can understand why people would want to move nearer to see them. I drive 5 hours one way and, although it really knocks me down physically, I feel it is well worth it.

Without a doubt, it was the best interaction I have EVER had with ANY medical personnel.

He prescribed a lot of supplements in addition to the antibiotics when he saw my mother two weeks ago.

LymeGirl, I sent you an email. Feel free to respond if you need more info.

I cannot say what the most common treatment is or what the average length of treatment might be. That is really determined on an individual basis. In my case, I have neuro lyme. I was immediately put in IV ABX for a six month stint to start. My husband, who was bitten in the fall of last year, was put on orals in March of this year for an eight month regimen.

As far as homeopathic remedies, I don't think that is their main or even secondary line of defense. They do make suggestions for vitamins and probiotics and other natural supplements but that is in addition to the ABX.

I agree with Catrina about the nurse practitioners being very thorough and understanding. I drive six hours for a visit and consider it worth it, without a doubt.

As for the travel, that's a tough one. USAir does have direct flights to Charlotte and the clinic has a rate with a hotel located directly behind it. As for frequency of visits, I think they like to see their IV patients at least once a month, maybe less frequently for oral patients.

But, I am also a payient of doc J's.
I second everything that has been said about him already.

His website is wonderful and very informative. The staff is great to work with, even from way over here in CO.

As far as return visits...that is dependent on an individual basis. Doc J works closely with my local doc...and this has worked out well for me.

My first follow-up was after 3 months, and my next follow-up will be in 4 months.

But, believe me...I have been on the phone with them countless times, and they have been great at getting right back to me.

Email, is also another option to the doc himself. I found this method to work the best when I had MANY questions at one time.

The travel is difficult for me...but, I feel it is worth every penny spent to have one of the best of the best watching over my healthcare!

If you would like more info that the other willing patients haven't already provided...please feel free to contact me.

Melanie

After a 5 hour drive each way to Dr J I have had to wait 2-3 hours to be seen on every visit so far. They even tried to send me home one day after a five hour drive because the doctor was behind.

I hear about people saying how helpful they are about suggesting alternative medicine and supplements, etc. They told me nothing, as a matter of fact, if I didn't ask questions they wouldn't say anything other than dishing out abx. They didn't even explain the reasoning or goals behind giving me these different kinds of medicine and what they are supposed to do. The visits have been very cold, acting like I am inconveniencing them. I really feel like they are like most MD's nowadays, only caring about the cash.

I got most of my info from this website and the internet. When I ask them about supplements or other questions they act like I should already know these things.

I choose to email rather than call for a number of reasons. The few times I do email it is days later before a response, and they act like taking 30 seconds to respond is going to kill them. Telling me to call the nurse during business hours with questions.

once bitten-
"As far as waiting for hours, that happens everywhere and to everyone."
Not true, I have never had to wait more than 5 minutes at my LLMD.