I am specifically seeking opinions and imput (not expecting absolute truths) from the experienced on the following question:
Is it necessary/helpful to take extensive medical records from previous doctor and hospital visits, surgeries, diagnosis, etc to a first visit with an LLMD or will evidence of a positive Western Blot plus a verbal history of past symptoms and diagnosis be enough?
I've had so many consultations with different specialists, medical tests, ER visits, etc that the idea of gathering even half of them seems daunting. Additionally, I get upset and emotional when dealing with medical concerns and medical records now, and the stress of trying to do this in the past has aggrevated my symptoms. I would like to avoid that if it isn't necessary. On the other hand, most of the symptoms I had and diagnosis I received in the past 25 years are right in line with what I have learned is common with Lyme Disease. So, records might be specifically or generally useful to the LLMD. What do those of you who have consulted an LLMD have to say about this?
Thank you in advance for any relevant information and advice.
posted
Take everything! At least they can put them in your file and have your complete history to study and go over to come to a diagnosis or the best way to treat you. I think that was a run on sentence. All well.
Posts: 635 | From Texas | Registered: Mar 2004
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Kara Tyson
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 939
posted
I would take the Western Blot. But usually LLMD's dont trust labs they didnt pick so you will most likely have more bloodwork.
Posts: 6022 | From Mobile, AL | Registered: Apr 2001
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posted
If you go to Dr. C in Missouri, he will send a packet of information. The packet contains forms to fill out and will tell you what records to bring. He also gives you a lot of written information to read.
Melanie Reber
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 3707
posted
Hello Sonoran,
Welcome to LymeNet!
I think it is difficult for any of us to know exactly what your doctor will find helpful in your medical history for you...so, if it were me...I would just haul everything there...letting him wade through it later, deciding what is relevant or not.
Hopefully, one of his assistants will make copies while you are there, and then you can have your paperwork back to keep in one convenient place for future reference.
Perhaps this post will help you with other information on your LLMD visit:
Aniek
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5374
posted
25 years must lead to lots of records. If it's going to cause stress, don't get all the records.
Maybe think about what the important records are...like the Western Blot or another doctor that was certain you had Lyme and it would say so in the records.
What I think is more important is a written medical history. This will help the LLMD diagnose co-infections. I have a chronological medical history that I brought to my LLMD that includes the age I first had asthma, when different joints caused pain, when I had a bull's eye rash, etc.
I also brought my mom into my first LLMD visit. It was incredibly helpful to have her there because she could answer questions about my medical history from my childhood.
Posts: 4711 | From Washington, DC | Registered: Mar 2004
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