posted
My primary dr. suggested I see a reumatologist, since I explained that I could hardly stand up for any length of time. Seeing Dr. D in May. Should I wait? I hate to get involved with another dr.
Posts: 35 | From SE, MA | Registered: Mar 2005
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liz28
Unregistered
posted
Never, ever wait to see another doctor. If cost is prohibitive, you can call in advance and ask if this person considers the Dr. B protocol. NEVER put your health entirely in the hands of one person.
Also, research the specific protocol Dr. D uses, and which treatments are considered the most powerful and cutting edge. Be prepared to walk into a doctor's office and ask for or about these treatments.
If you do see a rheumatologist, be cautious about taking steroids--a lot of people here feel they are bad news.
If you contact the Lyme Foundation or ILADS, they should be able to give you a list of doctors in several surrounding states. Also, call Columbia University's chronic Lyme center, as they know everyone.
Personally, I wouldn't see a rheumy if I know I have a tick born disease and haven't received treatment. I'd find a LLMD that could take me sooner.
If I couldn't do that, I'd look up Dr. B's guidelines in the On-Line Library in the left hand column of this page and get my PCP to start treatment based on that information.
If you were infected recently, prompt treatment could be a quick cure. Otherwise, waiting only gives spirochetes more time to take hold of more body systems.
posted
The inability to stand for long is one of my persistant problems. I stood to sing in a Cantata Sunday and was thrilled. After about three years of treatment, I can see improvement in that arena. I have had periodic episodes of improvement, but not consistant. I wouldn't bother going to a Reumatologist. I would see a LLMD. Ann
Posts: 66 | From Bourbonnais, IL, USA | Registered: Jan 2004
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posted
the rheum. never did me any good either. She did a ton of blood work, with no results. She didn't believe I had lyme, or had ever had it either. She looked at my nails and said I probably had some form of arthritis, I forgot which, some kind of skin problem form? You probably know what I'm trying to think of?? Anyway, after the blood tests didn't reveal that she couldn't figure it out and even though the x-rays revealed damage to the knees and joints she wouldn't say lyme, but offered up bextra and mobic which did absolutely no good, but hurt my tummy..Finally sent me on to neuro and pain clinic...offered absolutely NO help. I think the others are on the right track, seek the LLMD, and get the help you need, the rheum. probably won't help you at all. Melinda
Posts: 409 | From TX | Registered: Mar 2004
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Aniek
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5374
posted
Some LLMDs are rheumatologists. LLMD is not a medical specialty. There are many types of doctors who are LLMDs, including rheumatologists and infectious disease specialists.
If you need some medication to help treat symptoms, and you have to wait a while to see an LLMD, then I would suggest going to get the symptoms treated. That being said, be aware of steroids as they can make the infection worse.
Also, make sure that it won't impact your insurance coverage if that doc is determined you don't have lyme.
Posts: 4711 | From Washington, DC | Registered: Mar 2004
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