posted
I was wondering if it matters if I see an ilads member doc. Some of the referrals I have gotten from people here on the forum are ilads members and some are not. I have seen different posts about ilads guidelines and such and I'm trying to figure out if the other docs will address my symptoms. I don't know if this should be here or not. Sorry if it shouldn't. Thanks for helping me weed through this very confusing issue
Posts: 111 | From Pa | Registered: Oct 2007
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Geneal
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 10375
posted
My LLMD is an ILADs member.
This is very important to me from a treatment stand point.
If you have the choice I would recommend one affiliated with ILADs.
Just My very Humble Opinion.
Hugs,
Geneal
Posts: 6250 | From Louisiana | Registered: Oct 2006
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posted
doctors who are not ILADS do not treat enough, and you would get sicker without treatment
Posts: 615 | From maryland | Registered: Oct 2007
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posted
Thanks that is what I was thinking too, but I'm having such a hard time getting in with an ilads doc I thought I'd broaden my horizons. Additionally, they were referred to me by folks here.
Posts: 111 | From Pa | Registered: Oct 2007
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david1097
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 3662
posted
One cannot make a blanket statement like has been done so far. Some good Drs do not want to be ILADS members due to the policial environment that they work in. They may still believe in agressive treatment. Even some non ILADS ID's will aggressively treat and monitor for relapse. some will not.
The only assurance you have with ILADS members is that they have up to date clinical data that while not proven scientifically, provides at lot of useful practical information that can assist in treatment. Non Ilads members also have access but it is a bit more difficult.
The only suggestion I have is to get refferals from current patients. In my mind, I would much rather have a very experienced non ILADS member than a in expericed ILADS member as my Dr.
Posts: 1184 | From north america | Registered: Feb 2003
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lou4656
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 10300
posted
Hi There
ILADS is important, but not necessary. My LLMD is not ILADS, and I have been happy with him. Some people don't have an option.
I believe that I sent you a listing for our area. There are over 10 LLMDS on that list within a 90 minute drive of each other. We are so fortunate to have that many options.
I absolutely understand your frustration with finding an LLMD. It was the most depressing process for me. When you are sick, every day seems like an eternity, and you just want to see a responsible doctor who can treat you and make you well. Finding an LLMD is, sadly, a long and often expensive process.
Please feel free to PM me and perhaps I can help to answer some of your questions regarding LLMDs in our area.
-------------------- LouLou Posts: 1276 | From maryland | Registered: Oct 2006
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quote:Originally posted by david1097: One cannot make a blanket statement like has been done so far. Some good Drs do not want to be ILADS members due to the policial environment that they work in.
Exactly.
My dr is not an ILADS member, but that does not mean he does not use their guidelines. He's one of the best in the country.
I understand that Dr F [Columbia] is not a member either.
All you need to ask is whether they TREAT using the ILADS guidelines.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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posted
I think the doctor doesn't have to be a card-carrying ILADS member - mine isn't, but she was at the ILADS meeting last weekend for the whole thing.
Ask the doctor if he/she prefers the ILADS or the IDSA approach, and if he/she says IDSA, or says they aren't sure yet, then run fast to another dr. until you find one who understands that IDSA is wrong and ILADS is the quality treatment.
Then check if they know the ILADS protocols in detail, and have experience treating patients with them.
Good luck, get well, Lorima
Posts: 74 | From MA | Registered: May 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- It may be helpful to know IF the doctor would even be allowed to follow ILADS - some states or clinics prevent it. Close the book on that then. There is no amount of convincing we can do if they would be reprimanded by their state's medical board.
So, if not an ILADS member, attendance at the seminars or viewing ILADS seminar DVDs - reading research, etc. . . . TALKING to other LLMDs?
Also being aware of othe protocols can be very helpful for incorporation of other techniques if needed or helpful.
Mostly, you doctor would have to have a brain, a spine and a heart.
Good luck.
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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posted
Thank you all for your input. I did get the referrals here .. I think I'll contact the people who referred them. I just wasn't sure if they were on the list if they were ok.
Posts: 111 | From Pa | Registered: Oct 2007
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Tincup
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 5829
posted
Some doctors who don't belong to ILADS may treat folks... and may do ok with it.
My question would be... why don't they belong to ILADS?
Yeah yeah yeah.. blah blah blah... don't want to be involved... risk their livelyhoods... blah blah blah... but...
NOT belonging... well... when they need help... when the pressure is on them... who do they go to for help and advise?
ILADS doctors.
BUT.. in turn they leave the ILADS doctors to hang out there with flags waving.. exposing themselves for OUR benefit. Seems to me if the doctor REALLY wanted to make a difference and was REALLY dedicated to changing the situation.. they would go the extra mile and stand up for what they believe in and support others doing the same.
Why not make ILADS and OUR position stronger and join together? After all... the ID ducks brag contstantly they have 8,000 members backing them.
I guess I have more respect for those who will publically speak out to help the situation rather than hide out from it. It seems unfair to me.. and this is all MY opinion... that while some are devoted enough to risk it all... others won't.
I am SURE if they are good... they could also contribute to the cause and information base... rather than just gain from it.
posted
All the advice here concerning ILADS vs Non-ILADS is very good advice.... but I would add one thing that might be heresy here.
ILADS affiliation IS NOT A GUARANTEE that you will get good treatment. Interview your doctor and be educated enough to EVALUATE an outline of his plan of care. He/She may not be following anything close to ILADS recommendations even though they belong. That being said... ILADS is likely your best bet.
EVERY good provider my wife has been to has came through a support group recommendation.
Posts: 70 | From AZ | Registered: Sep 2007
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posted
I agree...ILADS is likely your best bet, but there are some doctors who choose to not join. I have spoken to two who will not join because of the politics involved. I am told that ILADS is not being run as it was set up to be. I have spoken to a few doctors who are members and they confirm this. I sure wish those guys would get their act together.
Posts: 134 | Registered: Dec 2002
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