posted
What are the differences treatment-wise between a LL traditional MD and a LL Osteopathic doctor when it comes to treating Lyme disease?
Do DOs charge less money then MDs?
Apparently the closest LL doctor to me is a DO. If she doesn't charge too much I'd like to give her a try, as I'm on a tight budget and I have no health insurance, but I've never gone to a DO before.
Hilary
Posts: 4 | From New Jersey | Registered: Jan 2010
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- A DO has the same basic medical school training as an MD except that rather than surgery training, they would trade that for the structural alignment/manipulation training.
You can search Google for "Osteopath" or "Osteopathic Physician"
Also search: "Upledger Institute" to learn more about the style I've found best for any DO or PT who works with me.
As for less money, a DO will often charge more but, if you don't get the adjustment/manipulation of spine, it could be less.
DOs normally do full body cranial-sacral manipulation which can be very important. Most believe that just by getting the body into proper alignment, the body will correct itself and heal.
So, be absolutely certain that your DO is ILADS-educated and truly LL. If so, that could be fabulous and you'll have some major advantage with the osteopathic treatments.
I've worked with a DO for a long time who is very skilled and bright in may ways. But still, not believing in chronic lyme.
I've not been treated there for that and the DO is open to many Rx that a LL ND (naturopathic doctor) suggested but my body just can't tolerate them. He's a good guy but I just don't talk about lyme at all. Still, in other matters, I would trust my life in his hands and we have a good relationship as long as I don't push lyme.
By and large, the training, the whole philosophy root of osteopathic medicine is that the body can heal itself. Normally, that's nice idea. But lyme is very complex.
So, be sure what the training, background and thinking is of the DO.
I've been to six different ones over 30 years and they are each different. Some were just as abrupt and dismissive as many MDs. Others would bend over backward to help. Most DOs are more naturally oriented but not necessary educated or friendly regarding herbal or nutritional supplements. It just depends on the individual.
Can you talk to folks in your lyme support group to find out more about this DO? Has she helped others get well from lyme, etc?
Is she ILADS-educated? An ILADS member? How does she treat?
Will she assess and treat ALL coinfections? Adrenal Support? Liver support?
Can you interview her before you become an actual patient? Ask her all these questions and then decide?
Good luck. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
In addition to the usual coinfections from ticks (such as babesia, bartonella, ehrlichia, RMSF, etc.), there are some other chronic stealth infections that an excellent LLMD should know about:
Amanda
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 14107
posted
My LLMD is a DO, I like them very much.
As stated before, they have to go through medical school and pass exam just like MD.
Some DOs go into nuerology. Others focus more on spine/bone/joint health.
since I have arthitis issues, it is good to have a DO that specializes in that.
-------------------- "few things are harder to put up with than the annoyance of a good example" - Mark Twain Posts: 1008 | From US | Registered: Dec 2007
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