posted
I go to him and he is fantastic- very thorough, caring, extremely intelligent and not cocky at all- willing to listen and work with you, not just tell you what to do.
Posts: 319 | From nj | Registered: Jul 2008
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I have been communicating offline with a young patient of his. Based on her experiences I think this doc might work out better for you.
The young girl was undiagnosed for about 6 months. Clinical diagnosis of Lyme, positive Wa-1 babs by Labcorp plus the mystery bacteria per Clongen bloodslide (thought to be bart).
Her primary symptom was constant headaches. Her SPECT scan showed mild hypoperfusion.
She started on Doxy only -- told to increase the dose after 1 week then again after 2 weeks. Then at 4 week follow-up added in Zith and Mepron. Has only been in treatment for about 6 weeks but has had significant improvement in headaches and other symptoms.
This doc has only been treating Lyme patients for about 3 years, but seems very willing to learn and try new meds and approaches.
I think the doc likes to try oral meds first but will prescribe IV's.
Bea Seibert
Posts: 7306 | From Martinsville,VA,USA | Registered: Oct 2004
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TF
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 14183
posted
He is one of our local docs.
It is not uncommon at all to get an appt with him in a week. That tells you they are not beating down the doors to see him.
He has only been treating lyme as part of his practice for about 2 1/2 years, even though he has been in the area for at least 20 years. I have heard many mixed reports.
Posts: 9931 | From Maryland | Registered: Dec 2007
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lymetwister
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posted
Interesting........ things that make you say hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
I did hear he doesn't treat those who are out of state, so that may be the "not banging down the door thing", but I can't confirm if this is true or not.
Thanks for the info. folks,
Gary
Posts: 1227 | From District of Columbia | Registered: Mar 2009
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gwb
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Keebler
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- You said you heard that " he doesn't treat those who are out of state " -well, call and find out directly from their office. That will answer the question.
As for mixed reports, you can say that, as well, about patients and their commitment level to self-care or the protocol they choose. And it depends upon the complexity of each case as well as individual difference with personalty and expectations.
Study more. You might call the local support group folks. Get a survey of comments so that you have more input on your decision.
But, the most logical thing (if cost is workable) is to meet face to face so that you can get a sense of his way of working and if the two of you can work together within the scope of his methods.
I've only recently come around to his blog and this is one clear impression I get: he is very intelligent and hard-working, a good researcher and dedicated doctor who wants his patients to get better.
He may not be a huge fan of complementary methods but, then, he seems to get results. If you want to discuss what nutritional supplements are absolutely vital to help you feel better, he may be able to offer his opinion but he's not going to dwell on that or rely upon supplements to do the work of medicine.
That is just my impression. I could be mistaken. But, here's the deal. What you've been doing is not working. You need a good doctor and a new plan. At least engage in the opportunity.
Read the blog with an open mind and ready to consider a commitment to a well-thought out plan. If, after a first meeting, you think it may not be the best match for you, you may still have other options. This is for sure, though: something has to change. Good luck in being able to find the doctor who will help you make that change. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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MariaA
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posted
I called for an appointment and they tried to discourage me from coming in from out of state, same thing as Lymetwister heard. They said that they wanted people to be able to come once every few weeks or something like that.
A few months ago there was a backlog of patients there, and their answering machine said that they couldn't take on new Lyme cases. I think this might be how they handled the overload- by trying to stick with local cases only.
Last week when I called ,they WERE willing to make me an appointment, they just tried to discourage it until I told them that traveling to their area was not going to be a problem.
I'm still planning on seeing that doctor as my second opinion despite the fact that I'm pretty happy with my other LLMD.
This is my doctor - he treats my entire family for Lyme and co. He is making us well. We travel out of state to see him, so at least I can answer that question for you!
He also takes several types of insurance, not ours unfortunately,but maybe yours!
We have been extremely pleased with the care we have received, I would recommend taking the appointment.
Posts: 239 | From Virginia | Registered: Jun 2009
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posted
There are specific folks on this board who have very strong opinions about our local docs. I have seen both TFs doc and this one. We had very different experiences, and thus different opinions. I hope this means there is someone for everyone. This one has helped me and shown a commitment to long term help if needed. Kris
Posts: 520 | From Maryland | Registered: Jan 2007
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lymetwister
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posted
Thank you all so much once again. I did make the appointment earlier and I will keep it after hearing all of this.
Gary
Posts: 1227 | From District of Columbia | Registered: Mar 2009
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seekhelp
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posted
I am so glad you brought this thread up Gary. I really need to know the level of seriousness this doc has in not seeing out of state patients. I also need to know bare minimum length of time between visits. The despise of out-of-state patients must be a MD LLMD thing. lol.
I admit I was a bit ****ed when the office seemed to intentionally push out-of-state patients to the side and wouldn't give me a straight reply.
I need to know is it once a month period. Once every two months? The one absolute is NO PHONE CONSULTS. One person told me once every three months before. I'm wondering if he's in fear of state medical boards and requiring more frequent visits to CYA (really CHA).
Please PM me if someone can shed light.
All I care about it open mindedness and willingness to learn and treat appropriately. Endless experience means little if you can't pull a trigger. The collective experience is here already.
I've seen neither doc, but if my life was on the line, I'd probably go with Dr. J based on his vast experience. Your case sounds super complicated. Actually, I'd scrap them all and see the best on the planet Dr. H in NY, unless you can convince Dr. B to come out of retirement with $100,000. Posts: 7545 | From The 5th Dimension - The Twilight Zone | Registered: Mar 2008
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MariaA
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posted
I think they told me once a month, but I don't remember. Call them again in the morning.
-------------------- Symptom Free!!! Thank you all!!!!
MariaA
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9128
posted
incidentally, I considered Dr H and the famous Dr J (who at the time was closer to me) but a)LymeMD is cheaper and quicker to get an appointment with 2)I like the fact that I already know a lot about his general philosophy and the fact that he seems quite sharp about analyzing tests and so forth. My LLMD called him with legal advice at some point and has a very high opinion of him after the interactions etc. He fully supports me getting 'a second opinion' from LymeMD even though their treatment philosophies are almost diametrically opposed (mine's one of the more holistic ones, trained with Klinghardt, etc).
I've been sick for about 2 years this time around ,was reinfected the same month he'd started the blog- I think he'd been treating Lyme patients about 2 years at least by then. So I think he's been at this a while- no where near as long as Dr H and certainly not Dr J, but 4 years is a reasonable amount of time to see the outcome of some of the long-term antibiotics cases.
-------------------- Symptom Free!!! Thank you all!!!!
posted
LymeMD Dr. J has been treating Lyme for 3-4 years correct? What did he do before?
Posts: 408 | From California | Registered: Apr 2008
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seekhelp
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posted
I think he either sold used cars or was a personal proofreader for Gary Wormser to ensure accurate publications were released . KIDDING. I heard he was a Family Medicine doc treating regular (non-TBI) stuff for 20+ years.
quote:Originally posted by Erica741: LymeMD Dr. J has been treating Lyme for 3-4 years correct? What did he do before?
Posts: 7545 | From The 5th Dimension - The Twilight Zone | Registered: Mar 2008
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TF
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posted
LymeMD Dr. J is STILL a doctor practicing regular medicine just as he always has for over 20 years. But, for the last 2 1/2 years he has also been taking some lyme patients.
People only found out he was now treating lyme due to his lyme blog.
Posts: 9931 | From Maryland | Registered: Dec 2007
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posted
I can only give you my opinion which is a first hand one...so I hope I'm helpful.
I would beat down the door to see him.
I'm an out-of-state patient of his and extremely happy I was under his care. This Dr has literally brought my health back to a point prior to me getting bitten and sick, 3 yrs ago.
It isn't difficult to get an appt with him and to be honest, his office is beyond unimpressive (and I'm being kind but a 3 month waitlist isn't the official prerequisite to being an excellent LLMD.
I chose to see him after my husband and I spent an entire weekend combing through his blog.
We like the way he approaches this disease, with a very scientific mind, wanting to heal patients and learn. He's intelligent, lacks arrogance (an anomaly in Physicians, I know) and has managed to saturated himself professionally in this disease.
I trusted him and I'm glad I did. I'll be forever grateful for the dedication he gave to me and my care.
I personally know several Lyme patients that see him currently and are getting well. Initially, I was referred to him from one of his successful patients. Results spoke volumes to me.
seekhelp
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posted
He sounds like a winner to me based on feedback I hear. Docs can become pros fast on a subspecialty if they really care I believe. Him needing to write these well-though blog entries even moreso increases his knowledge/perspective relative to these LLMDs who become statisticians.
Posts: 7545 | From The 5th Dimension - The Twilight Zone | Registered: Mar 2008
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Keebler
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- I think it's a good idea when seeing any new doctor to just listen to them. Let him ask the questions at first.
As hard as it may be to NOT go in with preconceived ideas of what infection causes what symptoms or what stage of this or that you are at - or what order you have to do things . . . .
If you already know the doctor has knowledge just let him do his job. Relax. Participate but give him the space to talk, listen to you and think. The more we can drop the business in our minds and listen to exactly what they say, the better our chances of their work actually working for us.
It may take a little while to figure out each communication styles but it is so important to give their plan a chance. You've already got good background on him and I'm saying all this because most of us who have had to do this on our own for so long just do way too much stuff that can get in the way.
To clear the desk, wipe the slate clean and just start over, following an exact plan . . . can be very freeing.
Of course, I'd never say this for any doctor whose reputation has not been considered first. In this case, although he may have his own methods, even as fond of herbal medicine as I am (or have been forced to be as my only option) . . . were I able to see him, I would certainly consider just starting over.
I'd ask about using a few key supplements (mainly because I also have porphyria) but to have a doctor who actually could address the infections - well, Gary, that would be absolutely wonderful.
I hope you can just let go, free yourself of previous ties and trust this process. Best of luck. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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janice victorov
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Hi all, have an appt with him on Monday morning. Does he really heal people? I'm so discouraged with my LLMD just because went there today and felt horrible and he thinks my sympotms maybe yeast related.
My fiance even gave me the money to see Dr. J Monday.
What other good things can you tell me about him?
I'm catioulsly optimistic about him.
-------------------- jkv44 Posts: 1247 | From virginia | Registered: Oct 2009
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seekhelp
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posted
Wow, this LLMD is becoming big time with his blog. Drumming up tons of clients! :
Posts: 7545 | From The 5th Dimension - The Twilight Zone | Registered: Mar 2008
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posted
Murphy described it well, from the office to the doctor. The office description is VERY kind, by the way. But worth it, to me. He has helped me, and he helped my daughter. Not for everyone, but who is? Take care Kris
Posts: 520 | From Maryland | Registered: Jan 2007
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Keebler
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posted
- Janice,
In all fairness, yeast issues can cause a tremendous number of problems. Some fungal infections can even be fatal. No one can escape the need to be very mindful of candida and other yeast issues when on abx tx.
Good luck, though, whatever path you settle on. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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posted
Hello everyone, I was treated by Dr. J in MD in May of 2008. I knew I had Lyme because my son got it 4 years befor me. I was treated for 3 months and I've been fine ever since. This Dr. also treated my step brother for about 1 year. He was misdiagnosed by several Dr.s. Dr. J was the only one to correctly diagnose him and succesfully treat him. Now, to make a long story short... my 14 year old son was being treated by another more expensive Dr. that I thought knew what he was doing. I couldn't afford this "other Dr." so I went to Dr. J who was on my insurance plan and who I thought was not as experienced as the "other Dr."....I was soooooo wrong.
We moved from MD to NC just after I was treated. My son was still with his "other Dr." This "other Dr." shortly after our move said he could not treat my son any longer since he didn't know what else to do to make him better.
My son is now a patient of Dr. J in MD. In less then 3 months my sons constant 6 year headache has gone from a pain threshold of 7 down to a 3 and his joints, dizzy spells etc... has improved tremendously.
Dr. J is a God sent to me and my family. His office staff is a little off at times and Dr. J is very different in many ways but he is a genious in the medical field.
Oh, and my son and I travel to MD from NC every 8 weeks. A 4 1/2 hour trip. Dr. J will only treat you if he can see you.
I hope all of this has helped. (I wish this had Spell Check!!)
God Bless
-------------------- my son has been sick since Feb 2004, two weeks after his 8th Birthday. He's a trooper! Posts: 2 | From holly springs north carolina | Registered: Sep 2008
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janice victorov
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posted
I'm going this mornning to Dr. J and can't wait. I'm a little scared since have been under another LLMD until now.
What should I expect with my first visit with him?
HELP!!!!
-------------------- jkv44 Posts: 1247 | From virginia | Registered: Oct 2009
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RZR
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posted
Anyone heard updates from Janice or Gary after appointments?
-------------------- Tick bite May 2009 Diagnosed June 2009 Posts: 2329 | From SouthEast | Registered: Jun 2009
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posted
I like his blog and went to see him for a second take on my situation. He did not give me reason to return, and I continue under the care of my original LLMD.
Posts: 455 | From Was in PA, then MD, now in the Midwest | Registered: Nov 2008
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janice victorov
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posted
Hi. My visit went well. I'm changing doctors. He was upfront, honest and seemed knowledgable about lyme and how to treat it.
He said he could help me.
-------------------- jkv44 Posts: 1247 | From virginia | Registered: Oct 2009
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seekhelp
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posted
I want to see him. He sounds A W E S O M E
Posts: 7545 | From The 5th Dimension - The Twilight Zone | Registered: Mar 2008
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MariaA
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posted
I'm trying to line up my resources to go see him- is there anyone from North Carolina or southern Virginia who would be interested in carpooling (not in my car)- I have a thread in General about this: http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/ultimatebb.php/topic/3/24227
I called the office today, they have appointments open pretty soon, so it probably wouldn't be too difficult to get two of us in in one day (I didn't ask them that).
-------------------- Symptom Free!!! Thank you all!!!!
posted
any chance this doctor would see someone from TX? I don't suppose they have Saturday appointments do they?
Posts: 758 | From now TX | Registered: Mar 2001
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posted
mjbucuk, As far as I know they don't open on Saturdays and they close at 2.00PM on Fridays. You can call them and ask if they take out of state patients.
Posts: 96 | From Germantown | Registered: Mar 2010
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17hens
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posted
mjbucuk,
are you asking about saturday appts because you're thinking about sat. night stays for a cheaper flight?
I am about 2 1/2 hours away from germantown, but I can very likely provide a room for you (our house or my parents' or a friend's) if that would make it possible for you to see this doc.
-------------------- "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalms 73:26
bit 4/09, diagnosed 1/10 Posts: 3043 | From PA | Registered: Dec 2009
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posted
thank you for the offer 17hens. Very generous. My parents house is in Camp Hill so I could stay there (they both passed away last summer) but it would be easier to just get a hotel closer to the doctor.
I was just wondering how I when I would travel... when you fly you really need to allow a minimun of 2 days travel time {up and back)from TX. I have taken so much time off from work due to doctor visits for me and the kids, and due to not feeling well, and due to my parents deaths........ I am nervous about taking much more time than I have to.
Posts: 758 | From now TX | Registered: Mar 2001
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-------------------- ? date of bite/no rash 10/09 symptoms, 4/10 diagnosed, after 6 mos. ER visits, tons of docs/tests CDC+ 23/39/41/45/58/66/93 currently on oral plaquenil, doryx, rifampin, pyrazinamide, nystatin, numerous supplements Posts: 718 | From Pennsylvania | Registered: Jun 2010
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