posted
Tried seeing several doctors Tried a Lyme Doctor (spent THOUSANDS)and Im a younger individual.
By seeing the lyme doctor I know supplements that help. I will continue those.
I have a way to get antibiotics for extended periods of time. Currently I have been on doxy for 4 months.
My health insurance knows I have lyme. They refuse to cover any lyme related testing or what they think is lyme related. Thanks to the lyme doctor for giving that info for them, they will no longer cover those appointments.
Basically, it would be more cost effective and really much more efficient.
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Q: To self treat or not to self treat?
A: NOT.
Still, self-education is a major part of getting better and one cannot escape that. But, experience is so valuable.
With no LLMD in my state, no way to travel, etc., after a few initial LL doctor appointments, I've been trying to treat myself for years - on a shoestring - and I have to say that if you can at all afford a LL doctor to guide you, it is best.
It is nearly impossible to be one's own doctor for a set of infections that is so very unique.
Just any antibiotics won't do. Just any supplements won't do. Not at all. Did your previous lyme doctor TEACH you how to treat yourself? If not, can you at least schedule some appointments just for that approach?
Do you have a good ILADS-educated LL ND (naturopathic doctor) around who can guide you &/or TEACH you a few basics?
Since you are not new to lyme, I assume you've read several books and are familiar with all the different protocols by the ILADS authors. Is that a correct assumption - or do you need links to a collection of those to study?
As Randi says below and I forgot to clarify, there are books that can guide you. But I would have thought you'd seen them all if you've been at this a few years. If not, I'll come back with some great links for you.
Are you diagnosed with just lyme or did your lyme doctor also diagnose any other tick-borne infections? You were assessed for them all, correct? -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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randibear
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11290
posted
there are some protocols that you can do at home. like buhner, cowden, etc.
they are relatively cheap compared to some but at least it would be doing something.
-------------------- do not look back when the only course is forward Posts: 12262 | From texas | Registered: Mar 2007
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posted
I have been diagnosed since May 2008. Just Lyme. Checked for other infections (negative).
I still am searching for a good LLND (currently in MN)
Basically, I feel hopeless. If you have any links or collections, I would love to view them.
Posts: 14 | From OH/MN | Registered: Sep 2009
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- What labs did they do for the coinfections?
Oh, please don't feel hopeless. You are fairly new to this, was 2008 also the year when you first go sick or the year of your diagnosis?
I had been very ill for about 20 years before finding 3 tick-borne infections and a few other chronic stealth infection and a liver disorder on top of that. So, as you're getting treated sooner, a better chance of recovery.
I will be back with some good links that open a world of opportunity. It's just so much more work having to sort through it on one's own. There is always hope. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- To compare and contrast some works of LL authors regarding complementary methods (some include Rx, too.).
I've not included anything from the Cowden Protocol but you can Google that and search for past threads here, too. While familiar with many of the herbs themselves, I'm just not familiar with Cowden's protocol.
I've seen good help when I could afford the Zhang protocol for a couple of months a couple different times.
Buhner's has good merit, too, and is less expensive. Individuals vary so one does not fit all. Please save this to your computer for reference.
Books that explain lyme or the controversy are not included here but you should read "Cure Unknown" as it contains great teaching experiences - and the DVD "Under Our Skin" gives great hope, too.
posted
2008 is when I found the bulls eye and was confirmed for Lyme.
I had my coinfections through labcorp/viromed Tested for babesia, candida, Ehrlichia chaffeensis
Posts: 14 | From OH/MN | Registered: Sep 2009
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Good to know, then, that 2008 was the start date (unless you had a prior experience). I don't know about Labcorp for testing. Others here might, though. Still, coinfection tests are not always reliable, either. It's sort of hit or miss.
I sent a PM to you with the name of a holistic lyme doctor in Hennepin county. I had saved a note from a while back in case my sister who lives there ever needs it. Perhaps that name will help. But you live in Ohio and Minnesota?
Also post in "seeking doctor" and find your support group. Then be sure to also spend time away from all this as it can be overwhelming. Sing, paint, whatever - just also carve out something aside from this graduate-level coursework.
==========
As an apology for loading you up with all that heavy homework, here's some fun:
posted
Sometimes self treating is unavoidable, at least for a period of time. And some people have had good results doing this.
However, I have known someone who self treated for a very long time and died of a condition that might have been caught had he had a good lyme doctor. Or at least checked in with one once a year.
Posts: 8430 | From Not available | Registered: Oct 2000
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posted
You need to get labs done if you are on abx for a long period of time. I understand you have to do what is necessary for you, just becareful.
Posts: 323 | From Michigan | Registered: Sep 2006
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If you can afford a good LLMD, then do it. If not, then do what you have to and lots of us do. Save your money for meds you can order online or go to Mexico or whatever.
Just do your research and talk to people about what protocols worked and even "CURED" some people. Also, read treatment guideline and blogs by LLMDs that are respected.
Make sure to tell your GP though, so he can monitor your liver or whatever.
Posts: 410 | From Victoria BC, Canada | Registered: Jul 2008
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djf2005
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 11449
posted
Self treating or guiding is not a bad idea once you know what you're doing....
This takes years.
-------------------- "Experience is not what happens to you; it is what you do with what happens to you."
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- The question was asked: Why an LLND? Why not an LLMD?
In some states, NDs (naturopathic physicians) are licensed to prescribe a wide range of pharmaceutical medicine, including most antibiotics. They also have four years of studying the human body in regard to nutritional and herbal medicines.
Some LLNDs are truly ILADS-educated, some completing preceptorships / interships with ILADS LLMDs. Those LLND are usually also ILADS members, keeping up on the research, attending ILADS seminars, etc. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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