posted
Just curious, why don't these doctors take ins????? So many people from this forum have been so helpful, but when I contact the dr's they don't take any ins of any kind. Why??? My husband doesn't understand why we just can't go to a med dr and get tested. I just don't get it. I read and read these links I'm given and still don't get it. Can someone please explain this to me in plain English? I just want to get better. I'm being treated by Northern Nutrition right now with herbs. I need someone to tell me why this doesn't work before I waste more money. I just can't believe the controversy of this disease Thanks for listening to me vent. Still Hopeful
-------------------- diagnosed with fibromyalgia 1992 Lyme disease Jan 2011 give it all to the LORD everyday Posts: 38 | From southwest michigan | Registered: Nov 2010
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- I'm sorry but there is no easy explanation. The authors below explain so much better than I can.
Sorry to load you with more links but I am very ill and just can't do the question justice. I've learned so much because LLMDs are simply not allowed in my state. Some states protect them; some destroy them. It is truly a crime to have lyme in the USA.
After decades of fighting I do see that some of that harassment is just out of meanness of some doctors. However, many really can't seem to understand the complexity and then blame the patient for being a wimp.
Most doctors today could not perform a good clinical evaluation to save their life (or that of the patient). They rely on tests. And tests just are not good with lyme or other TBD (tick-borne disease). And most labs do not perform the correct tests or do so correctly. That, is largely, on purpose.
The IDSA and CDC have intentionally created a nearly impossible system of bingo numbers in order to win a coveted CDC positive test. And they are so wrong. Lives are lost from this.
A doctor has to be trained to identify clinical signs, familiar with everything about lyme, etc. and it's just so very complex. It's really a sub-specialty. It takes years to get up to speed.
But, mostly, doctors simply do not respect their patients. They don't believe them or trust them. Patients are delegated to the worse caste level possible in a dysfunctional medical realm that elevated doctors, even if they are ignorant. It goes back to the tests. They need that piece of paper.
But, even then, they don't think like a spirochete. They simply don't know that lyme is not at all like other infections.
Even sub-par lyme education in medical college does not exist.
Basically,
* The IDSA denies lyme and is criminally ignorant & negligent regarding the complexity of every aspect of lyme and other tick-borne infections that frequently accompany lyme.
* Insurance companies do not want to cover lyme treatment - but, often, life insurance companies will deny cover to those who have been diagnosed with lyme. Anyone who has EVER had babesia (a tick-borne infection that very often goes with lyme) is prohibited from blood, tissue or end of life donation. And, still, the IDSA ID docs(Infectious Disease doctors) will not treat.
Insurance does not like to cover treatment because of its complexity. A short doctor appointment and a quick prescription for a short term drug just won't cut it.
A first appointment often needs to be one - three hours to be even adequate. Seriously. It's that complex. No insurance company is going to pay for what's needed. Even follow up appointments need to be extended.
And treatment is not just one pill but a combination, rotation, etc.
* Pharmaceutical companies profit more from chronically ill patients who are just popping pills trying to treat symptoms for the rest of their life rather than the actual cause of illness.
* THERE IS NO ONE TREATMENT PATH THAT WORKS FOR EVERY LYME PATIENT. And the course of treatment has to change frequently. Rotation methods, combinations are very complicated and must be guided by the patient's needs at each step.
* Patient disgust from the medical world is the new attitude and once a patient even whispers the word lyme, most doctors will red-flag their file. Forget good medical care from that moment on. Expect abuse.
* ILADS LLMDs have been harassed in the worse ways. Any doctor who goes the extra mile is quickly cut down by the established medical groups.
From the May 2007 issue of Clinical Advisor The Clinical Advisor is a monthly journal for nurse practitioners and physician assistants in primary care. Home page: www.clinicaladvisor.com
CONTROVERSY CONTINUES TO FUEL THE "LYME WAR"
Discusses differences in the methods of the IDSA from those of ILADS
================================
This explains a lot about the political climate. This is so important to see. - at least watch the trailer for it.
You have to see it to believe it. So many regular doctors just ignore lyme and discount the patients' experiences and good tests.
California Lyme Disease Association (CALDA) is a non-profit corporation acting as the central voice for all tick-borne disease issues. An excellent website for anyone in any state.
See "Lyme 101" first.
================================
Find your local SUPPORT GROUP for help in finding a doctor, etc.
[ 11-18-2010, 01:48 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Pulling out one of your questions:
You say that you are "being treated by Northern Nutrition right now with herbs. I need someone to tell me why this doesn't work before I waste more money." (end quote)
-------
I have to rest but others can comment. I am not familiar with the herbs you may be taking. If you are not being treated by an ILADS-educated herbalist, it would be best to find one who is.
Lyme can't be addressed with just any herbs, and even then, antibiotics may be necessary at times. Links below may be of help: -----------------
Topic: How to find an ILADS-educated LL ND (naturopathic doctor), L.Ac. (acupuncturist), etc.
Includes how to find an ILADS-educated LL ND, an Acupuncturist, a doctor of Oriental Medicine (O.M.D.), or a doctor of Ayurvedic Medicine (D.Ay.), certified herbalists or nutritionists, etc.
Includes many articles and books on lyme/TBD-specific complementary / integrative methods - & RIFE links. -
[ 11-18-2010, 01:54 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- This page outlines issue of complexity: ---------------
Be sure to scroll all the way down this page. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Now, I know this is all a huge tsunami of information and a distressing situation for any patient, especially a couple. It's a horrible situation for every lyme patient in the country. But, it can get better. Many have navigated the rough seas and succeeded to achieve good remission.
You local lyme support group may offer you the most practical road map for your area.
Good luck. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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momlyme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 27775
posted
Keebler, you gave a wonderful explanation. I just want to add that I have a list of 4 LLMDs that take insurance (3 in CA, 1 in PA) if you are interested. If anyone has any more LLMDs in the US that take insurance. Please PM me. I will maintain a list.
One person explained that their LLMD that takes insurance only spends 15 minutes with them. They must go prepared for rapid fire questions -- because time is limited.
Insurance only pays by codes (10 minute blocks) and Lyme takes much longer than that to diagnose. The tests are completely unreliable. Therefore a clinical diagnosis based on symptoms is necessary.
My son has a positive CDC test for Lyme... but still there are coinfections, complications, and worst of all... terrible pain.
Good luck in your recovery. If you would like me to PM you the 4 LLMD's in the US that I know of who take insurance... send me a PM and I will.
Take care!
-------------------- May health be with you!
Toxic mold was suppressing our immune systems, causing extreme pain, brain fog and magnifying symptoms. Four days after moving out, the healing began. Posts: 2007 | From NY/VT Border | Registered: Aug 2010
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posted
Wow! THANKS! This web sites were wonderful.As far as Northern Nutrition, it is a Health food store with a lab in the back. Its ran by the Amish and the man who diagnosed me has Lyme himself. He is certified and seems to know what he is doing. I'm just leery and nervous. I'll read what you have given me and I'm looking for the film "Under my skin". My husband might understand better with a visual. Thanks again. I have to go I have a lot of reading to do. Hopeful
-------------------- diagnosed with fibromyalgia 1992 Lyme disease Jan 2011 give it all to the LORD everyday Posts: 38 | From southwest michigan | Registered: Nov 2010
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- I'm glad to hear that the herbalist is certified and has knowledge of lyme. That's good.
It's a tremendous ordeal to have to learn so much at such a time. Good luck. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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