posted
I am trying to find an LLMD in the Pittsburgh, PA area (including the tri-state area).
My father is 84. He came to NH for my wedding in the White Mountains 2 1/2 years ago. During that trip, he had a tick on him for nearly 3 WEEKS (he thought it was a half-ripped off skin tag so put a bandaid over it... only found out it was a tick after getting back home and going to a dermatologist.
It would be funny if it weren't so tragic. He's never felt well since. They put him on short-term antibiotics, then took him off when he got sicker (probably Herksheimer reaction). In short he's spent over 2 years going to many Infectious Disease specialists -- none of whom are ILADS members.
He's booked an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic (desperate to go to 'experts') - but I've read that the CC doesn't have any ILADS docs.
Does anyone know of a western PA, Eastern OH or Northern WV LLMD?
I got one ILADS referral in PA, but that doctor seemed to *only* do alternative medicine; he wanted my dad to stop all of his medications (which were carefully calculated by specialists for his other conditions).
Any suggestions would be GRATEFULLY appreciated!
Thanks! Diane
[ 12-21-2015, 12:38 PM: Message edited by: faithful777 ]
Posts: 6 | From Pittsburgh, PA Western PA, OH, WV | Registered: Nov 2015
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posted
p.s. A New England ILADS doctor gave me the kit to get the right Igenex tests done, and his results show he definitely has lyme (especially given his history). His problem is finding a doctor near where he lives to treat him. At 84, getting on a plane to New England to see his doctor wouldn't really work.
Posts: 6 | From Pittsburgh, PA Western PA, OH, WV | Registered: Nov 2015
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posted
Welcome to Lymenet! PM sent for PA & OH. I don't know of any in WV.
Your dear Dad needs to be evaluated and treated by a Lyme-literate doctor (LLMD). Non LLMDs have no clue about this horrible disease or its complex treatment!
A LLMD is one who has treated Lyme disease and the co-infections which come with it for many years and has gotten patients well. A good one will follow Dr. B's Guidelines, the "gold standard" for Lyme treatment.
Unfortunately, LLMDs are far and few between. He needs to go where they are.
Also most LLMDs do not accept insurance due to the politics surrounding this horrible disease. Read poster TF's explanation, "Why Lyme Doctors Don't Take Insurance":
Just because you get a doctor's name from ILADS does not necessarily mean they are good ones and Lyme patients have experienced problems because of this. Anyone can say they treat Lyme, but that does not make them "Lyme-literate". Personal references are the best.
When calling for an appointment, ask if they have any cancellations or a waiting list. Patients have been able to get in sooner by doing this.
Btw - please break up your posts into 2-3 sentence paragraphs, as there are people on Lymenet who cannot read large blocks of text due to neurological problems from Lyme.
To do this, click on the pencil/paper icon, make your changes then click "Edit Post". Thanks.
Posts: 8991 | From Illinois | Registered: May 2006
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I just realized I never replied to your helpful email! Sorry about that!
Thank you so much for putting all those great resources in one message! I had read a couple but especially appreciated seeing the one about ILADS members, why LLMDs don't take insurance, as well as the links to local groups. It gave me great homework to read and pass on to my father.
Luckily we have a great LLMD (my doctor -Dr. H) here in the **** area who is a great Chronic Lyme doctor, and she has been advising my father and I. But we're trying to find him someone closer to home in Pittsburgh. Anyway, thanks so much for your prompt and very helpful reply!
btw, if you don't have Dr. H in the ***** area in your list of LLMDs, I highly recommend her!
**edited city of LLMD per LN rules.. feel free to share via private messages**
[ 12-21-2015, 04:12 PM: Message edited by: Lymetoo ]
Posts: 6 | From Pittsburgh, PA Western PA, OH, WV | Registered: Nov 2015
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Ann-Ohio
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 44364
posted
Sending you a private message.
-------------------- Ann-OH Posts: 1696 | From Ohio | Registered: Aug 2014
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posted
Sammi, I've tried to send you a PM but your box is full. Just wanted to say thank you for that information. I will pass it on to my father.
Posts: 6 | From Pittsburgh, PA Western PA, OH, WV | Registered: Nov 2015
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