Recently, I went to my GP for a consult on the beginings of thrush, subsequent to my first 2 months of oral antibiotics prescribed by the specialist in Lymes Disease that I choose as I had been getting no where with my primary physician. When I asked the GP If he could work with my specialist for on going treatment, he ended my exam, refused to examine me for the thrush, questioned WHO THIS DOCTOR WAS(even though I had informed my GP during my previous visit of the upcoming consult), informed me that he did not believe that I had Lymes and when questioned as to why, informed me that he did not have to explain that to me. When I asked how he would treat Lymes he told me he did not have to tell me that either. He further declared that if this doctor believed I had Lymes then go to him for treatment.
This same GP had already done the routine Lymes testing(negative of course), as well as advanced blood work for Autoimmune Diseases, arthritis, etc. and had said to me on the previous consult while I was writhing in pain that Lymes is not always confirmed by testing but differential diagnosis. No new information to me.
I am absolutely enraged by the cavalier, dismissive nature of the medical community as regards this disease. I had the bite, the mark, and the ensuing declination of health over a period of the past 5 years. Yet, the biggest pandemic seems to be deafness in the medical community second only to their ignorance of the disease.
I'm very ill, I am no longer able to work, I am paying out of pocket for everything and loosing steam to fight and advocate for my treatment.
I live in South Jersey, and am in dire need of viable resources for Lymes Literate Physicians. I have been involved in holistic health care as a practioner and as part of my own health and combine both East & West as an approach and need a doctor that is not threatened by a patient that participates in their health care.
If you have good resources please reply. Has anyone else experience this level of abuse by a physician? Posts: 22 | From usa | Registered: Sep 2005
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quote:Originally posted by Red Deer: Yet, the biggest pandemic seems to be deafness in the medical community second only to their ignorance of the disease.
Well said. It's unfortunate that this is so very true!! and in New Jersey, no less!!
If no one comes forth with a name....repost this over in Medical.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96238 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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Did you contact the NJ support groups? Might give that a whirl.
Isn't it amazing how insulting doctors can be! Your story is all too common. Your doc knows that anyone in NJ who takes Lyme seriously is going to be in trouble with the ins cos and state medical board. That is the reason behind this behavior.
Posts: 8430 | From Not available | Registered: Oct 2000
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I've had this same thing happen with many of my doctors. In most cases it seems like their egos were bruised when they found out I had seen someone else. They would throw tantrums like children. A lot of Drs are extremely arrogant and don't like to hear that they were wrong. I've tried to get 2 dr to work together and they would not do it. Don't get discouraged. It's obviously a mistake on his part and not yours.
-------------------- Laura French Posts: 39 | From Bloomington, IN | Registered: Sep 2005
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Your story is so similar to mine and I am sure to many other ones with Lyme.
When my ID told me I was just depresed, I responded : "no kidding, it's totally depresing to find out that the medical community is full of arrogant, negligent, ignorants idiots just like you".
I don't have names of LLMD'S on NJ, up for answers.
Lymster in WA
Posts: 303 | From WA | Registered: Jul 2004
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Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts and support. Lymster, thanks for the info in the medical forum it was very helpful as were your supportative comments. I really try not to be a raging bull about health care, but sometimes, they really send you to places that no human should have to go to!! Lou, I did check out the support groups for New Jersey. The one that was closest to me has been stopped as the moderator? has gone back to school, sooo I guess it's time to start one in my area.
The worst thing about all of this, is the persistent diagnosis and attempt to treat depression as the primary illness, like you said Lymster. Most of these Dr.s aren't trained or any more qualified in psychiatric diagnosis and treatment then they are for infectious disease yet they feel quite comfortable with throwing samples of Zoloft at you with no monitoring. Like you said Lymster, of course we are depressed. We have multiple, unrelenting symptomology that stops us in our tracks. Friends and family often do not understand. Some of us have had to stop working then your Dr. treats you like your either crazy or drug seeking when all you want is a diagnosis and treatment plan. Sorry everyone,it is just so infuriating to be treated like this and to see how sooooo many others are treated like this as well.
In my brief jump into this site the one thing that is so healing beyond the medical stuff, is the loving support that everyone gives to each other. So thanks again for welcoming me and taking time to offer your support and ideas.
Health, Blessings & Peace To All
Red Deer
Posts: 22 | From usa | Registered: Sep 2005
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I have had the same problem and am also in So. Jersey. Only my LLMD has stopped treatment as the oral abx did not work and my Lyme Western Blot is negative. My LLMD even suggested that I go to the Mayo Clinic. I am progressively getting worse and have no where to go. THe only Dr that I haven't seen in the past at my primary care office is also recommending psychiatric drugs or not to come back. I am at a total loss. ***Please contact me by private message or e-mail. Thanks.
Posts: 556 | From southern new jersey | Registered: May 2003
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Best advice I could give would be: - to find a new doc who is concerned about the well-being of his patients, as opposed to how many bodies he can run through his office per hour for the most billing! - have your file sent to the new doc. - fire this guys butt! - report him to the Dean and Registrar at the State College of Physicians and Surgeons!
We need to get tough on these arrogant jerks!
Look through the references in this site, and/or type "Lyme, New Jersey" in any general search engine to find a regional support group.
Good Luck, Mr Bill
-------------------- Progressed a very long way (from almost totally incapacitated) following the MP - still a long way to go. Posts: 6 | From Abbottsford, BC Canada | Registered: Oct 2005
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First, Thanks to You Mr. Bill for support and suggestions and to everyone else. After searching some other sites yesterday, I think I can say that we have a pretty respectful, caring exchange of ideas for the most part as compared to some very combatative ones. Yikes, very scary!
What I am going to say next you truly can not make up....anybody want to write a book with me?
I searched out the name of the LLMD I've been consulting. The one I spoke of on my ("WHERE o WHERE Have all the good DR.s gone post in General Support. Thought that since he is the medical director of a lymes treatment center his name may have shown up in medical writings, other Lymes Assoc., conferences and the like. What I didn't expect was to find his name on a web page for HAVING BEEN INDICTED BY A FEDERAL GRAND JURY FOR TAX FRAUD AND EVASION IN APRIL 2005.
Now, PLEASE do not misunderstand me. Yes innocent till proven otherwise, yes, verryyy hot bed political disease, but knowing this, you would think that one would MAKE SURE THAT YOUR HOUSE WAS IN ORDER SO AS NOT TO BRING THE FEDS DOWN ON YOU NOT TO MENTION COMPROMISING YOUR PATIENTS CONFIDENCE AS WELL THEIR POSSIBLE FUTURE ABILITY TO RECEIVE TREATMENT BY YOU. This indictment, if convicted, carries a possible jail sentence. Does it take away from him being an excellant LLMD not necesarily. Do I want to risk my health care with a Dr. tied up in a legal battle that would render him unavailable to me if convicted? Absolutly not since long term treatment is at the core of our recovering our health. Unfortunatly the situations raises questions that patients, very sick patients I might add should not have to be faced with.
All I can say right now is that it is imperative that we find AND share good ethical, responsible Dr. referals. Wasting time, money and our very precious energy chasing down Dr.'s to no avail is just plain criminal in itself....remember if it looks like a duck, walks like a duck and talks like a duck, it's probably a DUCK
Thanks to all who have recently sent me what seems to be some excellant referals. I will be pursuing these in the upcoming weeks.
And by the way, Lymetutu has an amazing note with a list of very funny one liners that sent me to bed laughing. The chicken line was priceles. I have waaaay to many childhood chicken stories. Wonderfully outragious and my brain can't remember where the post is now. Thanks TUTU
Blessings and Peace to All on This Journey for Health
Red Deer Posts: 22 | From usa | Registered: Sep 2005
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I understand your concerns about your LLMD......I see the same one. All I can tell you is that he is very knowledgable concerning Lyme, but has had major problems with insurance reimbursement (to the point where he almost went belly up from denial of payment for treatment rendered).
He relies heavily on test results because he is forced to by the insurance companies and needs to protect his practice.
I'm sure this would not be his choice of how to provide the best treatment, but he has treat within the dictates of the ducks!
I'm not sure what is going on with his tax problems. One would think he would have been more cautious on overseeing the operation of his practice.
Just some insight for you.
Posts: 195 | From NJ | Registered: Nov 2003
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they really send you to places that no human should have to go to!! Lou, I did check out the support groups for New Jersey. The one that was closest to me has been stopped as the moderator? has gone back to school, sooo I guess it's time to start one in my area. ![[Mad]](mad.gif)
Sorry everyone,it is just so infuriating to be treated like this and to see how sooooo many others are treated like this as well.![[group hug]](graemlins/grouphug.gif)
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