posted
I am going with my mother on thursday to her first appointment regarding her Lyme Disease diagnosis. She was diagnosed at the beginning of December and was put on the 3 week antibiotic. She was diagnosed because she went in because her arms were going numb (she's not in any pain) and they found the circular rash on her from the bite.
So they gave her the antibiotic and told her to come back in a month. Her follow up appointment is this Thursday. From talking to her about it over the last few days (she only just told me on xmas eve that she was diagnosed) it's become pretty clear that the doctor hasnt told her much anything about this disease. Right now, she says since she's not in any pain, she wasn't that worried. I'm not trying to freak her out but I told her that there's a lot she doens't know, and I want to go with her to her appointment.
I'm wondering if anyone has any advice of things I should ask the doctor, or things I should ask of my mother before going.
Thanks!
Jill
Posts: 11 | From Boston | Registered: Dec 2007
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CaliforniaLyme
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 7136
posted
What a good daughter you are!!! She is lucky.
I would make sure that she is not taken off antibiotics if she has ANY symptoms!!! If the doc is not an LLMD they will try to make her stick to a very SHORT term abx cookie-cutter standard of care. Undertreating for many people... So be careful- Best wishes, Sarah
-------------------- There is no wealth but life. -John Ruskin
All truth goes through 3 stages: first it is ridiculed: then it is violently opposed: finally it is accepted as self evident. - Schopenhauer Posts: 5639 | From Aptos CA USA | Registered: Apr 2005
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MagicAcorn
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8786
posted
The first appointment is the most important as it is for the doctor and patient to get to know each other and build rapport.
Maybe it would be best to let her go alone and you could be her reference afterward. The doctor might resent your presence and may not take kind to answering your questions when it is your mother he needs to attend too.
I know you said you want to go with her, but did she ask you to go with her? Personally, I would be offended that someone thought they needed to go to the doctor with me.
I know this is probably not what you wanted to see written back, but just a different view of the situation. I'm sure you just want to help your mom and that is commendable. Educate her as much as you can but let her start the game. Later on if she needs you then you can pitch hit for her.
posted
Thanks for your input - I appreciate your point of view. I'll make sure she really wants me there with her. She's more the type to get very emotional and want support at the doctors, then to take offense that I've offered, so I think I'm doing the right thing. But you never know...
I'll be sure that she is 100% happy with whatever she decides.
Posts: 11 | From Boston | Registered: Dec 2007
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Geneal
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 10375
posted
I would ask how many patients he has treated for Lyme disease.
Also is he familiar with co-infections.
I would also bring a copy of Dr. B's treatment guidelines and see if the doc
Is receptive at all to looking at them.
What is he experience with Tick Borne Diseases in general.
I am very aggressive about my health and if a doctor resents that
Then they are not the doctor for me.
Following this visit, see if you can get your Mom to a LLMD.
Good luck. Bring paper and pencil to write down anything the doctor says
That you may want to research or validate later.
As well as any questions that pop into your head while you are there.
Hugs,
Geneal
Posts: 6250 | From Louisiana | Registered: Oct 2006
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MagicAcorn
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8786
posted
Thanks for taking that in the good way it was intentioned.
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