Leelee
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 19112
posted
I just don't know what to do. My LLMD is a wonderful, wonderful doctor, but his office suggests that his patients also have a physician for routine stuff like colds, sore throats, and all the other non-Lyme, not serious stuff.
How do you choose one? I picked a random name off of my insurance's list of PCP's, but I have never gone to her. Is there a good way to find somebody or do I really even need someone? If I get sick is it okay to go to one of those urgent care places I have seen around? If I see my LLMD regularly do I still need an annual physical with a PCP?
-------------------- The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. Martin Luther King,Jr Posts: 1573 | From Maryland | Registered: Feb 2009
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Tincup
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 5829
posted
You really should have a regular doctor.
Your LLMD should be like the icing on the cake and the other doctor should be the one to deal with anything else that pops up.
Now.. which duck to choose?
Oh my....
So many ducks, so little time.
First, if no friends or family to get referrals from, go to the local home town pharmacy (not the chain places) or a local chiropractor and ask who they recommend.
The pharmacists see who orders what and they deal with docs day in and day out... so they have a good handle on who might fit your needs and be more open and tolerant to your craziness.
If that doesn't float your boat....
Look in the local paper for docs new to the area who are advertising for new patients. They are often less likely to turn you away... even all of us nasty, evil Lyme patients.
A younger one often (not always) is more open to new ideas.. and for some reason I seem to get less grief from females than males.
And do, when you go, act like the Lyme treatments are only a small portion of your life in general... especially at the first visit.... and that Lyme treatment to you is even less important than winning a new paper clip or getting a bag of left over chicken wing bones for your birthday.
And DON'T try to educate the duck about Lyme on your first visit or take anything Lyme related with you.
Think ... get it in your mind... that this new duck is only seeing you to do stuff like remove splinters from your bee hind that you get when you sit on the dock and scoot around reaching for the dip net while crabbing.
If it is any more complex than that... forget it. DON"T bring it up, especially at that first visit.
I know it is hard to divide the two things ... cause it is in one body ... but once you can seperate it in your mind...
It won't be so bad.
And when you approach them for the first time... just list your meds on a sheet of paper and don't try to explain anything.
And act like treating Lyme et al is as normal as putting both shoes on your feet each day.
Or as normal as reading a book or watching tv.
And PLEASE.... you should act like YOU are as normal as a big belly on a pig.
It will take some effort, but you can do it.
DO NOT offer anything unless you are asked.
Then K.I.S.S. (Keep it simple stupid.)
And... answer any Lyme related questions as if that was the most mundane and boring thing you ever heard.
posted
Also check for doctors with good ratings at : http://www.ratemds.com/social/ If they have a low amount of ratings it might be hard to really know what the ratings and comments mean in a greater context, but there are doctors there that have 15+ comments usually all good or all bad, giving you an idea of who to stay away from or is worth a try.
Posts: 526 | From NJ | Registered: May 2007
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posted
I have found less Lyme resistance from Nurse Practicioners than actual doctors.
One time my regular doctor (who swears I can't have Lyme because that only presents as swollen knees) wasn't available but the nurse practicioner was.
I saw him and he was very receptive to what I told him about my Lyme and treatments. He listened and was very supportive.
I don't know if it is because they don't have the cocky know it all attitude of the doctor but even @ the Gastro office I always see the NP because she takes her time and listens.
I just find it's not like talking to a stone wall with the NPs.
Posts: 114 | From New York | Registered: Jun 2009
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Tincup
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 5829
posted
Wen said.. "I don't know if it is because they don't have the cocky know it all attitude of the doctor but even @ the Gastro office I always see the NP because she takes her time and listens."
I agree. Good point!
And... after you are familiar with the new place... then you can be more comfortable.
Leelee
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 19112
posted
Thank you all so much for your advice.
I contacted an integrative medicine doctor this morning and asked to set up an appointment for an annual physical in September.
I feel much, much better now that I have some direction. I appreciate all of your comments!
-------------------- The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. Martin Luther King,Jr Posts: 1573 | From Maryland | Registered: Feb 2009
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Tincup
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 5829
If they have a low amount of ratings it might be hard to really know what the ratings and comments mean in a greater context, but there are doctors there that have 15+ comments usually all good or all bad, giving you an idea of who to stay away from or is worth a try.
i used to recommend ratemds.com ... but do NOT NOW!
many have vendettas on these drs. and post again and again plus having their family/friends do this! it could be a personality conflict, but i NO LONGER TRUST ANY INFO THERE!
i DO trust this info i receive from lymenet members here directly!
so spend your time wisely checking out these folks
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Aniek
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5374
posted
Where in MD are you? I know a lyme friendly family practitioner in Gaithersburg.
-------------------- "When there is pain, there are no words." - Toni Morrison Posts: 4711 | From Washington, DC | Registered: Mar 2004
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seekhelp
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 15067
posted
Tincup's suggestions are dead on IMO. Posts: 7545 | From The 5th Dimension - The Twilight Zone | Registered: Mar 2008
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Leelee
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 19112
posted
Hi Aniek,
Thanks for your offer.
Your mailbox is full.
-------------------- The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. Martin Luther King,Jr Posts: 1573 | From Maryland | Registered: Feb 2009
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