Dr advice

Hi Pmgonza—

Sorry you are feeling worse! But it looks like you might have found someone to at least start your treatment. A few thoughts:

How about asking this Dr (close to you) if they could provide some reference—like previous patients who have had successful treatment with this Dr? Might not be able to make much progress by Friday but it's a start.

Also, ask if this MD follows IDSA or ILADS guidelines (you want to hear ILADS). This will cue you into treatment methodology and whether or not this MD thinks a couple weeks of abx is sufficient without really knowing much about lye & co. or having much experience with the infections. Also, you might want to ask about his experience with co-infections. But this is the catch-22—many MDs are wary of talking with people they don't know about their treatment protocol given the current climate so their answers may be vague for that reason alone, not because they might not have good answers.

And, do you know of any lyme & co. support groups in your area? That might also be a good source for references and support in general.

-p

I would say the biggest factor would be what protocols this doc uses. Do they sound like IDSA standards, or ILADS? Call back and ask some more questions about how he treats. How long is his standard treatment, and don't forget to tell them that you understand that there will be differences, but you wish to have an general understanding.

How does he feel about chronic Lyme? Does this alter his treatment protocols? This could be the biggest sign of where he truly stands.

What is his stand on detoxing and supporting the body?

What about co-infections?

We also have a good list of questions on page 2 of our "New to Lyme?" thread.

And don't forget, you have us to talk it all over with if you are still undecided!!

Having a Dr. closer to you is huge!

Here in BC, Canada, my options are limited. The only true LL Dr. here is 4 hours away, and involves 2 1/2 hours of driving and 1 1/2 hour ferry ride plus extra time sitting in the ferry line up.

But, thankfully, he does telephone appointments.

Is he the best? Nope. But, my options are limited...I could drive to Seattle, Washington...which would be a lot farther and more expensive. At this point, I am not considering that option.

So, at this point he's all I've got. He is able to prescribe antibiotics, and knows a fair amount about Lyme disease. He isn't big on detox (which I find surprising considering he's a ND), and isn't interested in checking out mold, heavy metals, or MTHFR. But, he is flexible....if I want those tests, he will support me. He has me on adrenal support, probiotics, nervous system support...but hasn't talked about yeast.

I also know that it is trial and error. So, although at five months in, I'm not where I thought I'd be with healing...I don't know if I would be with any other Dr. either. There are so many variables.
I do my own research and rely on this forum for information. My Dr. is open to discussion - which I like.

So, if travel is difficult for you at this time...maybe getting started with this Dr. and then later on...you could always decide to travel to a different one.

Hi,
I looked into one of the drs who is three hours away and lyme literate. They sent me a million forms to fill out (as expected) but one of them said that I must have a PCP who is willing to work with her.
My PCP isn't even willing to draw blood for my igenex test.
I feel that my symptoms are getting worse by the day. Does anyone have any suggestions or have run into a similar issue? I can't bear the thought of having to go and interview more PCPS to have doors shut in my face- I am on my 11ty dr in five months and am feeling so ill.

Thank you in advance!

Hi!
I did see the link- unfortunately they aren't LLMDs :( or at least I know one of them isn't- he's the infectious disease dr I went to see yesterday. And he definitely doesn't believe in prolonged use on abx I can tell you that much!

Please do let us know how your search goes though!