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Treat without doctor?

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Posted 6/5/2015 6:28 PM (GMT 0)
Quick summary:

I have felt bad for 20+ years. I do not recall ever being bitten by a tick, but have found a few crawling on me in my teen years. I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism in 1998, but have never felt better being on meds. I have suffered with fatigue and sleep problems for as long as I can remember. I have been to sleep labs and found that "sleep" is not my issue. Two years ago, I started crashing. I barely function most days. Between the brain fog and fatigue, I do well to get through the day. I also developed tingling/numbness in my arms and legs. I had testing for MS and it was negative. I also went through nerve testing, circulation tests, etc and all came back negative. I have basically been told, "We have no idea what is wrong with you. Good luck." I was tested for Lyme 2 years ago and I had one band that was positive. I can't remember which one, but I don't think it was one of the main ones. I have lots more symptoms, but can't remember them all right now. :)

I have been home schooling my 3 boys for the last 6 years, but have gotten to the point that I can't do it anymore. I don't have the energy or mental capacity to help them anymore. They will be going to school for the first time this fall.

We are a single income family and we have spent so much money on my medical bills as well as for my son (ulcerative colitis) over the last 5 years. We barely survive as it is and I can't keep spending so much. There aren't many LLMD's in my state and the closest one (2 hours) is $500 just for the first visit. Even if I want to use Igenex, there isn't a doctor I can go to that will work with me.

I don't know that I have Lyme, but it is between that, chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia. I am tempted to just try one of the Lyme protocols and see if it works. Is that an awful idea? I need to do something because I am just wasting away.

Sarah
Posted 6/5/2015 6:44 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome to the community, Sarahesowers! I am so sorry you are feeling so bad!

Having a positive band on a lyme test plus symptoms - is indicative of Lyme disease.

If you wanted to do the Igenex Western Blot - it would cost $210 plus the Fedex fee. You don't need a LLMD to sign for it - any Dr. can sign the lab req.

While we don't like to see people "self-treating" - sometimes people do resort to that...and there are herbal healing treatments available.

When you have a moment, please take a look at the "New to Lyme?...Start Here!" thread at the top of the page...full of great information - symptom lists, detox ideas, etc.

I will put a link here to one of the herbal remedies (Buhner) - that many on here are using - either in combination with antibiotics, or just by itself.

buhnerhealinglyme.com/

If you were to choose Buhner's Lyme protocol, you could start off with a couple - like the Japanese Knotweed and Cat's Claw...and add more herbs in later.

If you want to check the prices for these herbs:
Capsules from Green Dragon Botanicals

greendragonbotanicals.com/

Tinctures from Woodland Essence:
woodlandessence.com/
Posted 6/5/2015 6:51 PM (GMT 0)
I also wanted to mention - that if you're hypothyroid and your meds aren't working - you could have some other issues that are preventing you from feeling better - there are different treatment options for thyroid.
Have you gotten thyroid labs lately? If so, the TSH isn't good enough, you also need your FT3 and FT4 to see where your levels are.

www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/

The website discusses using T4 only, or T4 plus T3, or NDT (Natural Dessicated Thyroid) amongst other things.

Checking your adrenal function, B12, Ferritin, Vit.D and your Reverse T3 are also important.

There's lots of other info on the website - those things above are just from my memory. It's better if you read it yourself.
Posted 6/5/2015 7:00 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for your quick response. I have actually just finished reading Buhner's book and am currently researching Cowden.

I actually started trying to fix my thyroid first. I have not read the thyroid book, but have been through the website multiple times. I traveled about 4 hours to a doctor to change me over to natural thyroid meds. I have been on many supplements (including adrenal support) and elimination diets. It has been over a year and I still feel the same. I did have a slight improvement to my tingling by removing gluten. My area is very traditional when it comes to meds and I am struggling to find someone right now who will help me continue on my current thryoid meds. I was hoping my thyroid was the answer for me, but it hasn't been.

I happened to hear and commercial a few weeks ago that starting listing most of my symptoms. It was a commercial for lyme disease and that is what made me start researching Lyme again.
Posted 6/5/2015 7:07 PM (GMT 0)
Good to hear that you're being proactive in your health care.

Cowden is another good, popular treatment. Many members use that as well.

There is also the 'Chronic Tonic' - it's a tea made up from a blend of herbs - our Veteran Forum Moderator, Traveler has used it to heal two infections. (yup - that's right, she healed twice)
She makes her own teas by buying the bulk herbs, and she is happy to help anyone who is interested in that treatment.
It is cost effective too. (the chronic tonic)
Posted 6/5/2015 7:12 PM (GMT 0)
As Girlie said, we don't want to encourage you to treat without a doctor. You can request names through ILADS if you haven't already. http://ilads.org/ilads_media/physician-referral/

Maybe you can find someone to accept your insurance. Or if not (as many don't), you can do what I do and submit my dr bills to the insurance after the fact. That way you get a little money reimbursed. Also, just fyi, the first appointments are always the most expensive.
Posted 6/5/2015 7:16 PM (GMT 0)
You could try Cowden.
If you send an email to Nutramedix you can get a good price reduction (100dollar/month instead of 285dollar/month). You will get a form that an MD has to sign.

Grtz
Posted 6/5/2015 7:21 PM (GMT 0)
I honestly don't want to treat without a doctor either. I have requested names and I got about 3. None accept insurance at all. I just have to be ok paying the entire bill going in and at this point, we can't do that. My husband is struggling. He wants me to feel better, but is so frustrated with the wasted money. I try to only do things that I believe in and have put a lot of thought into. Even if I tried one of the protocols, it is still expensive.

I am not sure my current doctor would support me in this venture. I have read about the cowden discount program, but I am not sure my doc would do it. I struggle being turned down and I hate asking just to be told I am wrong or misguided. I am not sure I have enough guts to ask him.
Posted 6/6/2015 11:58 PM (GMT 0)
I'm having my doctor friend treat me.
He's not lyme literate but has done
Some research on my behalf and called
Some other LLMD for advise.
I'm going to get a second opinion with one
Of the top LLMDs. In my area for disease confirmation
But most likely have my friend treat me.
He's been a MD for 30 years.
I trust him and have access to him 24/7
I just can't afford to pay for regular insurance
Then pay cash outside that.
Thank god there are forms like this for info.
Posted 6/7/2015 1:52 AM (GMT 0)
I was looking for this post!

I've chosen to treat myself without a LLMD for lots of reasons... It's worked out well and was the right decision FOR ME..

I think the key is finding the right treatment and sticking with it, changing the diet and detoxing.... It's hard to go through with or w/out a doctor so having people to talk to who understand really helps. There are so many ups and downs you feel crazy sometimes...scared and alone..

But faith and hope for a better future always got me through..
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