European Strains & NY docs

I started having symptoms last year, about a month after returning from Italy. Does anyone know if Lyme contracted in Europe are diagnosed and/or treated differently than in the US?

I have tested Indeterminate on band 41, results for co-infections are negative, though haven't tested for micoplasma. I've seen multiple doctors - one will put me on doxy for 2 weeks - (not an Llad doc) - which I am willing to do, but have some concerns about - particularly, after reading how people often feel so much worse after taking them, and that chronic Lyme doesn't respond well to antibiotics - especially with such a short run.

I had many symptoms for the last year+, and have recently started to feel better, after adding a couple of new supplements to my vitamin regimen and having a specific form of energy healing). However, I was recently told by a neurologist who did a home sleep study, that she suspects I now have cardiac dysrythmia (sp).

I was on 10 days of amoxicillin for a dental issue last year, and felt better during the treatment. Started having symptoms again when I stopped. And then, the usual - fatigue, migratory muscle/joint pain, etc - on and off since.

I want to move to Italy in September, so feeling a lot of anxiety about whether to start treatment here in the US or wait until I move (don't know if there are any Llad docs in Italy). Also, not much income this last year+ and wanting to conserve my savings. The fees for out of network docs are quite pricey. There's a Nurse Practitioner in my plan - LK, wondering if anyone has heard of him?

There's so much more to say, but will stop now. Main questions are regarding European strains, any suggestions for NY docs that may take insurance and if anyone has heard of LK?

Thanks so much!

Sunshine welcome to our community. So very sorry you had to find us. We do have people on this forum that are in the UK and hopefully they will respond.

Also we ask new members to read the first thread entitled New To Lyme? ... Start Here! at the top of the page. Lots of information in that thread.

With limited funds and most lyme literate medical doctors not accepting insurance, have you thought about doing herbs? This might be a less expensive way for you to go and I think most protocol herbs are available outside the US also.

Your test for lyme, was it done by just a local lab? I ask because our local labs are not reliable in their results many times.

Welcome Sunshine. The advice from others is sound. I would strongly second NOT waiting, and at least beginning with herbs if you at all suspect Lyme. I also have had very good fortune with the Buhner protocol.
This quiz really helped me realize...umm... probably lyme... and set me on my path. Blood tests, as you probably know, are terribly unreliable.
http://www.tiredoflyme.com/horowitz-lyme-msids-questionnaire.html

Thanks so much for your replies.

Yes, I've read the introductory email, and am familiar with Dr. H. I've been slowly making my way through his book.

I've been on multiple vitamin supplements, and recently started an adrenal support supplement, as well as a combo of MSM, Glucosamine, and Chondroitin - that - plus the energy healing, seems to have put me on a better course (migratory leg pain is at an all time low, and practically nil after nearly 1.5 years), but still have that infection like feeling, coupled with fatigue and other issues. But perhaps, the lessening of leg pain is a sign I'm on the track.

I will check out the Buhner protocol - thanks for the suggestion. As I mentioned I'm taking about 22 supplements - most have been prescribed by various doctors - endo, cardio, functional, and a few on my own, but wonder if the combination is beneficial. I would like to consult with someone knowledgeable to make sure I'm maximizing the benefits.

The lab I used was Stony Brook - they specialize in Lyme. I've been told they are conservative, and know that results can be misleading. I haven't used IgenX, as yet, so appreciate the info regarding which tests to get to reduce the costs.

There is a Chinese Clinic in NY that I've heard about from several sources, was told by the receptionist that the herbs would cost around $400 a month (I remember being treated for CFS in Seattle by a Chinese medicine doctor - herbs were around $35 a week, so much lower cost - it was awhile ago, however. I didn't think they helped much, but perhaps I'd have a different experience with Dr. Z;s protocol.)

There is a Lyme clinic in the city I'll be moving to in Italy. I don't know if they would be considered Lyme literate. I speak very remedial Italian, although I could take someone with me to translate.

I feel so overwhelmed - at least on occasion, trying to figure out which way to go, particularly when finances are tight.

Thanks again for your support. It means more than you know!

I don't know the name, but it's located in Trieste. I haven't had a chance to check it out yet, but planning to do it this week

Traveler, , that's fantastic. Thank you!

And I don't believe I got your email, Sunshine!! Please send it again?

I got it, I got it!! LOL!
Please do let me know if you don't get my email!