Hi cindylynna -
Unfortunately, the vast majority of Lyme specialists don't take insurance so you probably need to consider other options. You MIGHT find one who will work with your general MD but they are few and far between.
Most of us on this forum are using a hybrid approach of antibiotics and herbs as well as other alternative modalities for treatment. MOST of us are also using herbal and natural protocols for detoxing and other body support while we're treating. And most of us are also treating more than just Lyme - most ticks also carry other pathogens. For all these reasons it's important to learn as much as you can about
Lyme treatment - so we encourage all newcomers to please read the
"New to Lyme?" thread at the top of the page - it has invaluable info to help you get started and make decisions for next steps.
Finding a specialist:
You can email any of the mods (Girlie, goshawk, astroman or me) and we can make some suggestions for specialists in your area - let us know which metro area you're closest to - just click on the envelope icon beneath our screen name to the left - it will bring up a profile page with an email address.
Also, you can post a new thread or change the title to this one with "Looking for an LLMD in _________" and indicate your area - you might get personally recommendations from other patients.
You can go to The Lyme Disease Association and search for LLMD's three times in a month. You have to register first. Here is the link:
www.lymediseaseassociation.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=277&Itemid=74
You can go to The Lyme Disease Association and search for LLMD's 3 times in a month. You have to register first. Here is the link:
www.lymediseaseassociation.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=277&Itemid=74You can email the Tick-Borne Disease Alliance at:
[email protected]
ILADS has their own referral system as well:
ilads.org/ilads_media/physician-referral/And
www.LymeDoc.orgYou will want to find an ILADS trained doctor, as ID Docs (Infectious Disease Doctors) as well as many others believe Lyme is hard to catch and easy to treat, and don't believe in the reality of chronic Lyme--they adhere dogmatically to the IDSA and very narrow definition of Lyme and limited treatment. Go to the ILADS site to read the new (2014) Treatment guidelines to get you started on your healing journey:
www.ilads.org/lyme/treatment-guideline.phpLyme Coacing
I haven't tried this but it seems promising as a way to get immediate help and for interim support - although surely limited in actual treatment.
www.lymecoaching.com/#!schedule-a-call/c1gztPlease don't hesitate to ask any questions that come up!
-p