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Posted 3/17/2015 5:02 PM (GMT 0)
So as some of you know, I've taken on the task of trying to get Lyme disease the recognition it deserves in my state (Arkansas), as we don't have any laws telling doctors that they have to explain that Lyme tests are not accurate, nor do we have any - not even one - LLMD in the state. They don't dare as they will be brought up on charges for their use of high dose abx.

So I started off by contacting the Federal level elected officials for my state, thinking that if I got their support (& they are more likely since they have exposure to those in states with the things I mentioned above), I could then go to the state level officials and "work" on them.


I just got a phone call from one of their offices. I broke into my "speech" on the devastation and destruction Lyme alone can cause, and how it's affecting our children as well, and oh so much more. I was prepared to hear the polite excuses, but instead, I was told to contact their health care staffer for an appropriate response to give to the state level elected officials!!!!!! shocked smhair

Wooooohooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!! turn
Happy dance time!!! yeah

I got my foot in the door - their in trouble now!!! smilewinkgrin

When my hubby heard my little 'whoop' after getting off the phone and I explained what that was about, he gave me two thumbs up and a hearty congratulations too!! :socool:
Posted 3/17/2015 5:16 PM (GMT 0)
Congratulations, well done!
Posted 3/17/2015 5:24 PM (GMT 0)
Woohooo!!! Way to go Traveler! The more recognition and spotlight Lyme and it's co-infections get along with the appropriate testing, treatment, etc, the better off future Lymies will be and even better, we can help prevent those who do get bit from chronic lyme. Do you know if other states are having the same issues you are having in Arkansas re: recognition, proper treatment and resources?
Posted 3/17/2015 5:28 PM (GMT 0)
Traveler, that's awesome! You are such a great example of how just one person can help so many others!
Posted 3/17/2015 6:18 PM (GMT 0)
Oh Wow Traveler! How excited you must be!

I know you will be a good spokesperson...and do a great job!
Posted 3/17/2015 6:20 PM (GMT 0)
Woohoo! Great work!!
Posted 3/17/2015 6:30 PM (GMT 0)
You go girl!! That's great news. Congrats!!
Posted 3/17/2015 9:31 PM (GMT 0)
:-) LOL!! Thank you all!! :-)

I'm still pretty much 'over the moon' still! turn I know that it's going to take so much more, but I really didn't expect to hear back from anyone on the National level since no one from my state is on the Tick-borne diseases task force committee.

So now I will be able to co-ordinate what I can say with this Representative's permission as to using his name to 'back me up' as I now talk to the state level Representative and Senators.

I know that I have a rather unique perspective as I've suffered with this as a child and as an adult for many, many years, so I'm hoping that I can "use" that and get their attention,

I'll need all the good thought and good vibes and prayers anyone wishes to share!!!


DaveNJ Yes, there are quite a few states that don't protect LLMD's, don't have laws stating that all doctors must explain that just because a Lyme tests comes back negative that it doesn't mean that you don't have Lyme, and they have few or no LLMD's because they don't feel safe even practicing in that state.
Posted 3/17/2015 10:13 PM (GMT 0)
Go get em trav!!
Posted 3/17/2015 10:15 PM (GMT 0)
Very proud of you Traveler and your perseverance - you already help so many people and now you have the potential to help Massive numbers of people!!!!!!!

Thank you for all you do and how you endure - you are an awesome lady!
Posted 3/17/2015 10:58 PM (GMT 0)
awesome!!! kudos to you traveler!!!!!
Posted 3/18/2015 2:18 PM (GMT 0)
Yippee, that is so great. Lives are being changed because of you! You go get them.
Posted 3/18/2015 2:41 PM (GMT 0)
Awesome news Traveler!!
Posted 3/18/2015 4:18 PM (GMT 0)
blush Awww, golly gee!!! *Kicks dirt with toe of boot*

I'm just trying to help guys, honestly. No one needs to go through this like we are - and if I can do just this (get recognition in the state that these infections are indeed here and are a threat), then it will help some. Right now it's like the whole state is hostile to the words "I might have Lyme disease" and we know just how wrong that is.

I live in what has turned into more of a retirement community that encompasses several towns - so there are LOTS of doctors - but I was turned away from all but one when I needed them the most. The one that took me in was desperate for patients as they had just opened their doors! They kept me alive and going until I found the Lyme & company treatments that worked for me.That's just wrong.


Thank you so much for all of your kudos and congrats!! Now, ONWARD!!! Giggle!!!
Posted 3/18/2015 6:57 PM (GMT 0)
Trav, that's great!

If I were you, I would start jogging some stuff down on a piece of paper, to make yourself more at peace when you have to speak with them, and also to appear more knowledgeable. That way you won't miss any important info that you want to share with them, but may forget to mention at the time.

Keep pushing until they hear you! :)
Posted 3/18/2015 7:17 PM (GMT 0)
LOL! yes, Simela, I realized that is exactly what I need to do! I honestly didn't believe I would hear from anyone yet though! LOL!! But next time I can just be thrilled and not caught off guard so much! Poor lady!! She listened to be go on about the dangers of not having laws in place to protect the only doctors that know how to treat this and how that's keeping them out of our state and how much of a threat this really is and on, and on..... LOL!!

She was gracious and kind though - and gave me the email address for the health care staffer. She grew up here in northern Arkansas where I live, so she knows what I'm talking about.

I'm still a little giddy about the whole thing!!! turn LOL!!
Posted 3/18/2015 11:50 PM (GMT 0)
Laugh my butt off, MM!!!

Go, Trav, Go! I love exciting news! This is ALMOST as good as the birth of that new grand baby!! Hope he and his parents are doing well!

Xxoo
Posted 3/19/2015 12:08 AM (GMT 0)
That is wonderful! Let them know that your state isn't the only one. In TN we have the same problem.
There should be no reason for a MD to require a cash payment of $695 for a first visit. No insurance at all will be accepted. And this guy is backed up for over a year! Yes, my 1st appointment isn't until July 25th 2016!

If these doctors weren't afraid of the insurance companies or the CDC, there would be more of them and I wouldn't have to flounder on my own (with the help of everyone on here and sites like this one).

Give them a piece of my mind too.....wait, just a small piece, I need most of it.
Posted 3/19/2015 6:43 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you Happyjo, Mr Mike, Utahgal and Willowgal!!! Your words of encouragement are soo appreciated!!

LOL Happyjo!! I just got tired of talking with people about these infections here and not having one single doctor that I could say knew anything about them!!! Something had to change and everyone just wanted to keep on doing what had already been done and failed. Time to do something different, right??

Pretty much describes me, Mr Mike!!! Except with this weight gain, I'm like an overweight doberman protecting it's pork chop bone!! LOL! Don't get too close, I know I'm slower, so I'll bite quicker!! snicker, snicker!!

Yes, Utahgal, the new grandson and Mom are doing wonderful!!! And that's part of the reason things have to change in my state! I have 3 grandsons that love the outdoors too, and they need to have treatment options should they get infected We are all doing all we can to prevent that, but as you know, we don't always have that option.

Exactly, Willowgal, exactly. I'm pretty tired of my health care being decided by insurance companies -when I can go to the doctor, when I can get my medicines refilled (no matter what the doctor thinks or says) and every other part of my health care. The only thing they have on their minds is to find ways to save money (as if they don't get enough??), and it doesn't matter what it does to a person's health.

I have a dear friend that has stage 4 cancer due to lack of care for her breast cancer she had years ago - she didn't get the follow up care she needed because the state she lives in doesn't have 'expanded' medicaid. I just can't get any madder about this situation!
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