Had first visit with LLMD

Just got back from my first appointment with the LLMD, and I am more frustrated and angry than I was before. The only good thing is that I am finally going to get accurately tested for Lyme.

But he went on and on about every environmental toxin known to man. When you charge $90 for every 15 minutes, I don't need you to spend 30 minutes going on a tangent about every thing in the history of the world that can possibly make people sick.

Look at my medical records, history, and symptoms, tell me what you think the most likely culprits are, what tests you recommend, and what I can do in the meantime. That's it. I don't need to hear, in scientific detail, about every bio-organism on Earth. Using med speak and the scientific name for every bacteria does nothing more than confuse me.

And don't tell me about each of the 20 different supplements that patients have used (again, using the medical terms - which mean nothing to me - instead of just brand names) if they don't pertain to me. I think he is a nice guy and is certainly passionate about what he does, but you are not giving a clinical lecture about environmental toxins. You are talking to a patient whose symptoms and illness may not have anything to do with half of those toxins. Sorry for the rant, just really frustrated and angry and feeling like I wasted a LOT of money.

Did you even get to talk about your symptoms?

If not, how can he treat you? or is he waiting for rest results?


DNA Connexions is becoming popular - well at least with the forum members it is.

In addition to massage, people are saying exercise, as well...but I don't know about the timing of it.

I'm glad you are moving forward...hopefully next appointment there will be more discussion on YOU.

I had submitted all of my medical records to him prior to my appointment. It was apparent that he reviewed them beforehand, as he referred back to a lot of it without looking at them. So he did his due diligence. He did ask my about my symptoms, onset, history, etc. And he took copious notes. He was pretty thorough about all of it, actually. THEN he went on his rant about how everything from WiFi to household cleaners make people sick.

I don't doubt any of that. But I want to know what's making ME sick. I wanted to hear what he thought was causing MY illness. Because of my history, he definitely wants to test for Lyme. But he could have just stopped there. He could have just said, "I think XYZ is the most likely culprit, so lets go from there." If that test is negative, then lets look at ABC. Don't tell me about how everything in the environment is a toxin and potentially causing my issues, because that doesn't help.

I don't think he's a bad doc. He's certainly knowledgeable. I just felt like he wasted a lot of time talking about things that were't relevant to ME. Frankly, I don't really care if power lines are making other people sick. If they're not making ME sick, then it's not my problem right now. I have enough to worry about with my own illness; I don't need to worry about everyone else's.

So I will do the test. And he also wants me to continue to heal my gut. I know that's an issue, so I've been doing a strict AIP diet for about 6 weeks. I basically eat meat (grass-fed and organic) and veggies (also organic). That's it. I don't even eat fruit anymore because I'm afraid the sugar will upset my stomach.

Because I seem to be so sensitive to everything I ingest, he suggested starting with just a couple things. He recommends Restore 4 Life, slowly building up to 1 teaspoon 3 times a day and Sunflower Lecithin, slowly building up to 3 daily. He also wants me to start taking my multivitamin again. The does is 4/day, but he said to just start with one.

He's big on starting slowly, so just do the Restore 4 Life for now. Once I get to the 1 tsp 3 times a day, then start with the Sunflower Lecithin. Once I get that to 3 times a day, then add the multi-vitamin. I like the slow approach.

If Lyme test comes back positive, then we'll discuss treatment, which will involve abx and probably some herbals too.

mm57553 said...
I had submitted all of my medical records to him prior to my appointment. It was apparent that he reviewed them beforehand, as he referred back to a lot of it without looking at them. So he did his due diligence. He did ask my about my symptoms, onset, history, etc. And he took copious notes. He was pretty thorough about all of it, actually. THEN he went on his rant about how everything from WiFi to household cleaners make people sick.

I don't doubt any of that. But I want to know what's making ME sick. I wanted to hear what he thought was causing MY illness. Because of my history, he definitely wants to test for Lyme. But he could have just stopped there. He could have just said, "I think XYZ is the most likely culprit, so lets go from there." If that test is negative, then lets look at ABC. Don't tell me about how everything in the environment is a toxin and potentially causing my issues, because that doesn't help.

I don't think he's a bad doc. He's certainly knowledgeable. I just felt like he wasted a lot of time talking about things that were't relevant to ME. Frankly, I don't really care if power lines are making other people sick. If they're not making ME sick, then it's not my problem right now. I have enough to worry about with my own illness; I don't need to worry about everyone else's.

So I will do the test. And he also wants me to continue to heal my gut. I know that's an issue, so I've been doing a strict AIP diet for about 6 weeks. I basically eat meat (grass-fed and organic) and veggies (also organic). That's it. I don't even eat fruit anymore because I'm afraid the sugar will upset my stomach.

Because I seem to be so sensitive to everything I ingest, he suggested starting with just a couple things. He recommends Restore 4 Life, slowly building up to 1 teaspoon 3 times a day and Sunflower Lecithin, slowly building up to 3 daily. He also wants me to start taking my multivitamin again. The does is 4/day, but he said to just start with one.

He's big on starting slowly, so just do the Restore 4 Life for now. Once I get to the 1 tsp 3 times a day, then start with the Sunflower Lecithin. Once I get that to 3 times a day, then add the multi-vitamin. I like the slow approach.

If Lyme test comes back positive, then we'll discuss treatment, which will involve abx and probably some herbals too.

Okay,now that you have elaborated - it doesn't sound too bad...in fact, he does sound like a good Dr.

Supplements make my stomach sick, even with food. So I only take D3 and a probiotic.

You're lucky you found a doctor that has a holistic view. My doctor believes solely in abx.

I hear ya on the cha ching, the money pit has no end...

Krimpet 🍔 said...

mm57553 said...
Oh, he uses DNA Connexions to test. He also recommended that I get a massage about an hour before giving the sample.

I've heard this is a good test to use.

If you do the exercise option, it must be a minimum of 30 minutes of vigorous exercise. They want you to get the heart rate up and get those joints moving. So power walking is a good one with the arms moving, running if you can, stairclimbing, etc.

If you choose the massage, the best best for this test is a Rolf massage or deep tissue massage. From my understanding, the Rolf type massage can be very painful, but doctors are recommending this type. Massage is recommended for those that cannot exercise and/or bedridden. And yes, it is for 1 hour.

Keep in mind that some with Lyme feel absolutely miserable for days if not weeks after a deep tissue massage.

He recommended deep tissue massage and hour or two before doing the test. I honestly don't know if I could physically do 30 minutes of vigorous exercise right now. But that changes from day to day. Saturday I felt awesome and probably could lave run a 5K. Monday and Tuesday I literally could not get out of bed. So I scheduled a massage for Monday. Why do people feel so horrible after a massage?