StuckInAZ said...
Hello,
Long story short I have a insane amount of mysterious symptoms and have been tested for everything under the sun to no avail. Currently I am waiting to get an MRI of my spine and brain in order to hopefully rule out MS.
Personally I do not feel I have MS because one of my most bothersome symptoms is a joint pain that seem to migrate from one place to another. I currently am awaiting results on the typical ELISA Lyme test however after researching Lyme Disease my more unique symptoms seem to match up perfectly with this illness and I fear co-infections.
Doing research on ILADS has pointed out a few doctors, and even one of my optometrists recommended an LLMD I found on my ILADS search however the $750+ for a new patient appointment (before any testing and medications) has me a little skeptical.
I was hoping someone here could point me in the direction of a LLMD in AZ Preferably closer to Tempe/Chandler/Mesa area that has a proven track record of success and could assist me in testing and treating my ailment. Also while I know this may be a stretch, any LLMDs that possibly take insurance at least for office visits would be greatly appreciated as I am not sure I can even afford to fight this disease any more.
Thank You!
Hi StuckInAZ - welcome to the forum.
I was sent to a Neurologist to have MS, Parkinson’s and ALS ruled out when I had an onslaught of disturbing symptoms.
Then several months later I tested positive for Lyme with the Igenex WB.
I also don’t think that joint pain would be an MS symptom.
$750 for a good LLMD is not outrageous - especially if the appt includes a thorough physical exam and takes 2-3 hours.
My LLMD is well-known and has been treating patients for many years - if I’m remembering correctly - he charges $600 for the first appt - and it is over two hours.
While most llmd’s do not take insurance.... there are some that do.
The Elisa test isn’t a very good one.
You may want to get a lyme western Blot IgM and IgG from Igenex Lab in California.
They will send you the test kit.
Your do need a Dr to sign the lab request - and then get the Dr or go to a lab to do the blood draw.
Then send it off to Igenex.
(Do this at the beginning of the week so the blood sample doesn’t sit somewhere over the weekend (Igenex is closed on Sat/Sun.
If you don’t get any recommendations from members for a LLMD - you can email me - I do have a few listed....but it’s always best to get recommendations