Who Do You Know That Knows Someone?

I need a doctor. A Lyme literate (LLMD) one to be exact, but I will settle for an IDS in Georgia -- the kind that doesn't get hung up on the controversy between "post treatment lyme" and "chronic lyme". I don't need just any doctor, but one that is up for a challenge of confusing and conflicting test results. One that is accepting new patients and is in network with BCBS PPO. One that listens intently and doesn't believe in diagnosis by exclusion. Someone that understands the repercussions and benefits of every single prescription and supplement that I ingest -- individually and when combined with each other. Someone that is willing to listen to my story and hear all of the facts from beginning to end with the goal of improving my quality of life --- I need a medical professional to tell me what I can do to treat the root of the problem(s) that are causing my numerous symptoms -- not just how to tolerate and manage the symptoms themselves. Help -- who do you know that knows someone?

In the past few months, I have met with 4 specialists (2 internists, a rheumatologist, a neurologist and a team of 3 Infecteous Disease Specialists) -- and they have all admitted that they have done all that they can do at this point, they wish me the best of luck, my condition is "outside of their area of expertise", come back in 3 months -- and in the meantime see one of the other doctors (that is referring me right back to them) or go to the ER.

Comment below if you know anyone that can help me!

The latest (but not so greatest) update.

I know I haven't posted in quiet some time, but to be honest I knew that between a full time job and living in chronic pain that I would have very little time to blog -- especially about a disease I am still avidly researching myself! Anywho -- I have had several people reach out and ask for an update, so I figured a short post would be the easiest way to get all of my prayer warriors and support system on the same page.

I reacted well to my first round of treatment which was 21 days of oral doxycyclin. It has been just over 2 months since I finished that round and some of my symptoms have resurfaced. This was to be expected given the fact that I was likely infected for over 2 years before ever receiving a diagnosis or treatment -- but it is still very disheartening! Some symptoms are more manageable than others, and my new clean diet seems to really be making a difference in both severity and frequency of discomfort. Once I receive the results from my lumbar puncture that is scheduled later this week, then I will know my options for treatment moving forward. Meanwhile, I take it day by day -- or hour by hour -- and just "keep on keepin' on". (That's what my sweet Papa told me to do!)

Shane is still recovering from rotator cuff surgery, so we are both doing our best to take care of each other. As you can imagine, this storm isn't pretty. It is scary and painful and concerning -- but as Shane and I learn to dance in the rain I am so thankful for all of the love and support we have received. You wouldn't believe the number of people that went above and beyond to send us cards and care packages and meals or the people that have come to visit and help with chores and errands. We are so humbled and gracious!