Lyme Disease Treatment in the Triangle (Star: rain, medicine, therapy)

[lunadesign]

Has anyone here on CD been diagnosed with, or know someone who has Lyme Disease? Can you recommend a Dr. who can properly test for and treat it? I'm looking for either a Neurologist or General Practitioner. Thank you!

[RaleighLass]

I do not know of one but you can email these folks for a list of NC docs American Lyme Disease Foundation You might want to start with an infection disease specialist...they have extensive training in the study of viruses, bacteria, etc. With a family med doc it will be hit or miss. Much depends on their experience which is hard to gather, especially when time is a factor. Also, there are lots of websites that list docs by specialty...you could start there. ANd, Duke and I imagine UNC has physician referral depts...you can call for their guidance.

[RuthL]

It's a simple blood test to start with that any Dr can do.

Lyme disease isn't nearly as common around here as STARI that has all the same symptoms, but it is more easily treated.

Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness (STARI) - CDC Division of Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases (DVBID)

The initial treatment for both is the same round of antibiotics. You need to start on them ASAP, so I'd advise seeing any Dr quickly, as in TOMORROW, and then worry about finding specialized care if you need it.

Edit: I just realized it's Saturday, so unlikely to find a Dr tomorrow, you need to go to urgent care.

[jgb]

This is the local Lyme doc:

Carolina Center for Integrative Medicine

Some other useful links:

Antibiotic Therapy, Rheumatic Disease, Antibiotics, Arthritis, Rheumatoid,Lupus, Scleroderma, Crest, Polymyositis, Dermatomysitis, Reiter's Syndrome, Sjogren's Syndrome, Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Fibromyalagia, Ankylosing Sp

Lyme Disease Foundation (http://lyme.org/front.htm - broken link)

It's important to find someone who takes you seriously. Good luck.