Shoemaker Protocol?

[CR97]

Does anyone know about the Shoemaker protocol? I talked to a gal on the phone today who works in an LLND office. She was kind enough to take some time out of her day and give me some info on their clinic. I believe that they utilize the Shoemaker protocol. She told me that some people are genetically predisposed in not being able to get rid of biotoxins. They do testing that costs $1500, but supposedly it's the best testing on the market. They look for active Lyme infection and don't even look for co-infections. I guess the protocol takes care of everything. I was told that they use a medicine for high cholesterol that works as a binder to remove all biotoxins.  I'm a little skeptical but haven't had time to research everything yet. I'm hoping to get more info on their testing procedures tomorrow. I'm hoping to find another Lyme literate office to talk to but there are very few close by. This particular office is 400 miles away and is the closet I've found. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

[kathloj]

I am in the same boat as far as treatment goes. I saw a LLMD ( she came highly recommended) and diagnosed me with Lyme Disease based on a clinical diagnosis AND blood work. She clinically diagnosed Babesia and Bartonella. I think she just goes ahead and treats for these co-infections regardless, as they (protozols) so often accompany a Bb infection. I have an appointment this week with a local LLNP. My LLMD recommended her and says she has no problem with me getting treatment from her also. As I won't be able to afford both, I feel torn. I will have to decide between antibiotics or herbs/microbials. I am anxiously awaiting legislation to come through to allow our NPs to write prescriptions. It will definitely make things more affordable than a 3 hour trip to see my LLMD, along with the costly charges for visits and phone calls (2 visits per year, 2 phone calls per year).
Good luck with your research and decisions! It's quite a maze. I just am anxious to get going with treatment and to feel better (after the herxing that is!). ;)

[CR97]

Thank you so much for the info.

[JackieCalifornia]

One more thought ...

There are plenty of Lyme specialists who fly under the radar, not identifying themselves as treating Lyme and any co-infections in the ILADS manner.  Each state controls who is allowed to hold a medical license, and in some states the medical board (which determines who is allowed to practice in that state) and other similar state authorities may or may not care much how the docs practice when it comes to Lyme etc.  

In California, for example, the docs have pretty free rein on how they treat, at least compared to the rules set up by the medical board in some of the other states.  You might want to see what your state's approach is ... a little snooping around online might work, and you could also contact

                          --   contact  [at]  ILADS  -dot-  org   --

and ask if they have any members in your state or in a state that borders close to you.    

For states other than your own, you might start with a search like

                              -- colorado lyme disease --

or utah or whatever you're close to and see what pops up.

The skype approach is very promising too.  Let us know how we can help.

[CR97]

The LLND that I've talked to told me that after the initial visit, follow ups are done over the phone or via Skype. That does make it easier. Thanks for the tip!

[JackieCalifornia]

Once you're established with a Lyme doc, the visits may be only once a month or so.  That might make it easier for you, and it's a legit question to ask a doc you are considering:  "How often do you usually have follow up appointments, once the patient is established with you?"  Some docs may also do phone follow up (like every other visit, maybe), but I don't know for sure.  Can't hurt to ask, and explain how far away you are so they understand.  

[CR97]

Thanks for all the information! I really don't know what way to go. I have a need to research as much as I can before I make a decision which usually gets me just going back and forth. I may need to expand my search for a LLMD as there aren't many very close by.

[Ricobord]

I've read a moderate amount of info about the Shoemaker protocol. He says that some people who think they have chronic Lyme but never show signs of it in tests, really have mold toxicity. There's a lot of overlap in the symptoms.

Some chronic Lyme patients just don't get well on antibiotics until they resolve their previously unknown mold problems.

Yes, some people are genetically predisposed to have trouble eliminating biotoxins. That's why some people in a moldy building will be sick and others will not.

I don't know about quality of testing. There are certain labs that are better than others at certain tests. I've had a few tests for signs of mold toxicity, but they were covered by insurance so I don't know what they cost. Instead of the whole collection of costly tests, my doctor's P.A. just ordered a few to see if I showed anything that justified further testing.  I didn't.

Yes, there is a cholesteral medication called Cholestyramine that is used as a "binder" to remove some toxins from the blood. I did take it for a month when I got too toxic during Babesia treatment. In the beginning, I felt better, more clear headed. But after about 4 weeks, I started to question if it was still helping me.  (I had developed burning after bowel movements and brain fog was coming back.)  I stopped the drug and perked up a bit the next day (and the burning stopped).  

I think it only helped me for 2-3 weeks.  I know someone else who tested for the Shoemaker protocol and showed significant signs of mold. Cholestyramine helped her for a few months.

It can't be taken with certain drugs because it absorbs them. The LLND should know which ones.