LymeNet Flash: Positive ELISA and negative Western Blot?! help!

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»	LymeNet Flash » Questions and Discussion » Medical Questions » Positive ELISA and negative Western Blot?! help!

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Topic: Positive ELISA and negative Western Blot?! help!

Scooter1
Junior Member
Member # 34239

posted

So back in July I was tested for Lymes because I was bitten by a tick in May and started having extremely bad symptoms (leg pains, weakness, bladder problems, muscle twitches, tremors, ect..) and both the ELISA and Western Blot came back positive, my dr put me on 2 months of Doxycycline 200 mgs a day. I went for another blood test last week and it came back that the ELISA is positive but Western Blot is negative. So my dr wont put me on anymore doxycycline even tho I am still having symptoms. Does a positive ELISA and negative Western Blot mean that the Lyme is gone?! Why am i still having symptoms?! HELP PLEASE [Frown]

Posts: 6 | From New Jersey | Registered: Sep 2011 | IP: Logged |

bcb1200
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 25745

posted

Uh..you still have it. Period.

A negative western blot means nothing. If you were positive before and are still having symptoms then you have it.

Go to the "seeking a doctor" section of this site and find an ILADS trained LLMD in your area. (if you want to get well, that is.)

Your regular doctor isn't helping you.

--------------------
Bite date ?
2/10 symptoms began
5/10 dx'd, after 3 months numerous test and doctors

IgM Igenex +/CDC +
+ 23/25, 30, 31, 34, 41, 83/93

Currently on:

Currently at around 95% +/- most days.

Posts: 3134 | From Massachusetts | Registered: May 2010 | IP: Logged |

Robin123
Moderator
Member # 9197

posted

See www.canlyme.com/seronegreasons.html for a list of reasons why a Western blot test can be negative even though we still have the infection.

Posts: 13116 | From San Francisco | Registered: May 2006 | IP: Logged |

Lymetoo
Moderator
Member # 743

posted

You can take a positive ELISA to the bank. It is notorious for coming back negative, so if it's positive that is strong.

The regular labs do not always pick up Lyme in their Western Blots. The tests are not sensitive enough.

do not stop until you get tested thru Igenex Lab .. www.igenex.com Test #188 and 189

Get a copy of your WB and see if there might possibly be some positive bands on it.

--------------------
--Lymetutu--
Opinions, not medical advice!

Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001 | IP: Logged |

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