my CD57 results from Quest Diagnostics reads 12% with a midpoint in a normal range of 2.0 – 23%.
I read in many forums about the possibility of false positive of lyme test results however my clinical signs are somewhat intense –
Pheriperal Neurapathy with burning both feet, memory issues, rashes, itchy all over body, insomnia, knee/elbow/shoulder joint and muscle pain, eyebrow hair lose, formy urine, burning eyes,, irritability .
I have been having these symptoms one after the other for almost last 15 months and I have taken several antibiotics at different times,
at 6 months timeframe one course of azithromycin, at 9 months timeframe one course of doxycycline, 12 months timeframe one course of amoxiclin and at 15 months timeframe I took flagyl.
After I took amoxicillin, my symptoms were severe with muscle twitching and pins&needle all over my body while all other symptoms come and go.
Antibiotics that I took were for entirely different purpose, dentist prescribing for tooth issues and gastroenterologist prescribing for my stool culture test results.
How reliable Igenex test result for my lyme test and could there be a cross reaction of antibodies from another type of infection?
I am worried that if I start another course of antibiotic I am afraid of doing more harm than any good. From my IgG result, it is my understanding that except band 39 all other bands that are positive for me are non-specific to lyme, I could be wrong but please help me.
what’s the best course of next steps for me?
(breaking up the post for easier reading for many here)
[ 10-16-2017, 02:31 PM: Message edited by: Robin123 ]
Posts: 3 | From San Francisco, Ca | Registered: Oct 2017
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- With your symptoms and the positive Igenex IgG, indeed, it appears a strong positive. Symptoms always matter more than tests, though.
Lyme can take many years to treat, sadly. It sounds like you may have been taking only one Rx at a time? Combination / rotations are usually best. No one Rx can handle the different aspects.
But, also, I'd question whether you have been assessed for OTHER tick borne infections as well. Those might be more of an issue if you are not making progress.
ILADS - see the physician training program. You want someone who has completed that, and more. Preferably one who attends all the ILADS conferences, etc. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- When considering herbal / nutritional / adjunct methods, because lyme is so very complex & unique, as are possible coinfections:
if at all possible - because each person & each case is different - it's best to consult with an ILADS-educated LL ND (lyme literate naturopathic doctor) (or similar) who has completed four years of post-graduate medical education in the field of herbal and nutritional medicine -
- and someone who is current with ILADS' research & presentations, past and present, and has completed the ILADS Physician Training Program (see: www.ilads.org )
so they really know all they can about the science of lyme . . . how lyme (& other TBD) act and what we can do about that in various ways. Proper ASSESSMENT of not just lyme but coinfectoins is vital. Someone trained by ILADS is best to assess.
Many LL NDs incorporate antibiotics (depending upon the licensing laws in their state). Some LLMDs and LL NDs have good working relationships.
When possible, it's great to have both a LLMD and LL ND and even better when they have a long-standing professional relationship.
For those considering complementary support methods / or other avenues entirely:
Herbal Safety considerations & reference books; etc.
BOOKS - Links to many articles and books by holistic-minded LL doctors of various degrees who all have this basic approach in common:
knowing which methods offer assertive & direct impact, which are only support and which are both. And when to use what, how to combine, & when to step back.
You can compare and contrast many approaches with links to articles, books, methods . . . . -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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quote:Originally posted by Keebler: - With your symptoms and the positive Igenex IgG, indeed, it appears a strong positive. Symptoms always matter more than tests, though.
Lyme can take many years to treat, sadly. It sounds like you may have been taking only one Rx at a time? Combination / rotations are usually best. No one Rx can handle the different aspects.
But, also, I'd question whether you have been assessed for OTHER tick borne infections as well. Those might be more of an issue if you are not making progress.
ILADS - see the physician training program. You want someone who has completed that, and more. Preferably one who attends all the ILADS conferences, etc. -
thanks for your response. I was treated with antibiotic one at a time for my symptoms and I was tested negative for lyme via ELISA test 7 months ago. I was chasing around my symptoms and finally saw a specialist in natural medicine who ordered lyme test at Igenex after listening all my symptoms, thank god there are at least few good doctors who believe in my symptoms. I will get a follow up appointment with him again to discuss treatment options.
Posts: 3 | From San Francisco, Ca | Registered: Oct 2017
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quote:Originally posted by Robin123: Band 39 is Lyme-specific - this is a positive test, and your many symptoms are Lyme symptoms.
Just saw you're in San Francisco - so am I! Sending you a private message!
thanks Robin. Glad that its a positive test, I was going nuts for last 20 months without knowing what's causing my symptoms. The doc that ordered my igenex test is also in SFO, hope he's able to bring back my life. I will get in touch with you via private message.
Posts: 3 | From San Francisco, Ca | Registered: Oct 2017
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- I'm not sure your current doctor has the skill, in fact, it sure seems time to find one with a far better skill & knowledge set.
I question why: "treated with antibiotic one at a time"
& anyone believing a " negative for lyme via ELISA test 7 months ago"
Any good LL doctor knows that one Rx at a time is not adequate and also that the ELISA is a very poor test.
You also should be assessed for other tick borne infections. Glad to see Robin sent you a PM. You're in good hands with her recommendations for finding a good LL doctor. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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