I got my blood back from my PCP. I have seen all of the detailed posts about how to interpret the Western Blots but some of them conflict and it's difficlut to decipher all of the material. I have no idea what lab did the work, probably the hospital. Anyway, I showed positive for (only) IdG p18, p23 and p45.
Any thoughts? I'm sure when I see the LLMD next week for the first time he'll recommend a proper WB test but in the meantime, I'd like to hear thoughts. My friend who is an open minded MD thinkgs the LLMD will dx/treat me based on my symptoms and this result. I'd be happy to hear any comments from the ever knowledgable lyme-peanut gallery.
Also, this same hospital has accurately had me in the primary CDC bands on more than one occasion in the past.
Regards, Kenny Be well...
Posted by Bill ATL (Member # 7817) on :
23 is a CDC Lyme Band. MY LLMD said they definately treat if one has one of the "big 3 CDC bands"...along with symptoms of course. You should point that out to your LLMD.
Have you taken any ABX as of yet? I only showed band 23 prior to abx. After I had taken the abx, I was tested again and had all 3 show + on the IgeneX labwork (CDC Positive)...and to my suprise, the Quest Diagnostics WB...which I previously did not.
I would think that your LLMD will move forward with your treatment.
Posted by Kenny from PA (Member # 8007) on :
Hi Bill, Thanks for your input. I have not met my LLMD yet (next week, thank god, I pray he's a good one), so I am not on any abx. My PCP says I have no active infection because I do not have the other two big CDC bands. However, I have a host of neuro-lyme and other lyme symptoms, so I'm pretty sure they'll treat. I'm also pretty sure they'll order Igenex or some other Lyme savvy labs to try to confirm as well. Also, I have been diagnosed and treated 5 times in 14 years, so there's no question of previous infection. The most recent was last October, where I did meet the CDC criteria for current infection. I appreciate your input. Regards, Kenny
Posted by bpeck (Member # 3235) on :
K;
What was the longest time you were in remission?
Before I found out what I had was really Lyme, I had MAJOR flares approximately every five years.
I wonder if these suckers synchronize and all the colonies replicate together every 4 or 5 years?
I recently read that some of the IgG antibodies (31, 34 and 39 kDa) can protect against the bacterial UNTILL the population reaches a certain density.
This is research of course (and on animals) so who knows if it's true in people.
I've been symptom free for over a year (without abx) so I guess I'll see how long I remain symptom free.
What are your neuro symptoms?
Barb
Posted by Kenny from PA (Member # 8007) on :
Actually, I was not treated every 5 years, it was once in 91, 95 or 96 (?), 98, 99 and 2004. I just requested all of my records from several docs to piece it all together. On at least two (maybe three) occasions I was aware of the source bite. Once I only found the rash, and the last time it was symptoms that prompted the blood work. Go figure. Reason would tell you that I have probably been infected on some level the whole time. We shall see. Thanks for your input. Peace... Kenny Edit: BUt you're right, there are two 5 yesr stretches in there...
[ 18. October 2005, 08:42 PM: Message edited by: Kenny from PA ]
Posted by Kenny from PA (Member # 8007) on :
Hi Barb, I forgot to mention, my neuro symptoms began with muscle twitching, some mild vision problems, muscle pain and burinig, tendon pain, tingling in the hands and legs, sleep disturbances, brain fog and short term memory issues, inability to focus (like mild adhd), etc.
Posted by mjo (Member # 7876) on :
bpark. Where did you read about protective IgG/IgM bands? I was just wondering about this today because I am beginning to think I've had Lyme or some tick-borne thing since I was a little kid. My body fought and fought and finally had one symptom, tinnitus for 4 years, then another bite caused hearing loss, then all hell broke loose from another bite which probably was Erlichia too.
Maybe this needs a post of its own? Thanks. mjo
Posted by Kenny from PA (Member # 8007) on :
Just bumping this back up as I'd like to hear some more thoughts. Anyone else care to chime in? As always, thank you! Peace... Kenny
Posted by treepatrol (Member # 4117) on :
Kenney igg p18, p23 and p45. 18 = outer surface protein 23= outer surface protein (osp c) 45= heat shock protein its for fever survival almost al bacteria have it.
You said you had a rash so whats the problem you have lyme the bulleye = lyme. Which I never had and I have been bitten at least 70 to 80 times 11 to 14 were imbedded deeply had the symptoms since 1988 they kept progressing over the years untill it got so bad joint pain and shakes and cognitive abilities went to not even carrying on a good conversation. And I was was tested every year at 4 different hospitals all negative.
Until I got a good LLMD and he bounced me with abx's and my tests came back positive two strains and coinfections. Get a lyme luat test its a 3 day urine test and have the llmd give you depending on your body weight high dose's of abx's say 3000mg's of amoxicillian that week during the 3 day urine test that should free up any antigens attached to the spirochetes. then test with western blot at the end of the week Igg and Igm. Use Igenex lab.
But by your symtoms and the bullseye rash even just your symptoms I would get treated regardless of either tests outcome.
Posted by Kenny from PA (Member # 8007) on :
Hi treepatrol. Thanks for your input.
I still don't understand. Are you saying that those bands arenot indicitive of Lyme infction? Just curious.
And yes, I had the rash twice, but not last year. However last year I tested positive per CDC standards and was only treated with 4 weeks of Doxy. And that was my 5th confirmed infection.
So you are correct, I should be treated aggressively regardless and definitely should be re-tested. I will pursue that with my LLMD. Thanks again for your input. Regards, Kenny