Interested in thoughtful replies and references re: JC's latest labs. His clinical symptoms remain chronic, unchanged.
What could be driving the return of spiking +++ IgG bands? With treatment, they had previously slowly declined to +/- and remained there for a year. His IgM remains low and to my knowledge, no re-exposure.
Disease History: Pediatric, possible gestational, late stage, chronic.
Clinical: Static. Encephalopathy, Movement Disorder, Visual/spatial/auditory deficits, late-onset learning disabilities. Persistent residual neuro/cog despite prolonged ABX and IVIG.
ABX/IVIG: Long term for lyme and co-infections. Discont. 1/06 due unremitting residual symptoms and persistent severe intolerance (physical, cog. and psych declines).
Thoughts, ideas for discussion?
Thanks, andie
[ 05. October 2006, 01:09 PM: Message edited by: andie-ws ]
Posted by Aniek (Member # 5374) on :
IgM suggests recent or active infection while IgG represents exposure.
If the IgG goes up, it could be a sign that you are getting rid of the Lyme. The IgG could be going up because your immune system is stronger and therefore producing more antibodies. An IgG can remain positive forever following an exposure.
A recent exposure should result in IgM going up, not IgG.
Posted by andie-ws (Member # 6116) on :
Thanks for your reply Aniek.
Yes, we think the labs show an immune response to the original exposure, particularly since the bands are consistent w/those we had previously seen.
JC had the expected persisting ++ IgMs/IgGs which, over the course of aggressive treatment for several years, slowly declined to +/- while he made some clinical gains.
But, he's still got very significant disabilities. BTW, for those of you who remember, he's still an amazing little guy...
While at times entertaining the notion that he's "post-lyme" despite his Igm/IgG equivocal labs and chronic symptoms, it's more likely a case of being treatment-refractory and residual damage.
If his immune system is rallying and mounting a defense against the original bug, I'm wondering what to expect. A herx? Recovery? Relapse?
Our llmd has cautioned us to keep a very close eye on him and keep monitoring labs.
Info, anecdotal or otherwise, much appreciated!
Thanks, andie
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
up
Posted by andie-ws (Member # 6116) on :
Hey Lymetutu,
One of the ladies I was looking for!...
BTW, thank you for the Western Blot Explanation by Dr. C. And your essentials for yeast! We got into serious trouble there...
Any ideas on the above IgG situation? JC's been tired, dark-circled and funky of late.
How can we boost his immune system? What do you think?
Hope you are well. I see so many familiar names on the board!! And here I thought y'all got better...silly me.
Thanks for the "lift".
andie
Posted by bpeck (Member # 3235) on :
There are many antibiotics that are suppressive enough so that the production of antibodies is diminshed while taking them.
Generally, IgM antibodies don't live very long anyway- so unless they are spiking almost continually - or it's an acute infection , it's hard to measure them. If IgM reappear after a long absence, it' might indicate re-emergence- (as in emerging bacteria into the blood) not re-exposure (as in another bite).
In my case- I didn't go back on abx when my IgG western blot showed more antibodies than I'd ever had before - I didn't go back on abx- because I figured I'd give my IgGs a chance to kill some Lyme (abx had lots of chances!!) and I did not have any increase in symptoms- or anything I'd call a relapse.
SO- probably no one's going to be able to tell you exactly why there's an increase in antibodies- and you'll have to weight the risks aginst the collateral damage fo going back on abx.
It can be a constant re-assessment of what the right thing to do should be.
Barb
Posted by andie-ws (Member # 6116) on :
Thanks for the insights Barb and for sharing your experience. We're also very wary of what you aptly call collateral damage.
How are you faring now?
You are so right; it really is a watching and waiting situation.
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