Is it possible to test lyme negative after abx? One nurse mentioned to me that some people did turn negative after abx treatment.
She said that is one way to measure if it is the time to be off abx. Is that true?
Thanks!
MIP
Posted by humanbeing (Member # 8572) on :
Most of us have suffered because of the innacuracy of the tests. They are less than 50% accurate.
In the same month, I had two negative quest tests, on IND Igenex test and a CDC positive test from Stonybrook...
Would I ever get tested again to see if I can stop abx...NO!
Lyme is a clinical diagnosis and the treatment follows according to the patient response to treatment (reporting symptoms).
Most LLMD's decide to stop treating once a patient is symptom free for two tow three months.
Some also use the CD-57 test from Labcorp. If you are above a 60, they are less concered of relapse.
Once we solve the problem of bad tests, we will solve a whole bunch of problems with lyme.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
I agree with human. Don't rely on a test to determine if you should go off abx.
You should be treated until 2 months AFTER all of your symptoms are gone.
Posted by mip (Member # 9838) on :
I was tested positive by Quest and had an EM, so there was no guessing work to start the treatment.
This is the first time I heard this "turn negative" test. Hard to believe.
Thanks all!
MIP
Posted by Greatcod (Member # 7002) on :
The ABX do kill the Lyme bacteria in the blood stream, so a blood test, if that is what you had, would be negative. Doesn't necessarily mean you are cured, there may well be bacteria in other body tissues.
Posted by 5dana8 (Member # 7935) on :
NO. I agree with Human & the others. A lyme test is iffy at best for picking up lyme. Lyme should be a clinical diagnosis & that goes for treatment as well.
There's many facters involed. How long you have been sick-how many co-infections you have- Do you still have symptoms ect..
Here's a link that explains why you can still have lyme & test negative:
Hope this helps Hugs & healing Dana
Posted by Lisianthus (Member # 6631) on :
My first 2 (IgeneX & StonyBrook) WB's were IND (2 years ago) My latest one after 18 months of abx (May 06 from Igenex) was Neg. but had some specific bands.
My LLMD said that it made no difference what the tests say, you have to go by symptoms. And he will treat me until I am completely symptom free. (As others have said also)