Hey, I was wondering some things about the immune system.
First, I have a high ASO, the anti-bodies in the blood for strep, I was wondering if my immune system could be focusing on the lyme or whatever I have and that is why the ASO is high. Which would mean my body is not able to fight the strep at the same time.
But, it goes up and down. so, it has to be fighting at some point, but when something else flares it goes up again. Right?
From what I understand the immune system can't take all of this. And I have heard some people's Lyme didn't start showing until they had surgery or something else that weakened the immune system.
So, I had surgery a year 1/2 ago and before that my knees hurt, but about 2 weeks after surgery more and more started hurted and I could defiantly tell a difference. So, is that significant?
Has anyone else experienced something like this?
Well, thanks in advance for the help. And I would gladly appreciate anyones opinions on this. Thanks!
Posted by bejoy (Member # 11129) on :
Two of lyme's best friends are herpes and strep. Many people with lyme have recurrent and hard to get rid of infections.
I read and retain all this stuff, but rarely have a clue what link its from. Perhaps someone else does.
I did a parasitology study that came up completely clean except for strep in the gut.
I've read countless stories of people feeling pretty okay until some kind of major stress hits that compromises the immune system. Then a formerly lowgrade lyme infection gets a strong foothold and makes a mess.
Good luck with your treatment!
Posted by wilsongal22 (Member # 11210) on :
Hmm...best friends. I didn't really know that. No one has told me that before. Thanks.
That's what I thought. Lyme would possibly be dormant until something else comes along and weakens the immune system and then it attacks. After that it comes and goes.
That's kind of the way I look at it.
Thanks!
Posted by wilsongal22 (Member # 11210) on :
That's strange...NO one knows anything about the immune system....hmmmm.....
Posted by sunnyslumber (Member # 7065) on :
Its just that your extrapolation makes a lot of sense. Steriods (which) pretty much turn off the immune system are infamous for causing lyme to appear symptotically or get a lot worse. I think most people get worse in times of stress. I was also in a very stressful sitation when I got sick if that's any help. Certainly having an infection like Strep would be a stress on your immune system.
I don't know why the antibodies would go up and down like that? Perhaps the antibodies don't kill off all the streptococcus, the surviving ones multiply causing the immune system to make antibody and that starts the cycle up again?
Where are you infected with strep?
TK,
john duncan
Posted by wilsongal22 (Member # 11210) on :
Actually, I noticed more symptoms after I had surgery a year 1/2 ago. It has been down hill since then. I do agree that stress causes a lot as well. I always feel worse when I worry about school and everything. Very stressful!
I guess that could be a reason for it. Or it may be if I am exposed to someone who has strep they go up again, but I don't actually experience anything.
What do you mean by, 'Where are you infected with strep?'
Thanks! Have a GREAT weekend!
Posted by sunnyslumber (Member # 7065) on :
Oh, I just assumed you were colonized with strep somewhere (e.g. respiratory system, GI ). Maybe that's not right and it's only periodic like you say since that would explain it too.