LymeNet Flash: Antibodies vs. Active infection

This is topic Antibodies vs. Active infection in forum Medical Questions at LymeNet Flash.

To visit this topic, use this URL:
https://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/ultimatebb.php/topic/1/53921

Posted by SarahL (Member # 11452) on :

I'm confused and can't seem to find this seemingly simple question answered anywhere.

My duck/rude/arrogant former internist told me that *if* I *did* have lyme, it is an old infection that has been cured and all I have left is antibodies to lyme (which is why my IGM showed weak positives).

She said the antibodies themselves can wreak havoc on your body, but that active infection is cured with just a few weeks of Doxy. If this is true, what in the world can be done about the antibodies? You can't treat antibodies, right??

If it's not true, then I'm fighting an active infection? Is there any way to tell the difference??

I'm so confused.

I'm going to Dr. C in MO on Tuesday (we're leaving tomorrow for the 10 hour drive there so we can take our time on the road), and I want to understand this before I walk into his office.

I've learned (if nothing else) that my time with him will be limited and I want to make the most of it and not spend it on questions that might be very easily answered here before I go.

Thanks so much, guys!
Sarah

Posted by SarahL (Member # 11452) on :

cave - haha! I know the test results can bounce around, but what about antibody vs. active infection -

do you know if there's a way to tell which I have?

Is it just based on the fact that I herx, so it must be active infection?

Then again, geez, I herxed on minocin, which isn't supposed to make you herx, for some reason.

I'm so friggin' confused. Maybe Dr. C can clear things up for me on Tues. or maybe I'm so far gone neurologically that I'll never understand ld!

Thanks,
Sarah

Posted by SarahL (Member # 11452) on :

You know what, cave? You are the first and only person to ever tell me that I WILL get better.

Thank you for that. I didn't realize how much I needed it until I read it.

Behind all of my desperate questions is just one thing - fear. It's not easy to admit that, but it's true. I'm so afraid of my neuro sx - so afraid it means a stroke or seizure is on the way.

I think I'm on the right track going to see Dr. C (you might wanna edit his name in your post). At least he'll be aware that the pressure in my head and neuro sx might need further investigation (or not). [Smile]

Thanks for telling me I'll get better. I don't know you from Adam, but I believe you.

(gentle) Hugs,
Sarah

Posted by on :