I'm a newbie, but have been reading as much as I can handle for the past couple of weeks.
I just found out last night that the Western Blot was negative. Last week the ELISA was positive.
After much cajoling, I got my doctor to put me on antibiotics - so I'm on 3 weeks of doxycyline.
Should I seek out an LLMD now or wait to see if the 3 weeks of abx works for me? I've only been on the abx for 3+ days now, and my symptoms are getting a little worse each day (mostly joint pain and severe fatigue, but also earaches, grogginess, dizziness, etc.)
This message board is a godsend.
Posted by Marcie (Member # 10070) on :
I would request the WB and see if you had any positive bands on my it. The CDC requires many positve bands in order to be positive. If you
have just a few or even one band that is lyme specific that would mean something to me. From what I have heard not that many people get a
positive Elisa. If you have a positive one and have lyme symptoms that would be enough for me. You could also have your doctor run a WB through Igenex Lab.
I would also find a LLMD ASAP. Some have long waits and the three weeks of doxy is not that long. What dose are you on? Goood Luck, Marcie
Posted by hatpianka (Member # 12244) on :
I'm on 100mg of doxy 2x per day.
If I don't have heart problems/symptoms, is it worth it to go see a LLMD who is a cardiologist?
There is one close to me.
Posted by treepatrol (Member # 4117) on :
quote:Originally posted by hatpianka: I'm a newbie, but have been reading as much as I can handle for the past couple of weeks.
Should I seek out an LLMD now or wait to see if the 3 weeks of abx works for me? I've only been on the abx for 3+ days now, and my symptoms are getting a little worse each day (mostly joint pain and severe fatigue, but also earaches, grogginess, dizziness, etc.)
This message board is a godsend.
Should I seek out an LLMD now ? Yes seek a llmd
Posted by hatpianka (Member # 12244) on :
It seems as though all of the WB bands came back negative, even though the first test came back positive. The results list the bands and then each one says "non-reacti"...
What does this mean?
Posted by LLLucille (Member # 1443) on :
When I got sick, I tested positive on the ELISA 4 different times over a 5 month period - all 4 times the W-Blot were "negative". Don't let the W-Blot be the definitive answer - if I had gone by that I would still be sick! After 6 years, I am, 99% of the time, completely symptom free (knock on wood!)
Posted by Aniek (Member # 5374) on :
Do you know what lab ran the test? The name should be on the test results.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
The lab used is crucial!!!! If it wasn't Igenex, then get a test run ASAP!
A positive ELISA means a lot since the ELISA is known for false NEGATIVES.
If you want to get well completely, and not go chronic, I'd suggest doubling that dosage and doubling the length of time you take it.
Just my non-medical opinion of what I would do if it were ME!
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
^
Posted by Geneal (Member # 10375) on :
If this was a Quest lab Western Blot, I would just throw it in the trash.
Find a LLMD and get tested via Igenex.....please.
hugs,
Geneal
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
quote:Originally posted by Geneal: If this was a Quest lab Western Blot, I would just throw it in the trash.
That's for sure!! But hang onto the positive ELISA!
Posted by sixgoofykids (Member # 11141) on :
IGeneX has + - and IND. I am guessing your doctor did not use IGeneX. I would get retested by IGeneX to get an accurate test.
I would also find an LLMD, even if you have to travel. I fly from Ohio to NY to see mine and it's worth every penny.