I was exposed two years ago, been treated for about 6 months, now having symptoms again, started doxy. lab works shows negative lyme tider, +IGM, -IGG. Doctor thinks I should stop taking doxy, I have a viral illness! I don't know what to do any more, these doctors just don't want to listen to what I have to say. Just because the blood work is negative, they want to dismiss lyme altogether, I'm just depressed, maybe change my lifestyle, start an anti-depresssant. This is so frustrating! Any thoughts?
Posted by Michelle M (Member # 7200) on :
You need an LLMD.
It looks from your post like you have a positive IgM (current infection) and a negative IgG (past -- presumably).
I'd ask the doctor for the complete test results. In other words, what bands on your western blot were positive?
I would ask to be tested by IGeneX. IgM and IgG -- total of two tests, $198. Your insurance may reimburse it.
Other tests are the same as tossing a coin.
Try posting in the "looking for a doctor" section. Your current duck is NOT going to help you.
Don't let him make you believe you just need an anti-depressant. We've all heard that!!
Michelle
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
A Positive IgM is a POSITIVE IgM!! Don't ignore it or you will suffer for the rest of your life!
Find an LLMD ASAP!
from Dr C's explanation of the Western Blot test:
"With most infections, your immune system first forms IgM antibodies, then in about 2 to 4 weeks, you see IgG antibodies. In some infections, IgG antibodies may be detectable for years.
Because Borrelia burgdorferi is a chronic persistent infection that may last for decades, you would think patients with chronic symptoms would have positive IgG Western blots.
But actually, more IgM blots are positive in chronic borreliosis than IgG. Every time Borrelia burgdorferi reproduces itself, it may stimulate the immune system to form new IgM antibodies.
Some patients have both IgG and IgM blots positive. But if either the IgG or IgM blot is positive, overall it is a positive result.
Response to antibiotics is the same if either is positive, or both."
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
up for cmty
Posted by tory2457 (Member # 10384) on :
you are not uncommon! Keep that in mind as you find a LLMD.
Read all you can about Lyme Disease. Learn why the testing is so unreliable!
What Lymetoo offered about testing will hold the key to your health.
Don't allow any doctor who isn't educated in LD make decisions for you!
I realize it's not easy to think your doc isn't doing the "right" thing; but it happens everday when it comes to Lyme Disease!
Become your own advocate, and let your "body" give you answers!
ilads.org is a wealth of info. As you read, don't become overwhelmed...that's what this site is for! ask questions here but find a LLMD!
the very best to you, tory
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Could you get a copy of the test and share with us the bands that showed "IND" or positive?? We can help interpret them for you.
Dr. Bransfield's Reason's for Seronegativity the reasons why you can test negative and still have Lyme disease.
1. Recent infection before immune response 2. Antibodies are in immune complexes 3. Spirochete encapsulated by host tissue (i.e.: lymphocytic cell walls) 4. Spirochete is deep in host tissue (i.e.: fibroblasts, neurons, etc.) 5. Blebs in body fluid, no whole organisms needed for PCR 6. No spirochetes in body fluid on day of test 7. Genetic heterogeneity (300 strains, 100 in U.S.) 8. Antigenic variability 9. Surface antigens change with temperature 10. Utilization of host protease instead of microbial protease 11. Spirochete in dormancy phase (L-form) with no cell walls 12. Recent antibiotic treatment 13. Recent anti-inflammatory treatment 14. Concomitant infection with babesia may cause immunosuppression 15. Other causes of immunosuppression 16. Lab with poor technical capability for Lyme disease 17. Lab tests not standardized for late stage disease 18. Lab tests labeled "for investigational use only" 19. CDC criteria is epidemiological not a diagnostic criteria 20. Lack of standardized control 21. Most controls use only a few strains as reference point 22. Few organisms are sometimes present 23. Encapsulated by glycoprotein "S-layer" which impairs immune recognition 24. "S"- layer binds to IgM 25. Immune deficiency 26. Possible down regulation of immune system by cytokines 27. Revised W.B. criteria fails to include most significant antigens
Posted by cmty (Member # 12877) on :
thanks everyone, for the input, I will post my more indepth results of my blood test. Right now I'm just trying to get by on pain meds, for my joint pain. I'm worried about addiction to codiene, but honestly, its the only thing that works. Anyone have experience with that issue? I need to find my journal, I've been keeping one since I was first diagnosed, I have my test results in there, I will post as soon as I find it. Thanks again!
Posted by CaliforniaLyme (Member # 7136) on :
Don't give up- even though EVEN LLMDS sometimes don't treat negative people- FIND ONE WHO DOES!!! Seronegative Lyme happens. FIGHT to get tx if you have to and know it is Lyme- if it worked before- abx- you need to get treated before oyu get worse & worse- and of course you are depressed- that is part of Lyme- I wish things were different- so sorry to hear it!!! Sincerely,