LymeNet Flash: question about lyme test

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Posted by cat65 (Member # 13890) on :

I read some where that going on a round of antibiotics for about a week and then stopping

them for 4 weeks and then having a lyme test, is a better way for testing for long term lyme.

I can't remember where I read this. But I really think I do have lyme.

Tests in the past have come up neg. except for 41K.

I want my doctor to test me one more time. Has anyone ever gotten a positive result this way?

I think it's suppose to force the bacteria out of hiding by trying to fight against the antibiotic.

[ 08. June 2008, 08:18 PM: Message edited by: cat65 ]

Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :

Sometimes that works, but most do this:

Take abx for 4 weeks, then go off for 10-14 days, then retest. More bands will probably show up.

But also realize that Lyme is a clinical diagnosis. LLMD's combine symptoms of the patient with test results to decide if they need to treat.

When to Suspect Lyme Disease
http://tinyurl.com/lx2pz

More info:
http://www.ILADS.org/

Wild Condor's links and information:
http://www.wildcondor.com/lymelinks.html

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Posted by cat65 (Member # 13890) on :

Thanks for the fast reply. What is abx? I actually saw a Neuro. who said I should look further into lyme,

as I felt better after a week of antibiotic and I also have an MRI that listed one of the suggestions as lyme.

Problem is my regular doctor dose not think I have it. I am soooooo exhausted that I literaly can not go on like this.

I was hoping to see my doctor and beg him to test me one more time.

[ 08. June 2008, 08:20 PM: Message edited by: cat65 ]

Posted by krissymarie (Member # 15302) on :

My llmd told me the 41 was the smoking gun for lyme.

Are you seeing a llmd?

Posted by Geneal (Member # 10375) on :

You need to insist on a Western Blot from Igenex.

The antibiotic protocol is antibiotics for 28-30 days.

Wait 10 days (no meds) then test.

It is supposed to prime your system to post an immune response.

Thus, increasing the possibility of more positive bands.

You need to time this though.

Call Igenex in Ca.

Have them send you the Lyme test kit.

Have your doctor write an order for tests number 188 and 189.

Timing is important because you want your blood drawn on a Mon or Tues.

You get your doc to pull the blood.

Mail the test in via Fed Ex with a check for 190.00.

Results will come back to your doctor in about 2-3 weeks.

Of course I wouldn't trust a GP to know how to read a Western Blot.

This may give you time to find a LLMD.

BTW, make sure your GP gives you a high enough dose of antibiotics to "hit" the Lyme.

Minimum of 300mg of doxy a day.

If you feel worse on antibiotics, that is another indicator of Lyme.

Keep us posted.

Hugs,

Geneal