I saw my regular M.D. today because I think Iam getting a second round of shingles back.
I explained all my other symptoms (he's already heard all this) that keep coming and going.
I wanted to be tested for lyme again using Igenex.
He said that rather then retest he would start me on a month of doxy to see if it helped.
Is that a good idea? I know most people with lyme never get a positive test anyway.
He than said if I showed improvement he would treat me as if I did have lyme.
I just wanted an opinion (who better to ask then everyone at this fourm) before I agreed to this.
Posted by opus2828 (Member # 15407) on :
I would have the blood drawn and sent and while you are waiting for the results, by all means, begin taking doxy. Results for blood work take a few weeks.
Keep in mind that most regular MD's do not prescribe the correct dose - you need at least 300 mg - 400 mg a day, taken in two divided doses, one am and the other pm, for it to be effective against lyme. Most MD's will only give you 200mg a day and that is not enough.
And taking it for one month is not enough either. You will need to stay on it until you can get to a doc that knows lyme - an LLMD.
You may very well have lyme with a negative test -the blood test is only one part of the diagnosis. So, if you really feel that you could have lyme, you should consult with an LLMD. I would take the blood test results - positive or negative to them.
To find a doctor, post in the seeking a doctor part of the forum. There are quite a few in NY.
I am quite new to this myself and took doxy for 6 weeks with some good results. I just saw my LLMD today and am beginning a new protocol.