I was IgM positive with bands 23 and 41 with severe symptoms prior to testing.
Not sure how long I had this so not sure how long to treat for. Symptoms can go way back but 5 yrs ago I was Negative for the Elisa lyme.
When do you test for co infections and what are we looking for?
Week 3 and I'm not feeling better at all. In fact I see no change other then being more tired and hurting and my underarms are hurting.
We are waiting on virus loads to come back.
Sami
Posted by hcconn22 (Member # 5263) on :
Co infections should be tested at the same time as you are suspect for Lyme if you go to a LLMD.
Otherwise your normal MD will not often test for co-infections unless you ask them or bring them some information on other common tick borne disease.
With that said appx 25% of ticks are infected with more than one pathogen. i.e. Lyme & babesia etc. 10% may have two or more, 3-5% may carry three or more diseases.
Also ticks can carry co-infections and not Lyme.
If you live in an endemic area and spend a lot of time outside-- then your chances of multiple bites and co-infections goes way up.
In my case I got bit 10 years ago, tested positive 10 bands, given 2 weeks of doxy and never really got better. Fast forward 10 years and im basically disabled. Finally went to a LLMD 6 months ago and am getting treatment and feeling better.
Otherwise if you have had lyme for more than a few months-- it will not go away with a simple course of antibiotics. Add to that a co-infections and you will need some real help.
Take care
Posted by Jasp2 (Member # 15781) on :
Thank you,
I live right outside the Philadelphia.
Yes we are over run with deer not to mention right in my small back yard we have 7 raccoons and 2 ground hogs living under our shed.
I guess I should call animal control because I don't want to hurt them.
I'm waiting for my hubby's tests and if positive we are going to go together to see a LLMD. My MD will also test for co infections. I guess we will also do that next week.
Right now I am waiting on a virus load to come back also.
Posted by gemofnj (Member # 15551) on :
Hi Jasp,
My IGM bands were the same as yours prior to medication through Labco*rp.
After 3 weeks of doxy switched to LLMD and she prescribed 30 days of Biaxin XL, and then tested with Igenex. Igg negative and IGM band #31 & #39 IND, and #41 ++.
Techinically, they were negative, but may be a result of taking abx at time of testing. And from what I read, IND is treated as a positive.
What LLMD do you plan to see. (can you give the last initial and town he/she is in? Currently I am going to Dr. E, in Jackson Tsp. NJ.
I was tested for co-infections and they showed up all negative. I thought it was likely that lyme always comes with co infections, so that is one of my questions to ask at next visit.
What kind of test is the one you mentioned for "virus load."?
I plan on asking for a CD 57 test to determine how long I have had this.
Thanks for your help. Posted by Angelica (Member # 15601) on :
The testing for co-infections can be unreliable so it is good to always see a good LLMD and get a clinical diagnosis.
There is a high percentage of lymies with Bartonella and Babesia and other co-infections which are very important to treat.
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