Basically I am asking for help interpreting the test results and thoughts on what your next step would be if this was your child.
My daughter's IGeneX test results are back. I will consider the Dr. that ordered the testing lyme friendly in that his practice tests though IGenX, but does not appear to treat based on case history.
Current Dr. reported that these results were negative and that Lyme Disease is not playing a role in my daughter's health issues. I went to him because he was close and she does not travel well.
I am prepared to move on to a llmd if necessary.
She has Lyme Disease as a toddler and I was infected (not under treatment) in my last trimester and while nursing her for 2 years.
She has had multiple tick bites through out her life, one being a month prior to the onset of current symptoms.
Willing to provide more on her medical info if anyone needs it to give me their thoughts. Basically, issues are vertigo, vision issues, balance issues, recurrent swollen lymph nodes in the cervical area, fatigue and wobbly legs.
Here are the results:
LYME IgG/IgM Serology 0.79
C6 ELISA -B.Burgdorferi .40
Lyme IgG Western Blot 39 IND 41 ++ 58+
Lyme IgM Western Blot 39 IND 41 +
Thank you for your thoughts and input.
Posted by Dekrator48 (Member # 18239) on :
My first impression is Lyme and bartonella.
I'm sure others will be along to give their opinions.
With that history and her symptoms I would definitely find a good pediatric LLMD asap.
All the best to you and your daughter.
Posted by Tif (Member # 12701) on :
I agree with Dekrator, I would find an LLMD who deals with children.........there is a world-renowned pediatric LLMD in CT if that is a possibility.........
Posted by seekhelp (Member # 15067) on :
If INDs mean something, it's possible. The 39 supposedly is Lyme-specific. I'd consider a LLMD.
Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
pepper, check your profile above for my pm on KIDS LLMDS near you!! you've got 2 i believe in your state!!
Dr C's Western Blot explanation is discussed here:
"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. Some antibodies against the borrelia are given more significance if they are IgG versus IgM, or vice versa.
Since this is a chronic persistent infection, this does not make a lot of sense to me. A newly formed Borrelia burgdorferi should have the same antigen parts as the previous bacteria that produced it.
But anyway, from my clinical experience, these borrelia associated bands usually predict a clinical change in symptoms with antibiotics, regardless of whether they are IgG or IgM." ===========
TREATMENT *** www.ilads.org Posted by pepperspeck (Member # 18837) on :
thank you for your thoughts. I did get your pm Betty and thank you.
This is what I thought, but I need to convince my husband. Your input will help.
Posted by pepperspeck (Member # 18837) on :
So I made an appointment with a llmd for her today. It is a long wait (December!), but hopefully there will be a cancellation. Thanks everyone.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
From Dr C's WB explanation:
"Band 39: Unknown what this antigen is, but based on research at the National Institute of Health (NIH), other Borrelia (such as Borrelia recurrentis that causes relapsing fever), do not even have the genetics to code for the 39 kDa antigen, much less produce it. It is the most specific antibody for borreliosis of all."
An "IND" is a weak positive. If you were to treat her with abx for one month and test again, that IND would probably convert to a positive.... then you have the other bands as well.
IF you do that, be sure to have her go OFF abx for the 10-14 days prior to the test.
That said... a REAL LLMD would treat on the basis of this test result.
Can you call another LLMD??? December is ridiculous!
Posted by pepperspeck (Member # 18837) on :
Lymetoo, thank you. This is what I thought.
Her case is kind of complicated (I know, many are) and this wait is for what has been reported to be the original pediatric llmd.
While I do not want to wait, I wonder if we would be better off with this llmd? I just can't decide. (But need to.)
Posted by robfar (Member # 20250) on :
hi pepperspeck i am in the jersey shore area and would be happy to give you my llmd's name.
not sure if he does pediatric but the office staff is unbelievable and could steer you in the right direction.
december is kind of crazy to wait espec. with the ind on band 39.
bob
Posted by robfar (Member # 20250) on :
also, a big symptom of mine is swollen lymph nodes under the arm. igenex: IGM 18++ 30++ 34++ 41+ 58+ IGG 39+ 41++