Have not posted recently---- been trying to confirm lyme igenex results, but am sure that I do have lyme and bartonella. Had band 31 come up + on IGM band 23-25 ind on IGG plus all related symptoms. Bartonella Frye positive.
Had original symptoms since spring 2006 and eventually had cervical fusion surgery in july,2007. Surgery failed to fuse at both joints.
Now back to possibilty of revision surgery---- but was first failure because of Lyme attacking the surgery site???
Have seen a couple of LLMD's and made no progress on orals or IV's with no herxing.
Looking for advice treat the lyme and co-infection or continue trying first or take a chance with surgery again. Neck is sore but Lyme symptoms seem more severe right now.
Very confused and worried about what to do----please help if you have any solid advice. Thank you.
Don
Posted by tickssuck (Member # 15388) on :
Hi Don,
Not sure that my advice is "solid," but just wanted to tell you I too had surgical fusion surgery in March of 2007. I have Lyme and ALL co-infections.
I had the surgery prior to the Lyme diagnosis (IMO the Lyme caused the herniation - just my gut). What I will say is I guess my surgery was a "success" in that I did fuse; but, it did nothing to alleviate the neck pain for me. I have been on orals for 15 months, little improvement and am being evaluated next month for IV.
IMO...if the infections are not under control, I would seriously hesitate on the surgery, unless they are concerned about spinal cord compression etc. - certainly don't want to mess with that. I'm just not sure fusion will help with the pain; so, I guess it depends on what other symptoms you may be having caused by the failed fusion; though probably hard to decipher what is from the failed surgery and what is from Lyme & company.
How long have you been treating Lyme? I'm sure others will come along with some advice. Sorry to hear about your woes; I hope you can find a strategy to make some progress. Good luck. TS
Posted by Cold Feet (Member # 9882) on :
Sorry to hear the news, but I would like to help. As tickssuck has shared, it may be wise to eradicate the infection - or at least try to - before any surgical procedures. Bartonella and its naughty cousins seem to have quite the preference for joint cartilage!
I've studied this problem for years and may be able to help refer you to different resources and medical professionals. In the meantime, see this topic and PM me if you would like to discuss this complex topic further.