I worked at a vet clinic about 13 years ago, my main job was bathing flea and tick infested dogs and cats.
I got very sick while I was working there, which I believe was the onset of my Lyme disease.
Over the past 13 years I have been told I have fibromyalgia, maybe lupus, or that maybe I just needed attention.
I had the usual LabCorp western blot about six months ago, and the results were "inconclusive."
My dr. then referred me to a LLMD, who ran the Igenex tests. My reults were:
Lyme IgG Western Blot: **41 + and 58 + (everything else neg)
Lyme IgM Western Blot:
**23-25 IND **34 IND **39 IND **41 ++
The IFA showed <1:40 titer.
Based on these results and knowing my past history of working at a vet clinic, and the weird symptoms I have had over the past 13 years, my LLMD decided to treat.
But she feels abx would not work as I have had the illness so long.
I had been on a natural regimen with Artemisinin and Cat's Claw until I had a bad herx that landed me in the ER a week ago.
I went off the treatment cold turkey and want to start again, but slower.
I just wanted to share my experience and see if anyone has similar test results, etc.
My worst symptoms right now are sleeplessness, burning feet, burning pain in my leg, and vertigo.
Posted by liesandmorelies (Member # 15323) on :
Sariejack,
I had been sick for years before I was dx'd, but my LLMD has been treating me with abx and I have made good progress.
Is your LLMD only recommending Artemisinin and Cat's Claw or are you doing that on your own?
Were you tested for Babs or Bartonella?
I think most LLMD's would still try to treat with Abx even if you have had the disease for a while.
I hope you get well. Thinking of you =)
Posted by sariejack (Member # 21958) on :
Hi liesandmorelies--
Yes, my LLMD put me on the Cat's Claw and Art.
However, we recently moved to NC and I am hoping to find a new LLMD out here.
Perhaps one with a different protocol, who might give abx a try.
I was not tested for Babs or Bart. But I wish I had been.
Thanks for replying!
Posted by kitty9309 (Member # 19945) on :
I would seriously think Bartonella, given your job history.
Good luck, I hope you recover!
Posted by seekhelp (Member # 15067) on :
How much better are you Dekrator48?
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
I would definitely find a real LLMD. I had Lyme for 42 yrs before going on abx and after 4 yrs went off. That was almost 5 yrs ago.
I am doing well .. and you can too!
Posted by kitty9309 (Member # 19945) on :
sariejack-
If you were exposed on the job to Bartonella by cats/dogs, then it is very possible to only have that and not Lyme.
A tick bite would not neccesarily transmit Lyme, but could gove you one of the other co-infections alone.
I got your PM. Keep me posted.
Posted by Dekrator48 (Member # 18239) on :
seekhelp,
I am sleeping alot better and having far less hot flashes.
I had 2 occasions while traveling when my neck did not hurt nearly as much as usual in the car.
When I wake up in the morning, even though I am still stiff and sore, my lower back is not throbbing like it used to.
I started Mepron not long ago and my joints are more sore than usual right now.
When the "fibromyalgia" pain goes away I will know I am really getting better....and this darn neck/base of the skull vise grip-like pain.
Thanks for asking, hope you are well!
Posted by Pinelady (Member # 18524) on :
I agree it is not to late. I would get a LLMD to help you.
Posted by sariejack (Member # 21958) on :
Thanks everyone for responding.
I'm curious about abx therapy since my current
dr. doesn't believe it will help me.
Do most of you do abx pills, or IV therapy?
I don't think I can afford IVs. We have insurance
but I doubt they would cover it.
I went back on the Art/Cat's Claw yesterday, as
my feet were burning like crazy. It may cause a
herx but I needed some relief.
Again, thanks so much for keeping me in the loop!
Posted by WildCondor (Member # 434) on :
The burning feet sounds like bartonella. Lord knows how many infections you picked up working there. If it gets bad, think about workman's compensation and building a case against your former employer!
Posted by Pinelady (Member # 18524) on :
The cats claw is very powerful to me. You may need to start slow and low and ramp up if you get a major herx from it. Just a thought.