Considering a Lyme Western Blot re-test. Original test was 2 years ago, equivocal results.
Had 6 weeks of IV Rocephin in 2008, no symptomatic response to my neuro-exclusive symptoms
Currently taking 400 MG daily of doxy before a Lyme re-test.
Is there anything else I should know that can help/hinder an accurate test result? Particular diet, supplements etc to consider while taking the 400 MG/daily of Doxy?
I know the testing is flawed, but hoping for some conclusiveness for the last several years of neuropathy etc...
Thank you kindly Posted by Pinelady (Member # 18524) on :
I would be sure and not retest until off
antibiotics for 2 weeks. Have you had any reactions
to the doxy? Most get a lot worse after a couple of
weeks. I do think it is the best shot for those
who cannot produce a antibody/antigen response.
Good Luck and remember to get copies of all test
results. Many are told neg. when in fact they had
borrelia specific bands that should not be
ignored.
Posted by TerryK (Member # 8552) on :
My LLMD had me stay on abx when getting the WB. He is a clinical advisor to IgeneX.
I'd call IGeneX and ask them for the protocol. Apparently they have one that should give you more direction.
Terry
Posted by Pinelady (Member # 18524) on :
Yes I would call. When I did in Jan 09 they said no antibiotics.
Posted by sutherngrl (Member # 16270) on :
I also stayed on antibiotics for WB retests.
Posted by lymebytes (Member # 11830) on :
The only thing that "hinders" the test is a weak immune response.
I have been on abx 3.5 years. I get yearly testing and never once has it been negative.
So hopefully for you, being on abx helps knock some of the bacterial load down, allowing the body to be able to mount an immune response.
I have found over the years and all the co-infections test I have had (every few months) to be extremely accurate every test based on what I was or was not taking at the time. Really I can't find the flaw in Igenex tests. Again, it would be the body in my opinion that is having the problem with AB response.
Posted by map1131 (Member # 2022) on :
Why would you be retesting? Are you not able to get treatment due to eqvicoul results?
If there's still sx and illness then there is most like lyme bacteria or one of it's other good buddies.
Pam
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
quote:Originally posted by Pinelady: I would be sure and not retest until off
antibiotics for 2 weeks.
Definitely.
Posted by LightAtTheEnd (Member # 24065) on :
My LLMD thought I would be more likely to get a positive Igenex WB result if tested before starting antibiotics, though he said the fact that I had taken antibiotics for 3 months, then been off them for 1 month, before the test, might already have lowered the chance of a positive one.
My Igenex test came back with more bands showing than one I sent to Quest before starting any antibiotics.
I guess that means my immune system had gotten more active since the first test, after completing the first round of antibiotics and being off them for a month.
I was diagnosed by clinical symptoms and a known tick bite.
My LLMD did not need a positive test to diagnose me, but he believed it would make it easier for me to get my insurance to pay for the drugs over the long term, if I had a positive one.
It is good for emotional support--more people believe you, when you tell them you have Lyme, if your test was positive than if you had a negative test.
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