For the past year, I have experienced severe joint pain (knees, ankles, elbows, shoulders, hips), neck/upper back pain, muscle weakness, joint popping, fatigue, and other symptoms.
I recently received Western Blot IGG results and had positive reactions for 41KD, 23KD, and 66KD. I have not been diagnosed and am now pursuing Lyme Disease as a possibility.
A couple of questions:
1. Does this sound like Lyme Disease?
2. Would 200 mg/day of Doxycycline be aggressive enough to at make some improvement in my symptoms? How long does the average patient take the meds before noticing a difference?
3. If not, what treatment would be recommended?
Thank you for your time and any help is much appreciated!
Posted by sixgoofykids (Member # 11141) on :
I would recommend that you look at Dr. B's diagnostic and treatment guidelines at www.ilads.org
200 TWICE daily is closer to his recommended dosage of doxy.
It does sound like it likely is Lyme. I'd see an LLMD for diagnosis.
If you've had it for a while, the doxy is not likely to be enough, but if you're catching it early, it probably is.
Posted by abigail (Member # 14936) on :
Could it just as likely be another tickborne disease? I'm far from an expert, but there are other tickborne diseases that I think cause those same symptoms. Anybody?
Posted by Pinelady (Member # 18524) on :
41KD, 23KD, and 66KD. I have not been diagnosed and am now pursuing Lyme Disease as a possibility.
I don't believe a LLMD would hesitate starting treatment for Lyme.
Six and A. are right. It may not be all you have, and you will not find anyone besides a LLMD to give you the antibiotics you will need.
It took me 6mths. on antibiotics to get my worst and it has taken another 15mths to get to what I call great improvement.
Find a LLMD to help you. ]
Posted by onbam (Member # 23758) on :
If you were a dog, that would be a CDC positive. Doxy needs to be 400 mg/day, I'll send a message.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Probably!!!
Check this link. It contains info on those bands "Dr C's Western Blot Explanation" and a Lyme Disease and Coinfections list of symptoms--- among other good info:
You have Lyme specific bands on your Western Blot.
Most of us here have one or more co-infections along with the Lyme.
Very important to find a Lyme Literate Medical Doctor.
Did you test via Igenex?
Did you test IgM?
Hugs,
Geneal
Posted by chrispoj (Member # 26862) on :
Thanks everyone for your responses and support! It's a big help and I'll be sure to get in front of an LLM. My neurologist sees a number of lyme patients and has prescribed the 100 mg twice/day of doxycline to see if I feel better. If I do feel somewhat better, then his plan is to move to the IV.
Geneal, to answer your questions - I had the WB test done with Quest. They also tested IGM - those three bands came back negative.
Thanks!
Posted by Consuelachacha (Member # 26538) on :
Hi chrispoj;
I also had the Western Blot test.
I was reactive with 41 KD IGG Band, Positive with B.Burdorderi AB, Reactive to 23 KD IGM Band, and Reactive to 41 KD IGM Band.
I have probably had Lyme Disease for many, many years. I have been dx. with just about everything you will read on this site.
I was treated with 100mg of Doxy for 4 weeks. NOT enough to treat Late Stage Lyme Disease.
You really need to see a LLMD. You are also very lucky if you are in an area where one can be found.
I am in St. Louis and Lyme Disease is just not known of here. The Dr. that dx. me has only had 2 TWO patients with Lyme Disease, that is how rare it is here.
They both ended up at an infectious disease Dr. (NOT RECOMMENDED)!!!!
LLMD is the way to go.
Good luck to you.
Posted by Geneal (Member # 10375) on :
If Quest found reactive bands then you are lucky!
I only had IgM band 23 come back reactive from them.
IgG is potentially significant as an indicator of an infection that isn't new.
