My local health dept. said they have about 5 differant Lyme test. I'm going to the Dr. this afternoon, I'm going to ask her to order a lyme test. I'm trying to educate myself ahead of time. Which test should she oder?
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Ohhhh. It's not that easy.
Do you have a bulls eye rash, by chance? Not all ticks are infected and, when so, not all lyme infections start with a rash. But, if you have the rash after a tick bite, that is a clear sign and no test is needed.
When did you get bitten? This really matters as it may be too soon for a test.
Posted by sixgoofykids (Member # 11141) on :
Western Blot
If it comes out negative, you'll want a second one done by IGeneX. Have the one your doctor does first because it will likely be covered by insurance.
A negative Western Blot does not mean you don't have Lyme. Lyme is a clinical diagnosis supported by testing.
Posted by Brandi (Member # 27190) on :
I have not had a tick or the rash. I've had symptoms for 3 weeks now. I've already had a few other test done that have come back neg.
Achy joints and muscles, low grade fever, burning feet, lip twitches are a few of my symtpoms.
Posted by BackinStOlaf (Member # 23725) on :
Brandi- that is how I started out. No tick or rash. Many of us do.
Like Six said, you need a Western Blot done. And if negative, get it done through Igenex. In the meantime, I don't think you should wait. You should make an appt. with a LLMD asap. They may even treat you based on just your symptoms.
The sooner you treat, the better. I wish I came here for advice on my 3rd week. Unfortunately did not get this advice until months down the road.
Your symptoms sound to me like lyme and/or co-infections. The burning feet really stands out to me.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- You may also want to be tested for STARI, or Master's Disease. It's a different spirochete than that of lyme (borrelia b.) but very similar.
STARI is more prevalent in the southern part of the U.S. -