Going to the doctors Wednesday morning, which labs should I request for co-infection testing? I'm already CDC positive for lymes but think I have co-infections since I continue to get worse. The MD I'm seeing is not an LLMD but is somewhat knowledgable, so I want to be prepared with a list for her. I'm seeing her just until My october appt with an LLMD Thanks
Posted by rosiegeorge (Member # 27518) on :
Anxious, some one please reply Thanks
Posted by timaca (Member # 6911) on :
well, how about bartonella, babesia and ehrlichia for starters?
Best, Timaca
Posted by Lemon-Lyme (Member # 19229) on :
I'm not sure if I remember exactly what my doc tested for, but what I can recall:
Ehrlichiosis (ask for both the HME and HGE strains), Bartonella henselae, Bartonella quintana, Babesia microti and you can try to test for Babesia duncani too, but not all labs do that one. My doc also tested for spotted fever, typhus, EBV, vitamin D, and B-12 -- and did the standard CBC/blood work types of tests too. It may be worth getting your thyroid checked, while you are at it (TSH, Free T3, Free T4, thyroid antibodies) -- lyme can cause some auto-immune fun to go on, which can sometimes manifest itself as a thyroid autoimmune problem.
You can use local labs for the co-infections instead of Igenex, if money is an issue. I'm not sure if there is much difference regarding co-infection accuracy between the labs.
You can ask for other virus stuff too, like what is listed above. Although some docs may find that less than worthwhile, as they'd treat Lyme + friends first, hoping your immune system could take care of the viruses on its own.
Posted by Pinelady (Member # 18524) on :
rosieg sometimes borrelia inhibits the tests until antibiotic treatment has gotten some of the bacterial load down.
So don't be suprised if you are negative for now...They may show up later...
It took me 3 mths of meds before I broke out in a rash I am just now fighting down....
Posted by rosiegeorge (Member # 27518) on :
Thanks all who responded. I got almost of your suggestions drawn
Posted by Leelee (Member # 19112) on :
I have babesia and bartonella so I am glad my LLMD tested me for those in the beginning.
A few months ago I was tested for EBV and my titers were sky-high so now I am on anti-virals too.
I do wish he had tested me for EBV in the beginning. I think had we known my situation I could have gotten the anti-viral meds sooner and felt better sooner. Just a guess, though. He is an excellent doctor and I'm not really second guessing him.