Hello, We just got results from Western blot and go to doctor this Friday. Until then, we are trying to figure out exactly what they mean. Lyme IgG is Positive (with 7 bands: 23-25, 28, 30, 31, 34, 41, 58) Lyme IgM is Negative (but has 3 positive bands: 41, 66 and 39 says IND)
Can anyone shed any light on what this means?
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Each band is explained in the link above. Print it out and read over it several times. Takes awhile to let it soak in!
The test is very positive! Make sure you have a good LLMD lined up.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
up
Posted by annier1071 (Member # 28977) on :
IGG means your lyme is current and with all those bands it is surely positive This is what my LLMD tells me.
IGM means you were infected in the past. Do you know how long ago you were bit or do you even ermember a bite at all?
Either way you need an good LLMD and start treatment before you get worse.
God bless
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
from the above link :
"With most infections, your immune system first forms IgM antibodies, then in about 2 to 4 weeks, you see IgG antibodies. In some infections, IgG antibodies may be detectable for years.
Because Borrelia burgdorferi is a chronic persistent infection that may last for decades, you would think patients with chronic symptoms would have positive IgG Western blots.
But actually, more IgM blots are positive in chronic borreliosis than IgG. Every time Borrelia burgdorferi reproduces itself, it may stimulate the immune system to form new IgM antibodies.
Some patients have both IgG and IgM blots positive. But if either the IgG or IgM blot is positive, overall it is a positive result.
Response to antibiotics is the same if either is positive, or both. Some antibodies against the borrelia are given more significance if they are IgG versus IgM, or vice versa."
Posted by t9im (Member # 25489) on :
Hi Carolyne:
The good news is you now KNOW with certainty you have Lyme. Not everyone lights up with all these bands so this will help with main stream MD's and your insurance company.
You didn't mention if its a LLMD or just a regular MD. A regular MD will not be able to adequately treat you as they will follow the Infectious Disease Society Guidelines which are not adequate once the bacteria has spread.
You should not rule out co infections.
I recommend reading Dr. B's Advanced Topics in Lyme Disease (the ILAD's standard of treatment guidelines).