Hi!! It's been a long time since I posted. Recently I have been having some odd problems. Arthritic problems in my left knee, some pain at night in large joints, numbness and tingling in my toes and fingers and photosensitivity. I told my DR my history with Lyme (diagnosed and treated in 2009 - don't think there was much time between the bite/symptoms and treatment.) She was very cool about Lyme - she believes - but I don't think she knows all that much about it. My Lyme titer came back with 3 IGG bands (23, 39 and 41) and IGM band 23 as reactive. She really couldn't articulate what that means, but she told me it didn't fit the criteria for further exploration. So here I am wondering.
Is this something to be worried about or is it par for the course when you have Lyme.
Thanks!!
Posted by Razzle (Member # 30398) on :
Your symptoms and test results suggest a possible re-activation of Lyme (or re-exposure), but I am not a doctor and cannot diagnose you.
If I were you, I'd consult with a Lyme-Literate MD who can interpret your test results more accurately than your current doctor.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
quote:Originally posted by McStorch: ... My Lyme titer came back with 3 IGG bands (23, 39 and 41) and IGM band 23 as reactive. She really couldn't articulate what that means, but she told me it didn't fit the criteria for further exploration.
- She's very wrong and uninformed. Bands 23 and 39 are VERY specific for Lyme. The test you had is a Western Blot, not a titer.
"Band 39: Unknown what this antigen is, but based on research at the National Institute of Health (NIH), other Borrelia (such as Borrelia recurrentis that causes relapsing fever), do not even have the genetics to code for the 39 kDa antigen, much less produce it. It is the most specific antibody for borreliosis of all."
--be sure to read the info in the link!!
Posted by McStorch (Member # 20987) on :
Wow . . . I should also add that the reason I was seeing her was that I have an enlarged lymph node in my neck (all tests came back that it is fine) and I presented today with a slight fever.
Should I be asking for antibiotics again? Does this mean I might have active Lyme again? I don't think it is a new infection based on timing and where i live, but can an old infection flare again?
Also, there are no LLMD's in my area.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
If not treated properly and adequately, it will come back. (it prob never left) Do you know how long you were treated for?
Have you asked for a list of LLMD's in PA?
You could also have the coinfection bartonella, which can cause swollen glands.
Posted by McStorch (Member # 20987) on :
I believe I was treated for 30 days. I was in PA at the time, now in Buffalo, NY. Lyme is not such a big thing here as in SoEastern PA.
Should I ask to be put on antibiotic? I think she will do it if I ask. How long is a good course and will antibiotic help at this point?
Thanks for all the info!
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
--and probably at 200mg of doxy per day -- that is why it came back. That is the "standard" treatment... and it fails in many many cases.
You can ask to be put on an antibiotic, but at this point you may need months upon months of it, and I doubt she will do that.
If you have bart, then that is a whole other ballgame.
I can't tell you how long a treatment you will need. You go by symptoms and when the symptoms are gone for at least 2 months, you stop.
Yes, they will help. I got well after having undiagnosed/untreated Lyme for more than 40 yrs.
Posted by McStorch (Member # 20987) on :
Thanks for all your advice. I might try to see and infectious disease specialist, but there are no LLMDs up here.
The Bart . . . Bartonella? Would that be a new infection or like the Lyme, just rattlin' around in my system for the last 2 years?
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
You're welcome! Good luck with that ID dr. He might be generous and give you 3-4 wks of antibiotics.
