I have had multiple Western Blots(WB) during the past year (diagnosed with Lyme April 2010 after 10+ years of being misdiagnosed).
When my MD did my first WB last April 2010 (she suspected Lyme finally after ruling out everything she could think of; you all know the list!
Only after I insisted she agreed to the WB. Afterwards, she diagnosed me with Lyme with only the IGG 41K and prescribed Doxy until I could find LLMD.
In June 2011 (LLMD 1st appointment) Elisa: Borderline (Stoneybrook) WB: IGM 41 and IGG 41 (Stoneybrook)
Had multiple WB since then and all were the same: IGM 41 and IGG 41 (Stoneybrook).
In April 2011 re-tested WB through Quest: No bands detected (what happened to the IGM/IGG 41's IGM??)
This month, after being off antibiotics for 2 months, my WB came back Indeterminate on IGG with IGG 39 (Quest)
I know I should have WB through Igx. but my insurance covers the above labs and my LLMD does not think it's necessary since I present clinically with Lyme.
Also my cholesterol had increased over the past year (before going off antibiotics for 2 months I was on Rifamin, Penn V, and Biaxon).
After being off all antibiotic for 2 months I was retested and my cholesterol came down from 339 to 294; down 45 points. Tri. 139 came down from 225; down 85 points.
I know my cholesterol is still too high, but at least it came down when I was off antibiotics; which I suspected it would since I did not have a problem with cholesterol before I started antibiotic/treatment for Lyme.
After being off antibiotics for 2 months all of the joint pain/sore feet, etc all returned; back on antibiotics; Mepron and Biaxan. It has been only a week and I feel a relief!
ps I have always tested (-) for all co-infections but clinically diagnosed with Babs/Bart, and have received multiple combinations of antibiotics for such.
Any thoughts would be most appreciated!!!
Warm regards, p.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
There's no need to keep testing as long as you are being treated.
Yes, a test through Igenex would probably show more bands since they TEST FOR ALL BANDS. The other labs do not.
Have you tried omega 3's for the cholesterol .. or red yeast rice, or vit E??
Posted by piper (Member # 25946) on :
Lymetutu,
Thank you for your response. I have not tried omega 3's,red yeast rice, or vit E as of yet.
One of the medications I was on listed interactions with red yeast rice.
I went off all medication to clear yeast as well as to see if cholesterol would decrease if I discontinued antibiotics, which it did.
In addition, I wanted to be off everything after clearing yeast to be re-tested; multiple blood tests to re-establish a baseline, and re-test cholesterol as well as WB to see what bands if any showed up.
I also wanted to see how I felt after being off everything because I had been feeling better for a few months.
Unfortunately, awhile off antibiotics, all previous symptoms returned quite quickly.
The only real change was my cholesterol levels went down after discontinuing antibiotics.
Feeling better now that I am back on antibiotics.
I think my LLMD retested WB so many times because the insurance covered as well as in hope for more bands to show so could qualify for IV, which my insurance never approved.
I was somewhat surprised that the WB came back with IGG 39 this time, especially from Quest; and afterwards felt maybe it is the reassurance I need as far as believing its really Lyme.
I know the "Lyme" tests are not proof; and yes, I have been clinically diagnosed with Lyme by reputable LLMD.
As least the insurance covered the Mepron and VSL3DS this go around!!
Hopefully the yeast will not return. I have read, and am following, your "yeast" posts!
Thank you again. warm regards, p.
Posted by t9im (Member # 25489) on :
Piper:
41 is a spirochete bacteria and MD's, not just LLMD's, can rule out other diseases based upon symptoms.
39 is specific to Lyme.
Now of course its not enough for CDC or IDSA guidelines but for your peace of mind it should be enough.