I appear to have relapsed with Lyme (poss Babs) but at the time of the test was not on antibiotics yet. My GP did this test, but my LLMD never had before, so there is nothing to compare with.
Not sure what these numbers mean, but I am herxing a lot since going back on abx. I thought there was just one number for cd57:
HNK1 (CD57) Panel
% CD8-/CD57+ Lymphs 4.3 (range 2.0 - 17.0)
Abs.CD8-CD57+ Lymphs 90/uL (range 60 - 360)
This was done at LabCorp. I read in an article that the test is time-sensitive and must be performed within 12 hours of collection. The timeline on this report notes that it was drawn on 6/22 and reported on 6/24.
Thanks for input!
Posted by Fuel1212 (Member # 29312) on :
Hi there
I am not sure what the CD8 Lymphs are? I know mine was at 1 which is below range.
Your CD 57 was 90 which is not great but should be higher if you have a healthy immune system. I think they say they want at least 150-200?
Its funny you mention the time sensitive? I will have to look into this. I know mine was drawn and sat for almost 24hrs before it was picked up. It came back at 19 I wonder if something can die off if not tested soon enough?
Posted by levity101 (Member # 1528) on :
Thanks, Fuel I just saw, also, that above 200 is where you want it to be. Here's the article that mentioned the timing of the test:
More questions: if I am retested now that I am on abx and herxing, are the numbers likely to change? How often do docs usually re-test, if they are using the CD57 as a marker for active infection?
Posted by Fuel1212 (Member # 29312) on :
If you are on abx and herxing you obviously still have an active infection...
Chances are your CD57 score is the same or worse.
Example: I felt terrible before I started treatment. Ready to die. My CD57 score was 30.
I started treatment abx for 8 months and recently had more blood work. I feel not 100% but my quality of life is much better. My recent cd57 was 19.
LLMD says he sees this almost all the time and just indicates that infection is still active and you are not ready to stop treatment.
My LLMD as well as others on this forum recommended BRM4 by Diawa to help increase your CD57 numbers BRM4 Posted by lada (Member # 32618) on :
I don't get how they Gage this test at all. My count was perfect. But I have Lyme. I've read that some people have high counts and are very sick? I question the validity of this test.
Posted by Robin123 (Member # 9197) on :
Agree, Lada - my CD57 count is in the 140s and I'm sick with Lyme. Am curious - what is your CD57 count?
I spoke with the originator of the test, Dr S, and he said people with Lyme can have a high CD57 count and still be ill, just as people with AIDS can have a high CD4 count.
My opinion: a low count shows ill, but a higher count doesn't matter, maybe until it's wayyyy over, and then I hope someone is well!
Posted by lada (Member # 32618) on :
Mine is 227. But, I was told it's not the Lyme that's bothering me as much as a confection that I tested negative for but I clearly have. Ok.. All this stuff is way over my head. Lol
Posted by Robin123 (Member # 9197) on :
Well, that's a high count. So you said you have Lyme - did you test positive for it, or you know because you have symptoms?
Posted by lada (Member # 32618) on :
I sent you a private message Robin.
Posted by Fuel1212 (Member # 29312) on :
I have been told by LLMD that high numbers usually symptoms are not related to Lyme?
Who knows.. but I do know that higher is better as they help protect against cancer and other things.
Posted by levity101 (Member # 1528) on :
Thanks for the input everyone...as always with Lyme and TBD's there are no black and whites...just shades of gray.
Fuel, I looked at the BRM4...interesting, seems the shiitake mushrooms are the active ingredient. I remember years ago doing some research into mushrooms and their effects on the immune system. Do you know of any studies with this product or anecdotal evidence?
I'll do a search on this site to look for other conversations about it.
Posted by LesaM78 (Member # 32957) on :
Hi everyone, I am new here with this being my 1st post and am so extremely tired of trying to figure out what to do to get over the hump and finally get better after 3 years of being diagnosed and on antibiotics for lyme. My problem and question is, after 3 years time I seem to be doing somewhat better as long as I stay on my meds, I have switched my diet extremely yet my lymph scores remain extremely low ranginging from 1-2.3 everytime I get tested. I see a llmd in Towson, MD and my primary dr in Frederick MD and nobody can help me get these up , so I can go off my meds. Does anyone have any knowledge with IVIG treatments and if this would even help? WHere I would begin to go to find a dr for these? Or any new ideas for me? I am 32 and have a 5 and 6 yr old and all they wish for me is to get better. I was a very high energy person and do my best to no let it affect my life but in reality it takes over from time to time when feeling so horrible and my hand pain starts in. Sorry to ramble, just hopeful for some new insights. I have never posted anything anywhere but I must be getting desperate for help.
Posted by Robin123 (Member # 9197) on :
Hi Lesa - thx for finding us - sorry you're feeling badly - sounds like it's time for you to be posting! People are very helpful here.
It's best if you start your own topic here so people can respond to your questions. You can do that by clicking on Post New Topic at the top of the page here.
Also, it's easiest for many here to read if you can type your statement in groups of 1-3 lines.
Posted by CherylSue (Member # 13077) on :
My LLMD feels that if a number is over 120 and you are still sick, Borrelia is not the issue. It's a coinfection. Anything under 120 is Borrelia.
Posted by levity101 (Member # 1528) on :
thanks, everyone
Posted by Robin123 (Member # 9197) on :
CherylSue, I only have Lyme, no co-infections, and have a CD57 count in the 140s. See my first statement above from the doctor who originated the test.
Posted by lada (Member # 32618) on :
That's what I was told. Probably not Lyme as much of the culprit but, a co-infection. Does that make sense?? I don't know!!
Posted by lada (Member # 32618) on :
That's what I was told. Probably not Lyme as much of the culprit but, a co-infection. Does that make sense?? I don't know!!
Posted by Lala (Member # 29864) on :
Chlamydia pneumoniae decreases CD57 numbers as well. (at least according to Burrascano)
![[Frown]](frown.gif)
I wonder if something can die off if not tested soon enough?