I am new to this, so please forgive me if this doesn't make sense. I am very desperate, much like anyone looking for answers. I do not understand my test results. And cannot get in touch with doc. Would anyone know what anaplasma i tested 1:64 and ehrlichia i tested 1:64 Above it, it reads reportable disease. Could this be some sort of positive for co-infection?. thank you
Posted by lax mom (Member # 38743) on :
kelkat,
Yes, that's positive for both Ehrlichia and Anaplasma. (co-infections)
Even ID Dr's consider that a positive result and will treat for 2 weeks
It's reportable meaning they have to report it to the Health Dept as a confirmed case.
Ironically, that was my exact IgG result (from an ID Dr) for both Ehrlichia and Anaplasma...that got this whole Lyme journey started for me.
I hope you have an appt with an LLMD scheduled. I got treated for 2 weeks by the ID Dr, felt great for several months, then all heck broke loose and these tick-borne diseases came back with a vengeance.
Posted by kelkat (Member # 39199) on :
Oh my. I'm not sure to cry for joy or be scared. Finally a start to something. My face is numb and I'm in massive pain. It's friday and doc won't be around until Monday. I recieved my results before them, so I was left wondering. My GP gave me some zithro, he said I prob have infection of some sort. Thank you so much for reply, I guess I will wait it out. I pray you are on your road to recovery! And I hope someday we won't need the LYMES thread:) Thanks again!
Posted by kelkat (Member # 39199) on :
now im wondering if i should try to seek help before monday.
Posted by lax mom (Member # 38743) on :
Take the Zithro, it's better than nothing for the weekend.
I wish I had known about Lyme when I was first diagnosed with Ehrlichia/Anaplasma. Thankfully, you are becoming informed.
and get an appt with an LLMD...it takes months to get into a good one.
You have the chance to cut this disease off at the pass. Don't settle for 2 weeks of Doxy and allow a much fiercer bacteria come back down the road.
Amen! Hopefully one day no one will need this website!
Posted by debilyn (Member # 35753) on :
Maybe take the zithro, and plan to make contact with an LLMD on Monday? I don't know for sure.
If you need an llmd, make a post in the Seeking Doctor section if you haven't already.
Take care of yourself over the weekend: eat healthfully, get plenty of rest and fluids to flush out toxins.
Let's keep this up top for more knowledgable replies
Edited to add: I started the post before the very knowledgable lax mom replied. I do not mean to imply her post is not informative Posted by lax mom (Member # 38743) on :
debilyn: I admit, I am the furthest thing from a seasoned Lyme fighter
but I have been where kelkat is and if I had it to do over, I wouldn't have stopped after 2 weeks.
You are in the right place kelkat!
Posted by kelkat (Member # 39199) on :
I feel so much better already (mentally). You all have been so informitive and helpful. I have long suspected Lymes and found a great llmd doc. I have not got the the igenex tests due to cost. So me and her have not been in touch on regular basis. She of course is gone until Tuesday. I have seen UNDER MY SKIN. It scared the bejesus out of me, so sad. All my tests and docs I finally have something on paper. And I promise I will not settle for the GP treatment when fighting this. I wish you all the best of luck and as this goes on, maybe I will become knowledgable enough to help someone, like you've helped me. Thank you!
Posted by lax mom (Member # 38743) on :
Awesome kelkat! I am so glad you are in contact with an LLMD!
Good luck and keep us posted.
Keep an eye on this thread because the veterans will be posting soon.
Posted by kelkat (Member # 39199) on :
lax mom, may i ask how long your journey has been so far
Posted by lax mom (Member # 38743) on :
Not even a year in treatment. Sending you a pm.
This time last year, if you told me that I had Lyme, I would have laughed...it wasn't even on my radar.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Although your regular doctor tested you and started you on treatment, he or she may or may not be able to actually treat you. Sadly, there is a lot to learn in order to be a wise patient.
FIRST: you need to also be on PROBIOTICS now. Take a couple hours both directions of the clock from when you take your abx (antibiotic).
SECOND: Liver support is vital with any antibiotics and espeically with toxic tick-borne infections. MILK THISTLE is the most basic. Link below is more detailed.
LEARN THE TERRAIN
Connect with local, regional and state lyme support groups:
LIVER & KIDNEY SUPPORT & and several HERXHEIMER support links, too. -
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Backing up, you asked
should you seek medical help before Monday?
Not unless you have an emergency. Tick borne infections are not considered to be much of a problem by most doctors and I'd had to see you start out with abusive treatment right out of the gate.
If you have any signs of meningitis, do seek medical care. Otherwise, you've waited this long, you have some Rx, just know that you may have a "Herx" reaction.
See liver support link right above this for how to prevent a herx.
Take care. -
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- You mention "lymes" with an "s" and I wonder if that is how your doctor says it. If so, that's a clear sign that your doctor is not lyme-literate.
You've heard that somewhere, I suspect from your doctor.
Not correcting your grammar just to do that but we have all learned the red flags and when any doctor says "lymes" it is usually because they are not at all educated in the matter. No medical journal ever adds that "s" so you know they are not well read in the matter.
Sometimes, especially with a Southern Dialect, an "s" may be added just as a manner of a person's speech pattern. When so, still, "lymes" is a red flag that needs to be cleared - to be sure just how lyme literate your doctor may or may not be. -
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- As there is so much to learn, separating this out for you. Bookmark this thread for your reference / study but it's likely a bit of a whirl-wind all at once.
To make it easier, find someone near you to talk to about your local options. If you get the right doctor, you won't have to learn all this right away, you can let the LLMD work for you.
Minnesota Lyme Association -
Posted by kelkat (Member # 39199) on :
Wow such an abundance of wonderful info. I am taking notes. So should I start the probiotics with the zithro I am starting on?
Posted by kelkat (Member # 39199) on :
I also recieved a steroid shot in my shoulder a couple weeks ago, a weelk later I started feeling pain and numbness, could that contribute?
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Start antibiotics as quickly as you can find some. You do not want to buy the cheap stuff though. Do you have a health food store nearby??
When were you bitten??
I thought anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis were the SAME thing. Am I missing something??
Yes, the steroid can bring out latent Lyme or make even a recent case worse.
Posted by kelkat (Member # 39199) on :
I do have a health store near by, what should I get? The last time I picked a tick off of me was memorial weekend from neck. I definatley feel weeker and chronic pain everywhere. Random chest and stomach pains as well, since getting that stupid shot.
Posted by Razzle (Member # 30398) on :
quote:Originally posted by Lymetoo: I thought anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis were the SAME thing. Am I missing something??
No, they are different bacteria, though I think they're treated with the same abx.
Initially, many thought what is now called Anaplasma was a strain of ehrlichiosis, and was called Human Granulocytic Ehrlichiosis (HGE)...but has been re-identified as Anaplasma.
Human Monocytic Ehrlichiosis (HME) is still called Ehrlichiosis today.
Posted by kelkat (Member # 39199) on :
quote:Originally posted by Keebler: - You mention "lymes" with an "s" and I wonder if that is how your doctor says it. I'm glad you pointed that out to me:) That is how I have been referring to it, not sure where it came from. Thank you! -
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Thanks, Razzle!
kelkat .. if the health food store is open, ask them for a high quality probiotic.
Maybe Ultimate Flora .. something with at least 50 billion CFUs. If you get something less strong, then take 50-100 billion CFU's per day.
I would imagine you got Lymed on Memorial Day weekend. Posted by kelkat (Member # 39199) on :
OKAY! AND WHEN I WENT TO THE STORE I SAW 'LIVER CLEAN' IS THAT A PRODUCT FOR TOXICITY, I'VE SEEN REFERENCE TO. IT ALSO HAS MILK THISTLE. THANKS IN ADVANCE, THIS IS SUPER HELPFUL1
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Something with milk thistle is probably a good idea.
Posted by kelkat (Member # 39199) on :
I have alot of face numbness and burning sensations, is this par for the course?
Posted by lax mom (Member # 38743) on :
My face, jaw and shoulder are burning right now.
Posted by Dekrator48 (Member # 18239) on :
Hi kelkat,
Please read page 4 of Dr B's important paper where it says, "...steroids and other immunosuppressive medications are absolutely contraindicated in Lyme. This includes intra-articular steroids."
Lyme can inflame and infect any of the cranial nerves causing facial numbness, burning, and many other symptoms.
Posted by kelkat (Member # 39199) on :
That must be what's going on, but it's bittersweet to know I am not alone:( I started reading on the steroids and will add them to my allergy list. I took some ibuprofen for the head pain and it worked for an hour or so. Man I hope I am as strong as you all too deal with this. Thank you for all your help!!!
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