I've been doing pretty well and want to ramp down ABX. My LLMD agrees but wants to check CD57 and C4.
CD57 is the highest it has ever been at 64. He doesn't like to completely d/c ABX until it reaches 150. CD57 has been an extremely useful marker for me.
Disappointed today to see that C4 is 832 (0-650). I retrieved my results through the Labcorp patient vault. I can't remember the discussion with my MD regarding this at my last visit, although I am sure I will be hearing from him.
What does this mean exactly? Will I still be able to do 2 weeks on/2 weeks off tindamax or will I probably have to add back other ABX?
Posted by jwall (Member # 22999) on :
I believe c4a is a measurement of inflammation and a sign that treatment needs to be changed?? I am not really sure though.
After 3 years of treatment, my CD57 is the lowest at 16. When I started treatment it was 24. I don't know what to make of this. I still feel like death, but am definitely better than I used to be. So I have better moments here and there whereas I used to just be tormented 24/7.
It's great your cd57 has gone up. One of my LLMDs said he has never seen that number go up in patients.
Posted by beaches (Member # 38251) on :
Just to clarify, you are referring to C4a, not C4, correct? They are two different things.
Posted by koo (Member # 30462) on :
Oops, yes beaches, it is C4a. I have never had it tested before so who knows how high it has been.
I understand it was probably in the thousands so perhaps this reading is not horrible. I'm just not sure what it means as far as the plan to ramp down treatment.
Jwall, so sorry you are not doing well. That's a good way of putting it...tormented 24/7. I shudder to think back to those days.
My CD57 was never measured at the start of treatment. It was first done around 8 months in and was 22, two months after that 19, then rose to 36 and stayed there for over a year, so I am pleased with this jump.
Posted by jwall (Member # 22999) on :
And it reflects how you're feeling right? Better?
Posted by surprise (Member # 34987) on :
JMO, I am not sure if it can really reflect how you feel.
From my understanding, it is simply a measure of inflammation in your body- from Lyme infections, perhaps mold.
Mine was 12,000 + when taken before treatment- frightening. Haven't had the test re-done after Lyme and mold treatment-
I continue to remain 100% Gluten Free, and take 1,000 mg of quality curcumin a day and hope for the best.
Posted by koo (Member # 30462) on :
I think jwall was referring to the CD57.
In my case the rise in the CD57 seemed to reflect how I felt. I know this certainly isn't the case for everyone though. I think that's why it has been a useful indicator for me.
Posted by jwall (Member # 22999) on :
Yes, I was referring to the CD 57
Posted by jwall (Member # 22999) on :
Just read that high c4a indicates mold illness.
Posted by surprise (Member # 34987) on :
I was told high C4a is inflammation, from chronic infections, either Lyme disease and/or mold.