I am confused as to what I should do. I haven't felt very well for a few years. In June, the Elisa test came back positive for Lyme. I have been searching for a Lyme literate doctor. I found one but the appt isn't until August 30. I still need the Western Blot test to confirm the diagnosis.
This is my dilemma- my insurance doesn't cover the dr , western blot test, or any of the iv treatment if I end up needing it. I have many of the symptoms I see on the Lyme disease pages but the conditions come and go. On my good days, I second guess myself and wonder if maybe everything is in my head. If it is just in my head- is it worth all of the frustration and money to get the blood work done and see the dr. Has anyone felt like this???
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Yes, it's very common to be frustrated, etc. First matter of business is getting in to see the LLMD.
Do NOT the Western Blot right now if money is tight. Save your money and keep that appointment with the LLMD (Lyme Literate MD). You might ask to be put on list to call if they have cancellations.
Symptoms fluctuate. If you have not felt well for years, and have a positive ELISA the next step is to a LLMD for further assessment. Lyme is a CLINICAL diagnosis. The LLMD will look at how you function, ask questions of your history and how you manage now.
The LLMD needs to see you - in person - in order to go from there. Tests for other tick-borne infections may be more important than for lyme, since you already have a positive lyme test.
If the ELISA is positive, and you have symptoms, that says a lot right there. Keep that appointment. You will be glad. -
Posted by BoxerMom (Member # 25251) on :
Please do not talk yourself out of keeping your appointment. Intermittent symptoms are typical of Lyme. So is the indecision! With nobody validating our symptoms, we often feel like we are exagerrating them.
Your symptoms are real and you deserve to know what's going on in your body. When you have that information, you can decide the best course of action.
Testing comes first. Don't get the Western Blot. Wait for your LLMD appointment.
And don't worry about insurance. Find out what's going on with your body. Listen to what your doctor recommends. Then decide how to treat. Many recover on orals alone.
While you are waiting, work on healthy living with good diet and regular exercise to your level of tolerance.
Good luck with your appointment. Do not cancel!!!
BoxerMom
Posted by Geneal (Member # 10375) on :
My husband had a positive Elisa.
My LLMD was so impressed with those results that he didn't need additional testing.
Of course, my LLMD wants to know the symptoms.
You can be highly positive test wise, but without symptoms
He won't treat. Just a thought.
Lyme symptoms wax and wane. Eventually they don't wane as much.
I believe that most of us have questioned our Lyme diagnosis at one time or another.
I think that is just part of the disease.
Hang in there.
Keep your appointment.
Hugs,
Geneal
Posted by Kay-dub (Member # 27260) on :
Thanks for your kind words and encouragement. I will keep my appt. Posted by arkiehinny (Member # 26546) on :
My own tests don't show a 100% positive, even the Igenex test, but we are going on the clinical symptoms. Best to go with your gut instinct...see the LLMD, let him/her treat the symtpoms, then see what happens.
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