posted
Is it just error by itself, or are issues like High Rheumetoid factor, Mono, Syphillis, or other infections likely in that case.
Only one of my doctors really thinks my case could be Lyme, and the other MD's say that it is simply a false positive. (They also assert that Igenex is a terrible lab, though.) They do seem to make some sense though, as even in most Chronic Lyme sufferers they recall a tick bite or a rash, both of which I never had.
I need to eliminate all possibilities as my functioning is terrible and my life seems to be becoming more and more impossible to retrieve. Even if it were Lyme, I would never find a doctor in my area willing to treat it effectively and be credible to my school as to why I need special consideration for my dropping out with terrible marks.
Posts: 244 | From Ottawa | Registered: Dec 2005
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posted
I have chronic lyme disease. I don't recall a rash or tick bite. Less than like 50% do. If you want to heal, you should take heed and find a doctor who will treat you.
If you have a positive western blot you have lyme disease period. It is up to you to find and carry out treatment.
Good luck and keep reading this board
-------------------- Dani Posts: 102 | From Where there is no lyme | Registered: Jan 2006
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posted
I think false positives are extremely rare....extremely.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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Michelle M
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7200
posted
From the Lyme Times Patients Issue:
- Although the CDC requires 5 of 10 bands for IgG surveillance purposes, 2 of 5 bands have specificity of 93-96% and a sensitivity of 100%. (Engstrom 1995)
- The NIAID views the Western Blot as the best method for detecting Borrelia antibodies currently available.
- 52% of patients with chronic Lyme disease are negative by ELISA but positive by Western Blot (Donta, 2002)
Don't let the ducks get to you. You have Lyme.
When you are feeling up to it, print out this article by Dr. H. at IGenex. They SO leave other labs in the dirt.
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