I posted last month after I saw an LLMD for suspected long term chronic lyme (20+ years, and I'm 27 years old now).
Just had my follow up appointment and it looks like I do have lyme. I'm going to post my results and would appreciate any additional feedback.
The doctor I'm seeing (ILADS trained LLMD) isn't starting me on abx yet -- right now we're doing mercury detox, iodine, vitamin D, probiotics, gluten-free/casein-free diet, Interfase Plus for biofilms, etc.
I literally started crying when I got the positive result. I have been trying for so many years to figure out what is wrong with me.
Also, can someone tell me what a single plus (+) vs. a double plus (++) means?
-------------------- Symptoms since age 4 IGM positive Western Blot (Bb) PCR positive Spiro Stat (Anaplasma) Suspect babs and bart Posts: 226 | From Currently in Los Angeles, originally from Malvern, PA. | Registered: Feb 2010
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lymebytes
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 11830
posted
I am sorry to hear you have Lyme. But, now you know what to treat, 20 years is a long time.
Double (++) positive vs single (+) means it was seen a little stronger, either way it is a positive band.
Your IgG looks positive in my opinion too, even though it reads negative "IND's" are not negative's and many LLMD's consider them positive since "something" was seen. Either way, you need treatment.
I hope you have been tested for co-infecitons, as LD is impossible to conquer unless the co-infections are treated as well. Most, if not all who have LD have co-infections.
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Lymebytes gave you good answers but I wanted to address the tears.
Do cry if you feel the need. Let it all out. Grieve for the past that has been lost/stolen. That is very real and it needs to be acknowledge on a cellular level. Give your body credit for getting you this far.
But also rejoice for the chance of a future -- that you are very lucky to have a good LLMD. I think his approach sounds good to get you going. You are very lucky to have a doctor.
Do also ask for assessment of other TBD (tick-borne infections), too. He may be able to tell a great deal from your symptoms, etc, in light of his experience.
Good luck . . . it may still be a rocky road but there is hope, indeed. Breathe a good sigh of relief. Laugh were you can as laughter will help your cells heal:
-------------------- The fibromyalgia I've had for 32 years was an undiagnosed Lyme symptom.
"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future". -Jeremiah 29:11 Posts: 6076 | From Pennsylvania, USA | Registered: Nov 2008
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I am going to get the coinfection panel done the next time I go in... so one month from now. I should have those results in 6 to 8 weeks. I am very eager to see what shows up there.
I feel that I do have some symptoms of the coinfections, particularly chronic night sweats (on and off since I was 18). Though I'm sure that could be lyme too.
Keebler - about the emotional stuff - you are exactly right that it is a feeling of grief and mourning for the years and experiences that I've lost because I didn't feel well, or because my anxiety was out of control.
I do also feela tremendous sense of validation and happiness because now I FINALLY know that I'm not crazy and I wasn't born with a "defective" body.
Last night my fiance and I actually went out to dinner to "celebrate" my diagnosis! When we got home I was so tired... totally drained from the day.
I have already done a lot of work on my lifestyle, diet, detox-related stuff, etc, but I know I have a lot more to do.
I just need to finish out this semester (it's my first year of graduate school) and then I'm going to take time this summer to really focus on all the changes I need to make.
One more thing -- I did have mono when I was 16, though my anxiety and a bunch of other symptoms started LONG before that... should I be worried about chronic EBV and/or should I bring that up to my doc?
After reading about the western blot I realized that I could drive myself nuts staring at those results and trying to interpret them.
Do you all feel that I have "strong" positive for lyme specifically?
Thank you!!
All the best, LJ
-------------------- Symptoms since age 4 IGM positive Western Blot (Bb) PCR positive Spiro Stat (Anaplasma) Suspect babs and bart Posts: 226 | From Currently in Los Angeles, originally from Malvern, PA. | Registered: Feb 2010
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IckyTicky
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 21466
posted
I'm 32 and I've had Lyme for 22 years at the very least. I was only dx two years ago. So I know how you feel. Your result lit up like a Christmas tree just like mine
Glad you got yourself an LLMD and on the right road now.
-------------------- IGM: 18+, 23+, 30+, 31+++, 34+, 39IND, 41++, 58+++, 66+, 83-93IND IGG: 31+, 39IND, 41+ Also positive for Mycoplasma Pneumoniae and RMSF. Whole family of 5 dx with Lyme. Posts: 1014 | From Texas | Registered: Jul 2009
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