bcb1200
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 25745
posted
Hi folks:
Just also posted on the Find a LLMD in that area.
I've been feeling unwell for 12 weeks (since Feb 8 2010). Kind of a dizzy / drunk feeling (not room spinning vertigo.) I thought it was GI related originally. WEnt to an ENT and had gallbladder and upper endoscopy which showed Gastritis. I also have some IBS.
Then a few weeks later, started to have some inner ear issues which got aggrivated after a Chiropractor adjusted my neck / jaw. I have ear fullness, ringing, vision issues, nausea, etc. It was worse mid March, and is now a bit better.
The ENT originally have me the Lyme Elisa test which came back negative. He diagnosed me as having Labyrinthitis as I have all of the symtpoms and busy shopping environments make me more "woozy."
I then went to an alternative doctor specializing in chronic illnesses and she gave me the Igenex Western Blot tests for IgM / IgG.
I just found out that I was positive on the IgM, specifically, bands: -23/25 -83/93 -31 -34
IgG was negative.
The doctor said that bands 31/34 indicate an infection for more than 1 year. But 23/25/83/93 indicate a current, active infection. She says she feels this could indicate a "chronic / Active" case of Lyme.
Wondering what your thoughts are here?
Is it possible to have Lyme if only IgM is positive and IgG is negative? Can there be any IgM false positives? (I was on Amoxicillin for 10 days just before this blood test was done.)
Do you think Lyme could explain my symptoms?
I have read a lot of horror stories and am very nervous as to what this can mean. On one hand, if it is Lyme, I'm glad I've found it and have tested positive rather than go on for years more unknowlingly with this illness. But, if it is LYme, what is the likihood of beating it and feeling 100% ever again? There are a lot of horror stories I have read.
Fortunately, I really don't ahve joint pain (yet) other than the odd lower bach ache or stiff neck.
Cheers.
-------------------- Bite date ? 2/10 symptoms began 5/10 dx'd, after 3 months numerous test and doctors
IgM Igenex +/CDC + + 23/25, 30, 31, 34, 41, 83/93
Currently on:
Currently at around 95% +/- most days. Posts: 3134 | From Massachusetts | Registered: May 2010
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posted
You are lucky that someone did this test for you. Yes, it is possible to have an active case with this kind of test result.
The usual explanation of IgM and IgG does not take into account the fact that lyme does not follow those rules, and you can have a positive IgM and negative IgG. This disease goes thru stages of switching back and forth, and sometimes antibodies will stop being produced in a long chronic case, resulting in negative results, and they will be told they do not have the disease and never had it.
Then if they are treated for some length of time, that previously negative test result will sometimes turn positive. Current establishment thinking on lyme testing does not take this into consideration.
Antibiotics can also affect antibody production.
Posts: 8430 | From Not available | Registered: Oct 2000
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Pinelady
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 18524
posted
The only fear you should have now bcb is not getting enough treatment to get rid of it.
Glad you are seeking a LLMD to help you. Prayers for a easy road to wellness.
-------------------- Suspected Lyme 07 Test neg One band migrating in IgG region unable to identify.Igenex Jan.09IFA titer 1:40 IND IgM neg pos 31 +++ 34 IND 39 IND 41 IND 83-93 + DX:Neuroborreliosis Posts: 5850 | From Kentucky | Registered: Dec 2008
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Dekrator48
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 18239
posted
Glad you found out before you wasted 20 years and went through 40 Dr's trying to find out what is wrong.
Lyme cycles and the bacteria reproduce regularly, therefore a positive IgM and negative IgG is not surprising.
All of your symptoms can be from lyme.
Find a good LLMD who follows ILADS guidelines. Do whatever it takes now to resolve all of your symptoms.
You have a better chance of recovery since you have not been sick for years.
All the best to you.
-------------------- 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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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- "could indicate a "chronic / Active" case of Lyme"
Yes. Indeed.
Find an experienced ILADS-educated LLMD or an experienced ILADS-educated LL ND (naturopathic doctor). The "ILADS-educated" part is vital. Their methods may vary somewhat but only an ILADS-educated doctor has the understanding required.
ILADS-educated means they've read much of the research and attended some of the seminars and have professional relationships with other LLMDS.
lymebytes
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 11830
posted
IgM indicates an active LD infection and needs treatment until all symptoms clear.
You should also be tested for co-infections, most with Lyme have co-infections. Even if tests are negative a good LLMd will know how to clinically diagnose them.
Print out the info on the above link... Read it MANY times. Lots of great information on testing and on Lyme.
from the above link ( by Dr C of MO ):
"With most infections, your immune system first forms IgM antibodies, then in about 2 to 4 weeks, you see IgG antibodies. In some infections, IgG antibodies may be detectable for years.
Because Borrelia burgdorferi is a chronic persistent infection that may last for decades, you would think patients with chronic symptoms would have positive IgG Western blots.
But actually, more IgM blots are positive in chronic borreliosis than IgG. Every time Borrelia burgdorferi reproduces itself, it may stimulate the immune system to form new IgM antibodies.
Some patients have both IgG and IgM blots positive. But if either the IgG or IgM blot is positive, overall it is a positive result.
Response to antibiotics is the same if either is positive, or both. Some antibodies against the borrelia are given more significance if they are IgG versus IgM, or vice versa."
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96220 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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quote:Originally posted by bcb1200: The doctor said that bands 31/34 indicate an infection for more than 1 year. But 23/25/83/93 indicate a current, active infection. She says she feels this could indicate a "chronic / Active" case of Lyme.
Wondering what your thoughts are here?
Good doctor!!
-------------------- sixgoofykids.blogspot.com Posts: 13449 | From Ohio | Registered: Feb 2007
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bcb1200
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 25745
posted
Thanks everyone...one question on the info from the link re western blots...it states "Antibiotics may help convert the test to positive, but patients need to be off antibiotics when the specimen is drawn.
It is well documented in medical literature that the presence of antibiotics may cause false negative borreliosis testing. Therefore, your system should be free of all antibiotics for an accurate blot result. "
I had just finished a 10 day supply of Amoxicillin the day my sample was taken. Could this mean it is a false positive?
-------------------- Bite date ? 2/10 symptoms began 5/10 dx'd, after 3 months numerous test and doctors
IgM Igenex +/CDC + + 23/25, 30, 31, 34, 41, 83/93
Currently on:
Currently at around 95% +/- most days. Posts: 3134 | From Massachusetts | Registered: May 2010
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posted
It is very very very likely you DONT have a false positive. You most likely have an active infection.
This is not meant to scare you... Technically this is good news. Youre not showing a numerous amount of symptoms yet and you have tested positive.
Next step is to get treatment from an ILADS LLMD.
Don't fear you can definitely get back to 100% again. Just follow the treatment plans of your doctor. Use Lymenet as a source for questions and concerns but not a diagnosing tool.
By this I mean listen to your LLMD if you dont trust them keep searching. You will get 100 different view points on the internet.
I have never tested positive for any bands I am a strictly clinical diagnosis case. I am into my second month of treatment and today was the best day I have had in 7 months. You can and WILL get better with treatment.
Posts: 286 | From St. Louis | Registered: Dec 2009
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bcb1200
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 25745
posted
Thanks Everyone:
The only reason I have any doubt is because I don't have any joint pain, nor have I had a rash or recall being bitten. Doesn't mean I wasn't. But I thought joint pain was the biggest problem.
Mine are all ear, visual, balance, vestibular related along with night sweats, chills, and rapid heart beat / weight loss. I also feel "drunk" most of the time.
I am on week 12 of feeling bad, but the first time I felt bad was last November. So that is about 6 months. Hopefully I can nip this in the bud QUICKLY.
Has anyone gotten the tinnitus / ear symptoms to go away?
-------------------- Bite date ? 2/10 symptoms began 5/10 dx'd, after 3 months numerous test and doctors
IgM Igenex +/CDC + + 23/25, 30, 31, 34, 41, 83/93
Currently on:
Currently at around 95% +/- most days. Posts: 3134 | From Massachusetts | Registered: May 2010
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