LymeNet Flash: Is there a test to determine how long you have had lyme?

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»	LymeNet Flash » Questions and Discussion » Medical Questions » Is there a test to determine how long you have had lyme?

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Topic: Is there a test to determine how long you have had lyme?

penguingirl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 28688

posted

I know many of you never recall a tick bite or a rash so I was wondering how you determine when it might have actually happened.

If your symptoms do not emerge immediately after the bite how can one tell? I know some have posted here about being dormant for many years.

Such a scary thought..

[confused]

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Posts: 1204 | From USA | Registered: Oct 2010 | IP: Logged |

lululymemom
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 26405

posted

This is what Dr. H. from Igenex told me about testing for length of infection.

The
> > 31 epitope for both IgM and IgG, test codes 488 and 489 should
> > be done on
> > the blood we have to help date the initial exposure.

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IGM 41 IND, 83-93+ IGG 31 IND,34 IND, 41++, 58+, 83-93 IND

31 Epitope test neg.

Bartonella henselae 1:100

Posts: 2027 | From British Columbia | Registered: Jun 2010 | IP: Logged |

Remember to Smile
Unregistered

posted

I don't understand lululymemom's post. [confused]

IP: Logged |

bcb1200
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 25745

posted

The guy from IGENEX also states bands 31 and 34 are "long term bands" on both IgG and IgM..they take at least 1 year to show up.

--------------------
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 | IP: Logged |

lululymemom
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 26405

posted

quote:
Originally posted by Remember to Smile:
I don't understand lululymemom's post.

To clarify, You would have to do a 31 epitope test with test codes 488 and 489 to determine initial exposure.

--------------------
IGM 41 IND, 83-93+ IGG 31 IND,34 IND, 41++, 58+, 83-93 IND

31 Epitope test neg.

Bartonella henselae 1:100

Posts: 2027 | From British Columbia | Registered: Jun 2010 | IP: Logged |

'Kete-tracker
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 17189

posted

penguingirl,
Unfortunately there IS no Accurate way to tell when you were 1st infected with Lyme spirochetes.

Results from Western blot tests Can give the physician an "idea", if he or she is also aware of all the facts, the symptom time-line & extenuating (sic?) circumstances in your case.
The # of bands, what ones, & whether they appear on the IgM or IgG or BOTH, are all clues to possible length of infection, but it's best interpreted by an Experienced L.L.M.D.

But whether you contracted L.B. a few months ago or a few Years ago, the treatment protocols are pretty much identical.
It's just that the folks who've been infected longer nearly always take longer (sometimes Much longer) to "recover"... that is, get the disease into remission. [Razz]

(bcb- I'll disagree here with the 31 & 34 bands taking "1 year to show up". My 31 AND 34 kPa bands both "showed +" on my IgG panel five & 1/2 months after my dual deer-tick bites. And ALL bands were negative a little over year earlier- when my PCP testing me for what turned out to be another issue.)

Posts: 1233 | From Dover, NH | Registered: Sep 2008 | IP: Logged |

penguingirl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 28688

posted

Thanks everyone.

Yes it's a trial and error process for everyone on what treatment plan works for them.

My LLMD says based on my very low CD 57 she thinks it is possible that I could've gotten bit in June but she thinks most likely I was sick for several years.

I did have a few years of serious fatigue but I ignored it because I didn't think there was anything that could be done for it. I dunno anymore.

What matters is that I am on the right path, hopefully!

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Posts: 1204 | From USA | Registered: Oct 2010 | IP: Logged |

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