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Hello. New here. I recently had a routine blood test recommended by my Tinitus Dr. and it came back positive IgM ant-bodies but The IgG was negative. They said now they will take the Westernblot to really 'verify' if it could be lyme disease. What I'm reading about the disease is that it's difficult to detect in tests. I also remember finding a pretty decent sized (it wasn't pin head sized) deer tick in my neck some 20 years ago (around 14-15 yrs. old) while in the forest in California.
During my teen years I was involved in competitve cycling. Around 16 or so I came down heavy with Mono and was sick for months. Since then I've had constant health problems that seem to be untreatable, i.e. depression ( multiple anti-depressants didn't work), anxiety, eye spasms and twitches (drs' scratch their head on that one), irratable bowel syndrome, cold hands and feet, times of lack of concentration/uncoordination to name a few. I don't really really have any joint or muscle pain besides a little sometimes in the knees after running.
On top of that I recently got Tinitus as well as Hyperacusis (sensitive to loud). Even people talking sometimes sounds distorted in my ears. The only suggestion I get is that I need to go on anti-depressants again and spend some time in a hospital but I feel that there is something more involved. The anti-depressants just make me sicker.
To conclude, I'm a bit confused by the whole testing thing. I got Negative on the IgG which I've read is the test that shows that Lyme disease is in it's later chronic stage which would explain my long history of untreatable health problems. Again, I remember a tick bite years ago that was never checked. Yet, I tested positive for the IgM which I read shows that a newer infection has taken place??? I don't know what to think? I've also read that getting a negative positive might be because it's really the Mono virus that's being detected in the test?? I am now a bit concerned that maybe it could be Lyme but if I get a negative on the Westernblot they won't bother to look or help any farther. Anybody ever experience this? By the way, I now live in Austria which is a hot spot for infected ticks. I believe they also have more bacteria strains here as well. Thnx for any help.
Posts: 128 | From California | Registered: Apr 2012
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
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- Sorry, my eyes spasm and I can't read long paragraphs. However, I think I've ferreted out enough detail to offer you some reply:
First, the IgM and IgG are different for lyme. The IgM indicates persistent, chronic infection.
See the Western Blot explanations in the first thread below.
As for symptoms, they are all classic for lyme.
Yes, indeed, Austria is no stranger to lyme and the strains can vary around the world. Still, with that IgM positive, and your symptoms, that really does just shout "Lyme" --
AND you should also be assessed for OTHER tick-borne infections that often travel together.
(What ILADS is) . . . WHY you need an ILADS-educated, Lyme Literate Doctor - starting with assessment / evaluation.
===================
BIONIC 880 ? There is a doctor (last name starts with a "W") in Germany who is having some good success with lyme - using the Bionic 880. Several from LymeNet have gone there for treatment.
& search Google for: Bionic+880, lyme -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
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- TINNITUS & HYPERACUSIS
Sorry that these are in your life. There is a good chance, with treatment, that they can by history.
I know of a renowned hearing expert in your country who has done some splendid work regarding tinnitus.
It's been years since I longed to see him but do not recall his techniques -- but it's important to see ONLY lyme literate (LL) specialists, as those who are not LL may have techniques or advice that would damaging for a lyme patient.
The ears simply cannot be pushed with lyme. So be sure to avoid any therapy the forces sound (although "masking" at your own preferred sound level can help).
Details below should explain why I say only LL experts.
Also, you mentioned antidepressants have failed you and failed to address the ear problems. That happens a lot for those with lyme for various reasons, first, it's not depression causing the ear problems, but infection.
Second, the liver is overwhelmed with toxins from lyme - and the ears are the first organ system to be affected by any toxins in the body.
Most antidepressants are very hard on the liver, adding to the toxicity.
Many antidepressants are also ototoxic and can increase tinnitus and hyperacusis, partly due to liver stress, partly due to antidepressants further elevated the NMDA neurotranmitter activity that is already WAY to "excited" from the lyme toxins.
Adequate lyme treatment and support measures often help resolve tinnitus & hyperacusis for many.
MAGNESIUM & FISH OIL are the two best support methods - along with LIVER & ADRENAL SUPPORT.
As you will see, the adrenal dysfunction caused by lyme is often very involved with ears that struggle.
Ear protection around even moderate sound is more important for those with infection and also with certain Rx.
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