LymeNet Flash: Co-Infections Tests

This is topic Co-Infections Tests in forum Medical Questions at LymeNet Flash.

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Posted by MarsyNY (Member # 7766) on :

Looking ahead at the expense I was wondering-
If I had the Igenex Test panel for co-infections and one comes back positive
would that indicate to LLMD that I
definely have Lyme?

Why spend the money on the Lyme panel
if it comes up negative so often was
my thinking.

From reading a bit (newbie) I understand that whatever coctail your tick bite
carries you must treat them all to have
a successful outcome.

Posted by WildCondor on :

Hi there, and Welcome!

Yes, it is a good idea to have Lyme and co-infection testing. Were you just bitten? If so, you can also send them the tick for analysis.

Ok, so yes, you can get tested for Lyme, babesia, bartonella, and ehrlichia.
If you come back positive for a co-infection, treatment for it should help you very much. It made a huge difference for me.
here is IgeneX's website http://www.igenex.com/

Let us know if we can answer any questions etc.

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WildCondor's Lymelinks

Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :

You might as well get tested for Lyme. You might need the proof for your insurance company.

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Do not take anything I say as medical advice. I am not a doctor, but I DID stay at a Holiday Inn Express!
oops!
Lymetutu

Posted by seibertneurolyme (Member # 6416) on :

Marsy,

I know all this testing can get expensive. Some doctors are more cost conscious than others. Be sure and tell the doctor up front that you can't afford any tests that aren't absolutely essential. It just depends a lot on the doctor. Some are more willing to make a clinical diagnosis than others.

Also, it may depend on insurance if you have it. Some companies are not as willing to pay for meds unless there are test results to back up long-term treatment -- this is especially true if you were to require IV antibiotics.

The testing doesn't necessarily all need to be done at once. Maybe you could spread out the tests over several months.

The unfortunate part is that the tests for coinfections aren't really much more reliable than those for Lyme. The question you asked showed smart thinking on your part though.

Theoretically it is possible, but in reality I have never heard of anyone having just coinfections and not Lyme. The Bartonella (Cat Scratch Fever) people get from cats (their fleas transmit it actually) is a different strain than the Bartonella that comes from ticks usually so that doesn't count.

Bea Seibert

Posted by Kara Tyson (Member # 939) on :

A co-infection does not always indicate you have Lyme. But there is a pretty good chance.

I have run across people who have Babasia only. It happens. But it doesnt seem to happen that often.

As far as Bartonella, you can easily just have that disease since it can be contracted from cat bites.

Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :

quote:
Originally posted by seibertneurolyme:

The testing doesn't necessarily all need to be done at once. Maybe you could spread out the tests over several months.

Good idea!

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Do not take anything I say as medical advice. I am not a doctor, but I DID stay at a Holiday Inn Express!
oops!
Lymetutu

Posted by MarsyNY (Member # 7766) on :

Besides the expense I was looking for
a more concrete diagnosis. My primary had
suggested 6wk Roc based on clinical. If
the co-infections are positive I understand that they should be treated 1st.

I have an appt in Oct with PA at Dr. BU so
I thought I would get the kit from IgeneX and ask my dr for tests.
Friends think I should start IV (cfs 20ysrs)
and that way I will have finished the 6 wks
by appt time and might be much better.
That would effect the testing that Dr. Bu's
office would need- would it not?

Not sure what do do...

Thanks for all the input.