I was bitten a few days ago and saved the tick. I am going to send it to Igenex for testing. They can test it for Lyme, Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis, Bartonella, Rickettsia - but each test is $60!
Is it worth testing for all of these co-infections? I called Igenex but couldn't get a good feel for the reliability of the tests. I am thinking $300 could end up being less than many doc visits but I would like to feel that it is worthwhile. Could I leave Rickettsia off - hardly hear anything about that - or should I just do all the tests while I am at it?
I just came of abx 4 weeks ago and was beginning to feel better so I am totally devastated. The tick is tiny so I guess I was lucky to find it.
Posted by jblral (Member # 8836) on :
One of the problems with tick testing is this: what if the tick tests negative. You have no way of knowing that you weren't bitten by ANOTHER tick that you didn't see, which gave you Lyme and/or co-infections. Seems to me it would be smarter to spend your money on testing YOURSELF.
Just a thought....
Posted by aileenhome (Member # 3960) on :
The tick is winging its way to California for all the tests. It is so tiny I hope they find it in the baggie! Since I know it bit me it will always be in the back of my mind if I have symptoms of any kind. I started on doxy that same day so hopefully all will be OK.
I have been on abx for most of the last year and was tested several times but never positive although I did have a rash.
Posted by EtherealGirl (Member # 4780) on :
I had my ticks tested at the local health dept. It was free. They both tested positive.