Can anyone please tell me whether they have ever sent blood samples from outside of America to Igenex or another lab to be tested for lyme and co-infections? If so how do I do it?
I have been tested so many times in Australia over the past 6 years and they all come back negative. The doctors therefore don't believe I have lyme. One test came back +ve on the IgG but -ve on the IgM. Does this prove I have it or not?
I'll bet they could tell you how to ship blood from outside the USA.. and to which labs.
But it already looks like you have been exposed to Lyme by the test results you posted... and it looks like it might have been a while ago.
Do you still need more tests?
Posted by littabella (Member # 12976) on :
Thanks Tincup! It's so nice to hear from you. I wasn't sure whether my blood test results indicated anything because the doctors here have no idea! Really, we are that backwards over here. I am trying to prove that I don't have the "psychological disorder" or "hypercondriasis" that they have said I have. They don't even believe me when I told them I was diagnosed based on the bullseye rash! So anything that shows I have lymey in my system would help!
Thanks again Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :
You said the doctors think you may have a "psychological disorder"or "hypercondriasis"?
Well then.. it is settled! No doubt about it!
You've got Lyme!
They always say stupid things like that when they don't know what they are talking about! It must be easier for them to use those 5 dollar words than admit they don't know a tick from a tock.
So welcome to the club!
Please don't worry about what they say. They know not what they do.
If we can help you... we are here!
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
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www.igenex.com IGENEX labs - you can contact them and ask for their opinion, not just on testing, but strains that may be more common for your area.
If you have traveled, take note of that history, too.
The info. below has good stuff about the fatigued brain and heart and some good suggestions for treatment.
However, if all this is caused by underlying infection(s), it is vital to treat infection . . . along with these other practical suggestions, that seems the best plan if the cardiac impedance is an issue. Also addressed are key elements of detox ability.
Sarah Myhill Limited :: Registered in England and Wales
Excerpts:
CFS is Low Output Heart Failure Secondary to Mitochondrial Failure
Low cardiac output explains the symptoms of CFS
Related Test[s] MITOCHONDRIAL FUNCTION PROFILE
Related articles Mitochondrial Function Profile test - practical information for non-UK residents
July 2007
_From the feedback I have had from the many doctors and patients doing the MFP, there is no doubt that this is a centrally important part of diagnosing and managing patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.
What the test does is to identify the biochemical lesions that are causing the fatigue.
It is thanks to Dr John McLaren Howard that we have this test and he is always coming up with further refinements. This, therefore, allows us to be more effective at diagnosing where the problem lies.
There are two new tests which we wish to be part of the profile, namely extracellular superoxide dismutase (SODase) together with routine measurement of glutathione levels.
As a result of these two extra tests, the cost of the Mitochondrial Function Profile, which will now include the mitochondrial function studies (ATP profiles), levels of Co-enzyme Q10, glutathione peroxidase, zinc copper SODase, manganese SODase and extracellular SODase together with NAD levels and cell-free DNA will increase by �20 to �195.
. . . currently looking at specialist equipment to refine these tests further, particularly in respect of oxidative phosphorylation. This will allow us to further refine the necessary package of supplements.
This is important because some people simply do not have the physical, mental, emotional or financial resources to put in place all the necessary interventions and it will allow us to concentrate on a few important ones for that individual patient instead. So watch this space!
End of July 2007 update
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[ 23. February 2008, 02:44 AM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posted by tad (Member # 14433) on :
Hi Littabella,
Yes you can send your blood to Igenex from overseas. I live in Singapore and sent blood from both myself and my children to Igenex.
What you need to do is either call (meaning you have to stay up late) or send them an email requesting a test kit. Just say that you need a test kit sent and give them your address. You will need to get a doctor to fill in the form, then have the blood taken and call fedex. Igenex will supply all the blood tubes, paperwork and packing materials.
When we sent our samples they took about 2 days to get there.
Tracy
Posted by Gabrielle (Member # 5329) on :
I just sent my blood from Germany to Fry Labs in Arizona. I printed out the order form for a test kit from their website, called them for a quote for the transport and then faxed the order on Wednesday evening. Friday morning I got the test kit by DHL together with a requisition form to order the blood tests I wanted.
There is also a little freezing pack (?) included which you put in the freezer for one day and then put it together with the blood in the special transport box.
They included a free DHL envelope for the transport back which I couldn't use because DHL doesn't take blood unless you have a special contract with them. Therefore, I decided to use FedEx - they are also faster (but more expensive).
You need a doctor to take the blood and sign the form (they don't work directly with patients). I had my blood drawn on Tuesday this week and sent it the same afternoon with FedEx. 27 hours later it was delivered to the lab. Always send it at the beginning of the week - otherwise it might lay around over the weekend.
You need to issue a proforma invoice in 4-fold to go with the consignment (ask your forwarder about the exact details that need to be in it - like a declaration that the blood is not contagious and stuff like that).
Good luck.
Gabrielle
Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
great, i added this link to my newbie package in igenex area of info galore! thanks gang especially from singapore and germany for your contribution to this post! Posted by littabella (Member # 12976) on :
Thanks gang This is all most excellent info!
I also mixed up my results before, in that I actually had a +ve IgM and a -ve IgG.
My new doc and my recent Burrascano research says that in late Lyme this means active infection! Yippee!
But I still may need more blood tests to prove I am not a psycho.
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