I have a question about my coinfections that were tested.
My Lyme WB was sent to IgeneX, wich I paid for seperately.
Although my Babesia and Erilichia were not sent to IgeneX. Does anyone in here feel that this makes a BIG difference in the outcome of my test?
Also I was not tested for Barts. I don't think she is an LLMD but just an MD. One who is knowleagble in Lyme disease. If that makes sense.
I am beginging to question now, because if I have had it for 15yrs ,would I not need more than oral Zithromax. Right?
Also having the Mycoplasma Pneumoniea I feel like I would need something else as well. Or am I wrong in thinking that? Also Stapholoccocus Aruerus was found from a nose swab last month.
My VA doc still has not called me to let me know. Or even sent me any medication in the mail to take care of it. I guess he was waiting for my appt. with him next week. A whole month later.
Can anyone PLEASE help me out with this or offer any insight here. Or advice on this.
[ 12. July 2008, 12:32 AM: Message edited by: Nora DeBoard ]
Posted by Melanie Reber (Member # 3707) on :
Hi Nora,
Testing for co-infections is just as unreliable as it is for Lyme. Physicians who specialize in treating TBDs will go by clinical symptoms and look for confirmation from patient response and sometimes test results.
Most good LLMDs will go ahead and run their patients through a trail of meds for Bart and Babs during their treatment, just in case.
So, while a positive test is nice, it should not be necessary or relied upon to treat.
As far as labs, Igenex is not the only one used for Co's. Some use Quest, Fry, MLD, etc.
As far as protocols, that is all individual based on the patient and the physician's experience. Some will begin a patient slowly to monitor response, and others like to hit it aggressively from the beginning.
Not all patients can handle aggressive treatment, especially if they are very ill.
Again, an experienced physician will know these things. Please try to get to a LLMD.
M
Posted by nancyb (Member # 10154) on :
If I'm not mistaken, Igenex keeps your blood for a month so you can order more testing without having to send more blood.
If it hasn't been a month, maybe you could call Igenex and find out about ordering the co-infection tests?
But like it has already been pointed out, co-infection testing can be just as iffy as Lyme testing.
Posted by hcconn22 (Member # 5263) on :
I tested positive for Lyme, Babesia and bartonolla at standard lab.
Also most LLMD's treat symptoms not only the blood test.
If you have had Lyme and co-infections for a long time you will need more that a single short term treatment. These are complex diseases.
Check out the treatment protocols at www.ilads.ord You can also bring these to your Dr.
Posted by Nora DeBoard (Member # 15600) on :
Thanks. Stephanie from Turnthecorner.org called me yesterday.
She told me that it was good that she was treating me with just more than 30 days of Zithromax. Alsot that she did test me for the Babs and Erilichia.
Although she should have tested me for the Barts as well. She also told me that since I am on the Zithromax that don't be surprised that if I retest in 4months that the coinfections may show up possitive.
She also told me that I NEED to be tested for some of the strains from the ticks that are found in Europe. As well as the Mycoplasma Ferretin. Said she is doing all the right things BUT she is still NOT an LLMD. Which is what I am needing. I am in 100% agreement.
I have a lot of hormonal issues and adrenal issues BUT the Lyme is my number one concern right now. As well at possible coinfections and barts.
I saw the Barts thread and the mentioning of shin bone pain. Mine are ALWAYS hurting. Have been for years. Feels like it's in the BONE! Yet docs look at me like I'm when I tell them that.
My heels hurt too. So bad that they wake me up at night or early in the morning. It's aweful!!!
![[Mad]](mad.gif)
![[Eek!]](eek.gif)
Yet docs look at me like I'm ![[dizzy]](graemlins/dizzy.gif)
when I tell them that.