Help me out... What's their thought process? Why would a Dr order a Western Blot one month into treatment???
I have been on IM Bicillin for one month, and am continuing. I am no where near any level that would be considered cured.
I made mention of doing a CD-57. I'm not sure if he knew the value in that test. But, said that he wanted to see what the western blot showed now that I'm being treated.
Ideas????
Posted by sixgoofykids (Member # 11141) on :
Were you negative before? Sometimes they want to get a positive.
If you were positive before, there's really no reason.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
No point in my opinion. Was your first test positive?
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Quit copying me, Six... Posted by merrygirl (Member # 12041) on :
I cant remember the last time i was tested. In my opinion, if you tested pos once no need. Especilly if it quest etc.
Bicillin takes a looong time to see effects like several months.
Posted by Laura_W (Member # 31491) on :
I was tested In October, thru Quest. Elisa was 1.4 (positive). I was positive for 41 IGG, and 23 IGM.
By the way I am seeing effects from bicillin... am experiencing herxes.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Then he/she may be trying for a positive WB.
Posted by Laura_W (Member # 31491) on :
I suppose I'm also concerned about if the tests come back negative.... how that appears, even though I have symptoms. etc...
Posted by Razzle (Member # 30398) on :
Isn't 41 & 23 on an IgM western blot a positive result?
Posted by geo (Member # 18333) on :
Looks like 41 was igg and 23 was igm, so no in that case
Posted by Razzle (Member # 30398) on :
Sorry, I can't read apparently, LOL! Thanks,
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
I wasn't sure either, Razzle.. I can't keep my head together today.
Posted by map1131 (Member # 2022) on :
Laura is she using good lyme testing lab or lab that wouldn't know a lyme band if it bite them in the arse?
I hope she's not testing to support the dx. Lyme Disease testing is so poor in most labs that symptoms should be treated without a Lyme positve test.
You had a positive. Do you still have sx? You really need to question repeat testing and see where this doc is going.
Remember it's your health and well being and you are in charge. Doctors are a tool we use, but we certainly have a patient right to ask what the heck are you doing another lyme test?
I'd want to ask...Do I look like a money tree or does my insurance company like wasteful testing?
apparently a 10-14 day window of NON treatment yields better results, dunno? but the link is certainly helpful, (thanks to Lymetutu)
Good luck Laura and hope you see continued results with tx!!!
merrygirl- sorry, but is re-testing not clinically useful????
thanks all!!
Posted by Laura_W (Member # 31491) on :
The testing is being done at the same lab... lol. Quest.
... another words... as map said "lab that wouldn't know a lyme band if it bite them in the arse"
And, ohh yes I definetly still have symptoms!
Clueless- I understand that retesting could possibly be useful... but, I am still on antibiotics. I am being givin IM Bicillin. I would understand the thought more if there was a break in the antibiotics and then the testing was done.
I already challenge this doctor. I don't just take what he says as gold... I want and expect to know why.... and he is finding that out with me. But, I don't want to push him too hard, too soon.
But, I just don't get it. But, as I'm finding out with this doc... I don't get quite a bit of things with him. Posted by map1131 (Member # 2022) on :
Laura, I took 2 yrs oral abx, 6 weeks IV rocephin.. Stopped abx because I had an appt in two weeks to my first LLMD appt.
My Igenex antibodies were off the charts positive for lyme antibodies. 11 out of 16 bands were -/+ to +++ IgM.
So yes doing abx and stopping for at least 2 weeks prior to a test should show more anti-bodies.
But I don't know if Quest can find them on their arse or not. Lab Corp couldn't.
Pam
Posted by Laura_W (Member # 31491) on :
Pam, I would understand doing that. I just don't understand doing the tests now, while I am currently on abx.
Posted by map1131 (Member # 2022) on :
Well it seems you need to give this doc an education in WB? Must of missed that day in medical school?????
Pam
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
quote:Originally posted by clueless: [QB] Re-testing is mentioned in Dr. C's link below
apparently a 10-14 day window of NON treatment yields better results, dunno? but the link is certainly helpful, (thanks to Lymetutu)
- right .. but to test otherwise is pointless. And QUEST is pointless. I think you need to begin your search for a dr who uses Igenex.
Posted by Laura_W (Member # 31491) on :
True Lymetoo... But, I also am in need of a money tree...lol
Posted by Laura_W (Member # 31491) on :
Just got back the western blot results....
Only positive for band 41 IGG.
So, less positive than before, which is what i was afraid of.
I haven't talked to the doctor yet, so I don't know what his thoughts are.
Posted by koo (Member # 30462) on :
Good question because I tested positive by Igenex on only IFA. My MD just retested me for a WB from Labcorp, zero bands positive. Now starting Flagyl and then doxycycline. She says this will bring out the bands for sure. Thoughts? Reasons?
Posted by map1131 (Member # 2022) on :
Laura, that test was while on abx correct? Lyme experts of the world say off abx for 2 weeks.
Abx do interfer with test and the immune system has time to start making antibodies on it's own.
Abx suppress the immune system. Why does the immune sytem need to work if you are giving abx?
I'm just trying to give you info to toss out to your lyme il-literate. Oh my so sad we have to educate them.
But so true.
Pam
Posted by Laura_W (Member # 31491) on :
I know Pam... I tried to figure his reasoning... suggested doing a CD-57 instead...
And, yup... test was done while on abx.
@koo... That is a typical thing for a lot of docs to do. It does make sense. I will let someone else explain it, But, yes I do agree with your doc... provided you stop the abx for at least 2 weeks before testing again.
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