I've considered re-testing with one or more speciality labs for a lyme western blot.
I tested a few years ago BEFORE any abx and had many bands IND or + yet overall negative.
I treated for 6 weeks with IV rocephin and several weeks of orals AFTER first lyme test back in 2008. I made NO improvement and stopped.
Within 4-6 weeks of stopping abx, my main symptom (neurological burning/tingling) spread to many areas that continue to the present several years later.
I have considered another Lyme test - would it be advisable to take oral doxy for a time before re-testing? I have the medicine in my possession, so that's a non-issue.
I know this is a grey area, but welcome any experiences?
I do have risk factors and multiple tick exposures in a non-endemic state
My attempts at trying to 'cover' the nerve pain with Gabapentin just do NOT work - absolutely miserable, despite somewhat functional. Other neuro sx's twitching, tinnitus, relentless waking at night.
Thanks in advance on abx challenge experiences, advice for or against.
MB
[ 12-10-2011, 11:12 PM: Message edited by: MBB3 ]
Posted by skigal (Member # 7443) on :
That's what I did, I took Minocin for about 4-5 wks before a blood draw. It worked for me - got a +ve WB through labcorp. I would think Doxy would be the same.
Not telling you to take it, just what worked for me:-).
Posted by MBB3 (Member # 13459) on :
Thanks for the response Skigal:
I understand about not recommending to take ANY abx, I take full responsibility
Just want to do everything I can to insure that IF I have this in my system, that I bring it to to testing surface for confirmation. I'm aware of the difficulty in testing and/or lack of ideal testing.
Did you (or anyone else) stop taking the abx before blood draw? I usually read 2 weeks OFF abx, is this correct? Again, experiences from people who've done this would be most helpful.
Regards, MB
Posted by skigal (Member # 7443) on :
I did not stop abx before the blood draw. I've read 2wks too, but I decided to continue longer due to Bb's life cycle. Hope it works for you.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Keep in mind that there are approximately 300 different strains of borrelia. We only test for one (or maybe two).
Still, for Bb, there may be a better test now. (You would have to be off all abx for one month prior for the new test, though.)
Basic detail about that new Borrelia b. Culture Test here:
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