I'm looking for a Lyme disease specialist in or close to Massachusetts. My current doctor is not open to lyme and he only relies on the blood test as a dianosis. Please get back to me and let me know of any Lyme disease specialists in Massachusetts. I have been suffering for the past 5 months.
I have been having a variety of symptoms including headaches, nausea, neck/ upper back/ shoulder discomfort, ear sounds and fullness and weakness that developed in early September following a strange flu in late August. I also spent the whole month of July camping in the woods, and I believe that I have lyme disease.
I had an IGG/IGM Lyme Antibody test done. It first came back equivocal and then it was repeated and it came back positive. Then they ordered a western blot that came back negative. Before that, I also had all STD tests done, and I got a false positive for syphilis. ( I only later found out that sypilis and lyme are very closely related as they come from the same family of bacteria)
Posted by Siciliano (Member # 15920) on :
Hi, Osher and WELCOME to our lyme site. We're glad you came to us for help.
I have sent you a private message (pm), click on the flashing envelope.
Also, check out our great "Medical Questions" forum where you can ask all the questions you might have and our wonderful, knowledgeable members will answer them. Just read some of the threads and you'll see just how informative they are! Posted by Robin123 (Member # 9197) on :
Hi - People don't always test positive even tho they have Lyme.
You said an IgG/IgM test first came back equivocal, then positive, and then another Western blot came back negative?
An IgM/IgG test is a Western blot, so I'm confused about what you're saying here.
Which test came back positive and what lab was it done at? Thx -
Posted by BrianF (Member # 24286) on :
I also live in Mass., in the NE part - Gloucester, Essex County. My PCP is about to cut me off from further treatment because he's scared of IDSA repercussions. I now need an LLMD or a Lyme-aware MD in my area.
Many thanks for any advice!
Posted by Osher (Member # 24457) on :
The first two tests are called lyme antibody tests, which are just screening tests. The last test I took is the western blot, and that is the confirmatory test.
I got an equivocal and a positive on the lyme antibody tests.
After that, they sent out for a confirmatory western blot, which then came back negative.
Does that make sense?
Posted by 22dreams (Member # 17846) on :
BrainF,
Suggestion:
It would probably be a good idea to start your own post, if you haven't already. Piggy-backing on another's thread, you can wind up getting fewer responses than you would otherwise.
Osher: tests mean diddly. Even western blots from the "better" labs. Cannot be used as a diagnostic tool. I sent you some info on drs in MA.
As far as lyme-friendly PCPs, if you provide the town/area of the state you are in, some folks may be able to help you.
You may want to join Yahoo groups for MA. I PMd you info on how to join.
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Osher and WELCOME to our lyme site. We're glad you came to us for help.![[Smile]](smile.gif)