My story is not unlike many I've read here and I'm longing to join the "Success Story" thread soon. I've been diagnosed with the full spectrum of autoimmune diseases over the last 10 years. I recently took a major turn for the worse when I started low dose cortisol treatment for low adrenals. I ended up in the hospital with heart problems and panic attacks. After stopping the cortisol my heart issues are finally getting better, but my fatigue and brain fog and fibro are worse than ever. I can barely function and am applying for disability even though I'm only 30 years old. So sad.
Years ago I tested positive on one of the IGG/IGA tests but negative on the step 2, which I think is the Western Blot? Anyways, that ruled out Lyme and honestly I haven't thought about it being a possibility until I met someone who cured himself with Samento and a mixture of occasional antibiotics and lots of detox. All of his symptoms and journey sounded identical to mine. And I grew up camping and being outdoors all the time. Ticks were everywhere, just a normal part of life.
Ok so here's my question. I'm getting tested next week through Igenex. I was supposed to start some Doxycycline just to see if it made me better or much worse (which I think would be an indication I have Lyme either way? Someone help me here.) I'm thinking I should start it before the testing too. From what I've read here, if you're a chronic Lymie there is actually LESS of a chance you show a true positive test. And I'm thinking the doxy will stir up the critters and give me a more accurate test? Or would it drive them into hiding?
Only someone with a chronic ailment will understand this, but I'm actually praying it IS Lyme disease. At least it will no longer be a mystery and I will have something to explain this lost decade.
Thank you to everyone here.
Posts: 5 | From Los Angeles | Registered: Feb 2011
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sutherngrl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 16270
posted
I tested before antibiotics and got no positive bands. After 2 months on antibiotics I got one band positive. After a year on antibiotics I got a CDC IGM positive Western Blot.
You may or may not get a reaction one way or another to the antibioitic. Some ppl don't herx. Some of us don't feel better for months or years.
Posts: 4035 | From Mississippi | Registered: Jul 2008
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Years ago I tested positive on one of the IGG/IGA tests but negative on the step 2, which I think is the Western Blot? Anyways, that ruled out Lyme and honestly I haven't thought about it being a possibility
Then you ARE positive! If that was the ELISA... then you have Lyme. It was likely a lousy lab who did the western blot.
As for the doxy... It would be great to take the doxy for a month .. then go OFF for 10-14 days THEN retest... but sounds like you don't have that option.
I would not take the doxy now if you're going to test next week. It could skew the results.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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quote: Then you ARE positive! If that was the ELISA... then you have Lyme. It was likely a lousy lab who did the western blot.
I'm actually digging up these early test results so I'll be able to post them here for input, but could you please explain? Is the general thought here that if you test positive for ELISA then you're positive?
Posts: 5 | From Los Angeles | Registered: Feb 2011
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posted
Lymetutu! LoL~! Just got a kick out of that post! Over 7 yrs I was positive for Lyme using the Elisa multiple times, then when reflex test was sent out for confirmation to Mayo each time negative. Just saw LLNP yesterday, am now terrified - Babs, Bart, Lyme etc. and likely for the last 15+ years! All Elisa tests positive over the years. All Western Blots negative.
Posts: 348 | From MA | Registered: Dec 2010
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posted
I tested negative through WB, ELISA, Spinal Tap fro Lyme while not on antibiotics. Once starting them I tested CDC positive for Lyme and positive for five other infections! I would start it, personally. And I completely understand praying for Lyme. I prayed for Lyme for months because there was treatment for it, unlike CFS which they said I had.
Posts: 34 | From Pennsylvania | Registered: Dec 2010
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