posted
I have had numerous symptoms for the last 3 to 4 years.
Brain fog Cognitive disorders Anxiety Visual disturbances (flashes, spots when I blink, visual snow) Chronic stuffy nose Excessive thirst/urination etc
I went to my ophthalmologist about two months ago because I had a spot in my eye. I went back this week and my visual field test was significantly better, and I had a 3 line increase in one eye. He said the acute inflammation was odd and asked me about my general health. When I told him my other symptoms, he suggested a lyme test. He said he has seen an increase recently.
I have to go to have my primary care physician order the lab work. I'm guessing the only test that will be available to me is the Elisa test. I am going to Quest Diagnostics. I want to test for other things at the same time, since I do not like having blood drawn. I know there are other co-infections. What else should I have tested?
On a side note, my symptoms started after I replaced my roof. The shingles were wet and the granules removed a lot of skin from my finger tips. I might have gotten a parasite or bacterial infection through my skin. I don't know if this is possible or not.
Thanks in advance for any help
Posts: 11 | From florida | Registered: Sep 2010
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posted
I'm impressed that the doctor recommended a Lyme test - good for him!
Don't know if you qualify for low income, but if you do, the IGeneX lab is giving a nice discount on testing for Lyme and co-infections. You can talk with them at 1-800-832-3200. They can send you a free testkit. Your primary doctor can sign off on the form.
The best tests for Lyme are the IgM and IgG Western blot antibody tests. The ELISA test misses half the time and isn't worth the bother.
The other main co-infections are babesia, bartonella and erhlichia - I suggest you google their symptoms and see whether you think you match any.
Posts: 13171 | From San Francisco | Registered: May 2006
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posted
I ordered the test kit from Igenex. There aren't any LLMD's within 120 miles from me. I had a few sites email me lists. Will my regular MD be able to comprehend the results? I am going to ask her to sign off on the Western Blot test and also have an ELISA test from Quest.
Posts: 11 | From florida | Registered: Sep 2010
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bcb1200
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 25745
posted
Just make sure you get COPIES of the results so you can see if bands are present. A negative test may still be evidence of exposure to lyme (and therefore you having lyme disease) if double starred bands are positive.
-------------------- Bite date ? 2/10 symptoms began 5/10 dx'd, after 3 months numerous test and doctors
IgM Igenex +/CDC + + 23/25, 30, 31, 34, 41, 83/93
Currently on:
Currently at around 95% +/- most days. Posts: 3139 | From Massachusetts | Registered: May 2010
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quote:Originally posted by navyguitar: I ordered the test kit from Igenex. There aren't any LLMD's within 120 miles from me. I had a few sites email me lists. Will my regular MD be able to comprehend the results? I am going to ask her to sign off on the Western Blot test and also have an ELISA test from Quest.
- Your dr probably won't have a clue about the test unless it clearly states POSITIVE.
Post your results here when you get them. We'll help you.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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map1131
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 2022
posted
Wow, what a great eye doc!!!! I'm impressed and it's in Florida. Yeah!
Pam
-------------------- "Never, never, never, never, never give up" Winston Churchill Posts: 6495 | From Louisville, Ky | Registered: Jan 2002
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quote:Originally posted by lou: any joint problems?
My elbow has been giving me trouble. I had surgery on it when I was young. I also hurt my wrist doing barbell bench press. It has been over a year now, and I am still unable to lift heavy weights on it. I am debating on whether to see an orthopedic surgeon. The only other issue I've had is my back. Every six months to a year, my back will give out. I don't know if it is a muscle issue or not. It feels like my ribs move and strain it. All of my injuries happen as a result of working out. I attributed the injuries to aging.
Posts: 11 | From florida | Registered: Sep 2010
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Your dr probably won't have a clue about the test unless it clearly states POSITIVE.
Post your results here when you get them. We'll help you.
Is the Western Blot for Lyme a medically recognized panel? I feel like my PCP thinks I am a hypochondriac. I'm in the process of changing PCPs.
Posts: 11 | From florida | Registered: Sep 2010
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posted
Dr B of the famous guidelines says Lyme patients should not work out hard. Our Lymed bodies can't handle it. I've had to switch to less strenuous exercise, like swimming and yoga stretching.
Your doctor doesn't have to understand anything, just order the test. The results will come back to the doctor, and as Lymetoo said, post them here. It can be complicated to interpret.
Yes, the Western blot IgM and IgG antibody tests are regularly done for Lyme, and the IGeneX lab is a great test lab.
Posts: 13171 | From San Francisco | Registered: May 2006
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posted
Have you served in any foreign countries during the time you have had these symptoms?
Posts: 8430 | From Not available | Registered: Oct 2000
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klutzo
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5701
posted
I also have a Lyme-literate Opthalmologist in Florida to treat my Lyme-caused Uveitis. Maybe it's the same man.
None of my other docs are Lyme-literate, though my cardiologist knows a little, since he has a couple of other Lyme patients besides me with heart damage from it.
I was going to suggest a CD57 blood test. I believe if the result is below 60, it is strongly indicative of Lyme. I also think this has to be sent to a special lab in California, not Igenex, but I can't remember which lab. Hopefully, another poster will know.
klutzo
Posts: 1269 | From Clearwater, Florida, USA | Registered: May 2004
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ktkdommer
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 29020
posted
We use LabCorp for CD-57. It is the only one recommended by our ILADS doctor.
-------------------- Things are never dull. After 3 fighting Lyme, 2 are in remission. Youngest is still sick, age 22. He has new diagnosed Chiari Malformation and Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. Posts: 1366 | From Perrysburg, Ohio | Registered: Nov 2010
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quote:Originally posted by lou: Have you served in any foreign countries during the time you have had these symptoms?
I did visit the Philippines for a few weeks about 5 years ago. Is there something else that could be wrong with me?
Posts: 11 | From florida | Registered: Sep 2010
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