posted
This started when i was ten... About 25yrs ago. I was bit by a tick. Found out 2 yrs later that i had Lymes. Fought it with so many pills a day, didnt work. Doc put me on home I.V. Treatments. Didnt work either.. Finally went in hospital when i was 17 and knocked it into remission. I been feeling bad for nearly 6 yrs now and felt like it was back. I had doc do Lymes titer in march this yr. IgG came back high, also abnormal at 1.22...IgM was also high, abnormal at 1.82. Doc says he not worried bout igg cuz its not that high but worried that IgM means i had new bite, which i kno i didnt. seems like he tryin to find another reason for my symptoms... :-( so sad cuz he not helpin me
Posts: 21 | From Lakehurst, Nj | Registered: Mar 2012
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posted
If you aren't already, I strongly suggest you see an LLMD. Most mainstream doctors will try to find another cause for your symptoms. Makes you wonder why they even bother to test for lyme when they have no intention to treat.
Posts: 749 | From State full of ticks | Registered: Dec 2008
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Catgirl
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 31149
posted
IGM can also mean that the spirochetes just reproduced (monthly). I would find an ILADS doc. You can post here in seeking, but you will have to make sure when you call that they are ILADS trained (International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society). Or just go to www.lymediseaseassociation.org and they will give you some names. ILADS specialists are cutting edge.
-------------------- --Keep an open mind about everything. Also, remember to visit ACTIVISM (we can change things together). Posts: 5418 | From earth | Registered: Mar 2011
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"With most infections, your immune system first forms IgM antibodies, then in about 2 to 4 weeks, you see IgG antibodies. In some infections, IgG antibodies may be detectable for years.
Because Borrelia burgdorferi is a chronic persistent infection that may last for decades, you would think patients with chronic symptoms would have positive IgG Western blots.
But actually, more IgM blots are positive in chronic borreliosis than IgG. Every time Borrelia burgdorferi reproduces itself, it may stimulate the immune system to form new IgM antibodies.
Some patients have both IgG and IgM blots positive. But if either the IgG or IgM blot is positive, overall it is a positive result.
Response to antibiotics is the same if either is positive, or both. Some antibodies against the borrelia are given more significance if they are IgG versus IgM, or vice versa." -- Dr C of MO
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96227 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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posted
I was researching lymes and it says if IgM are high, it means a new infection or could also mean lymes is been reactivated... I seriously believe its been reactivated. The doc im seeing is in a Lymes Center in nj, so i thought he was gonna be good but when i saw this guy omg he must be in his 80's . He asked what my symptoms are... Im always tired. Even if i sleep for 12 hours... I have bad headaches all the time. My body hurts in every joint... Even if im just layin in bed , my legs start hurting. My short term memory has been effected... For past 3 yrs now my mem is getting bad. I think he is wrong... Like i told my husband... I kno what i feel, its not in my head :-( doc makin me feel like it is tho
Posts: 21 | From Lakehurst, Nj | Registered: Mar 2012
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posted
I am so sorry that you're going through this again! I don't think it really matters if it is a new or a reactivated infection. Bottom line is that you've got major symptoms again and IMHO you need treatment ASAP.
Please post under seeking a Dr and get a list of ILADS trained doctors. They'll be able to do a thorough exam and testing. Most importantly they will get you started on treatment!
Best wishes to you and praying that your recovery is quick and complete!
Posts: 333 | From Lyme Here Too | Registered: Mar 2010
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posted
Yes, I agree with LymeMom Kellye - you need to see a Lyme-literate doctor for the proper treatment. I don't know if the Lyme Center in NJ you went to has ILADS-trained doctors on staff.
Btw - please break up your post into 2-3 sentence paragraphs, as there are people on Lymenet who cannot read large blocks of text due to neurological problems from Lyme. Thanks.
Posts: 8984 | From Illinois | Registered: May 2006
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- That doctor you just saw is NOT a LLMD, not lyme literate. Based upon your report of the tests done, his statements and his non-action plan, he's actually very illiterate about lyme. VERY.
Repeatedly, you use the word "lymes" - so you are getting that from somewhere, you are not reading that in medical articles. If you went to a "lymes" center, it is most definitely NOT lyme literate.
There is no "s" in lyme. No LLMD would ever say "lymes" - ever. That "s" is often a red flag - other than a slip of the tongue or a southern drawl, perhaps, but - really - no LLMD will add an "s" to lyme.
Many MDs will SAY they know about and treat lyme but do not. They follow the erroneous IDSA deceptive thinking. All that is explained in the "WHY ILADS" thread below.
(What ILADS is) . . . WHY you need an ILADS-educated, Lyme Literate Doctor - starting with assessment / evaluation. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Titers (levels) are reported on an ELISA test. Not a good test for lyme, not at all. There are many false negatives.
Still, I wonder if you actually have a POSITIVE ELISA (rare but very telling when it is) and it was discounted by the doctor. ??
Still, there is no such concept as "not that high" - if lyme is present - at all - it is a very serious matter, indeed.
The evidence of ANY spirochetal activity requires prompt action.
IgM will not "be high" - that is not how that test is done. IgM an IgG are western blots and have "bands" - like a lotto ticket, a certain combination tells you more.
You will not have a number as you did: 1.22 or 1.82 with ANY western blot IgG or IgM. That's just not how that test works.
IgM "High" -- well, I'll just use the term "positive" or even just one or more positive BANDS indicates
CHRONIC PERSISTENT INFECTION - regarding lyme.
With lyme, the IgG and IgM are different from other infections that use other western blot tests.
All that is detailed in the "Diagnosing" thread above. Looking back over posts, I now see that LymeToo's post explains this.
-----------
As for your saying that the doctor is making you feel like this is all in your head:
that is what lyme "IL-literate" doctors do to lyme patients. Their ignorance has them convinced of it &/or they may have a dislike for those with chronic complex illness.
Some doctors, though, are not allowed to treat lyme (or beyond a couple of weeks with just one single Rx). They could loose their jobs. Some even receive bonuses for discounting lyme. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Blessed are those who expect nothing, for they shall not be disappointed. Posts: 2258 | From a better place than I was 11 yrs ago | Registered: Sep 2003
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posted
Auntylnn... I tried to send message back but ur mail is full. Thank u for the list
Posts: 21 | From Lakehurst, Nj | Registered: Mar 2012
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AuntyLynn
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 35938
posted
Oh Thanks for that heads up! And ... you're very welcome!
Posts: 1432 | From New Jersey | Registered: Jan 2012
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