posted
I just got my Lab results from Labcorp. My doc is on vacation but did let me know I was positive on the Igenex test. Above the CDC Standard for what it is worth.
I opted to start treatment based on sypmtoms about 3 weeks ago and herxed as expected.
My CD57 is 106. Not sure what to make of it. The more I read on it, the more confused I get.
Any advise on what that can tell me from those who have been thru this?
Posts: 8 | From PA | Registered: Sep 2012
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MichaelTampa
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 24868
posted
These CD57's need to be considered in the context of the rest of the situation. I have seen mine go up and down based on what level of treatment I have been getting, so have come to find it meaningful.
I know others have reported their doc says it varies even throughout the day, which made the doc question the usefulness. I tend to get it done always Tuesday/Wednesday, about 2-3PM in the afternoon, so I am at least controlling for that variation.
In the context of your situation, with apparently lots of positives on the western blot, it looks like your immune system is at least working fairly decently these days, despite the lyme. ("Looks like" TO ME, my unprofessional opinion, ...) The sickest have much lower CD57's and have fewer bands positive on the western blot.
I have seen the CD57 get lower with initiation of treatment, so I wonder, was this CD57 blood taken before treatment started. If so, it wouldn't surprise me if it is lower now. If you've started treatment, and it is 106 during treatment, again, kudos to your body for still having that high a score. Don't get me wrong, the score is not great, 200 would be more a healthy number, but 106 during initiation of treatment, if the treatment is substantial, is a pretty good sign that your immune system is not too warn down.
Do you feel you have been sick long? Or more recently infected?
Posts: 1927 | From se usa | Registered: Mar 2010
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posted
Thanks all. I had started treatment and was thru 2 rounds when I went for my CD57 test.
I Have been sick for around 6 months but now looking back, may have been longer. I self diagnosed with the help of this site after my MD gave up.
I thank God everyday for this site and people that care enough to share what they have been through.
Posts: 8 | From PA | Registered: Sep 2012
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dbpei
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 33574
posted
I have read that many LLMD's consider a CD57 of 150 and above as an indicator of positive response to treatment. I don't know what it would mean at your stage of treatment, though. I would definitely discuss with your LLMD.
As Trimom stated, these levels do vary from day to day, even hour to hour by a substantial percentage.
I would be pleased with that level if I were you. Hoping it means you can expect a good recovery.
Good luck!
Posts: 2386 | From New England | Registered: Aug 2011
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ktkdommer
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 29020
posted
I think my ILADS doctor would say that you have Lyme but that Lyme has not severely impacted your immune system per your CD57 level. This would be good news. Maybe you will be easier to treat than those of us with chronic infections and low CD57 levels. You have more working for you.
We are working towards a goal of 120 or higher but realize that the CD57 level may bounce up at the end.
We have found that there is no direct correlation as to how we feel after 2.5 years of monitoring the CD57 level. All 3 of our levels have however been slowly climbing, sometimes after a frustrating dip. We have celebrated the fact that all 3 of us are over 100 now.
-------------------- 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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posted
I would say at 106, you are not a ill as others and maybe havent had it as long. I started at around 50ish. My Dr. said the CD57 is essential to monitor during treatment to see if the immune system is responding and fighting the lyme. So as it goes up, you will be building the immune support. Some people have setbacks. My Dr. stated anything over 200 is good, and after six months mine went up to the max of 360! You can get there, and when you do, you will feel the difference! Good luck
Posts: 148 | From AZ | Registered: Sep 2011
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posted
ILADS speakers have said that this test is useful but not absolute. Some of the sickest patients are high on the test.
This test can fluctuate greatly and they are not sure why. The latest conference had a whole section on this.
-------------------- Faithful
Just sharing my experience, I am not a doctor. Posts: 2682 | From Colorado | Registered: Oct 2009
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MichaelTampa
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 24868
posted
Anyone know if it's possible to get a hold of a recording of the talk on CD57? I'd love to be able to listen to it.
Posts: 1927 | From se usa | Registered: Mar 2010
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