posted
Long story short, I had sudden, insane pain in neck and shoulder, and (after unsuccessful visits with orthopedist and primary) was diagnosed on my first visit with an acupuncturist/neurologist, by Western Blot blood test. My IgM Panel 41 came back as "Present, Abnormal" and all other IgMs and IgGs came back "Absent".
When I read the interpretation, it says that TWO of the 41, 39, 23 IgM Western Blot panels are required to be considered positive by the CDC. (I know that what the CDC thinks isn't accurate.)
I am on 2 weeks of doxycyclin prescribed by the neurologist, and my primary has promised to extend that by another 2 weeks if I ask her to, so that's good.
My questions are:
1) Does the blood work mean, since the IgGs are negative but the IgM is positive, that we caught this early? (of course I want "yes" for an answer to this, but I'm concerned that...)
2) I probably have not had a tick bite (definitely no rash) in recent weeks, though I've absolutely had tick bites (no rashes) in the past. I have had *some* symptoms of Lyme in the past, but never anything I wasn't able to overcome with traditional treatments. I want to do whatever I can to not become a chronic Lyme sufferer. What do I do?!
Thanks in advance!
Posts: 7 | From Poquoson, VA | Registered: Nov 2013
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GretaM
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 40917
posted
The best option for you is to find an LLMD or LLND in your area as soon as possible.
As well meaning as the neuro and your pcp sound, two-four weeks of doxycycline, just guessing here, but probably 200mg day?, is not enough to cover the slow growing reproductive cycle of lyme.
Let alone the other coinfections ticks carry.
At the bare minimum, 400 mg doxy per day for 6 weeks. Some say 3 months, some say doxy and flagyl are needed to get all forms of lyme.
An ILADS trained physician has the experience of treating lyme patients exclusively, so will be able to best meet your needs and prevent you from going chronic.
If quite honestly, you're not already. No offense meant, but if lyme was cured by traditional means, all of us here would be cured already.
If you post in Seeking, someone from your area will help you find an ILADS trained physician.
Bet wishes Greta
Posts: 4358 | From British Columbia, Canada | Registered: Jun 2013
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posted
Oh, one other thing I forgot to mention - I was prescribed steroids (6 days of methylprednisone) just prior to my bloodwork/ diagnosis. Now I'm reading that steroids are BAD for Lyme, but while I was taking them I did not have the pain that I have now.
Does it mean anything that they made me feel better?
Exactly what problems am I going to have now that I took them when I shouldn't have?
Posts: 7 | From Poquoson, VA | Registered: Nov 2013
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lax mom
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 38743
posted
Steroids reduce inflammation fast. That's why you had no pain. However, the drawback is that they allow the infections to flourish. Get an LLMD.
WHY you need an ILADS "educated" or "minded" Lyme Literate doctor (whether MD or ND, or both) - starting with assessment / evaluation for lyme, OTHER tick-borne diseases, and other chronic stealth infections - and all that goes along for the ride.
Medical "models" explained here, as to differences in the ISDA & ILADS models of assessment & treatment - and exactly why it is so very important to know the differences. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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