posted
I tested negative for the western blot. My doctor believes I have it. My daughter's doctor believes I have it. I have alot of the symptoms. Going to a LLMD in 3 weeks. Should I still do the igenex test or just be treated by clinical symptoms?
Posts: 58 | From GA | Registered: Dec 2014
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posted
Sounds like you did the Western blot from a lab other than IGeneX? If so, and you do IGeneX testing, some people who have Lyme test positive and some do not. You can do a search here for 27 reasons for testing negative on Western blot.
That's why many LLMDs treat clinically, and sometimes, after some treatment, testing comes out positive when the body is strong enough to mount an antibody response.
Posts: 13116 | From San Francisco | Registered: May 2006
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Catgirl
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 31149
posted
If two docs say you have it, you have it. The correct diagnosis is a clinical one, but the test helps to confirm it. Your lyme doc will want to run it, especially if you don't have it, so you can either do it now or wait.
I would probably wait, as he or she can explain it all better to you. Only LLMDs know how to read this test properly.
-------------------- --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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TF
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 14183
posted
Joe Bob, the first thing you should do is get a copy of the Western Blot results.
Get it and keep it in your file always.
Also, if there are any positives, shown as + signs, then post the Western Blot results here for us to see.
You see, you can't count on the test result being negative just because your doctor says it is negative.
Many have had positive Western Blots and yet were told they were negative.
So, your lyme doctor will want to see the actual test result. Get a copy of any lyme test you have had done and take these with you to your first appointment.
If you have some positive bands on the WB, your lyme doctor may consider the Igenex WB unnecessary. That saves you a lot of money.
To read up on which bands are important, see this post:
As it says, even if you have no positives, if you have +/- (which is equivocal) on certain lyme-specific bands, that indicates exposure to lyme disease also.
So, get the actual test result and go from there.
Posts: 9931 | From Maryland | Registered: Dec 2007
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posted
The IGENEX test has given me peace of mind and has helped me to fully accept what I'm battling.
Previously, I had a lyme test, which showed Lyme antibodies, but no bands. I clearly had Lyme symptoms, but mixed opinions on what was wrong.
Prior to the IGENEX test, I struggled with whether I had Lyme. The IGENEX Western Blot came back positive. At first, I kind of struggled with what was wrong.
Now, I'm grateful that I had the test done because it has allowed me to accept what I'm fighting and focus on treating.
You're fortunate to have 2 doctors agree that you have Lyme. That helps.
Did you have a Bulls Eye?
For me, the IGENEX test helped. I think you have to figure out how you feel.
Of course, a negative test result is not determinative with Lyme. You could very well have Lyme even if you test negative (for the reasons mentioned above).
Posts: 20 | From Orange County, CA | Registered: Aug 2014
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posted
You want to be tested through Igenex not for only lyme but the coinfections too. Igenex caught bartonella for us when the standard Labcorp tests missed it. If you have symptoms you most likely have more than just lyme.
Posts: 160 | From somewhere | Registered: May 2010
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