posted
Since i had a positive igM and some specific igG bands, and one that might mean you've had the infection for at least a year (band 31) is it more likely i have an active infection? Since the igM was positive along with the igG
Posts: 315 | From Allentown | Registered: May 2014
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Kasey,
I'm not sure what you mean by "Active" as that can mean an acute infection of recent onset or it can be a long standing persistent infection.
As your tests are positive (even for both - yes, I count IND as positive. Something showed up there for it to register and you have strong specific bands on both IgG and IgM), but even Dr. C explains that just ONE band, either IgG or IgM can be from active infection.
you have current symptoms - "active"
and (I think) you've been seen by a LLMD who concurs that lyme is active, it does not really matter whether it's IgG or IgM or a mix (as yours is).
It looks as if you've been dealing with this for some time. But "active" has no time limit.
You might want to look back over some of the explanations in replies from others for your specific tests. They can explain it a whole lot better. And, it can be a lot to take in.
Be sure to read the Western Blot explanation links, too. But, really, "active" is "active" there is no time limit on that.
We all wonder how, when, why did all this start but that can drive us bonkers. We have before us a puzzle to solve not so much in looking backward in time but by looking forward for what now to do about it.
At the top of Medical Questions, there's a thread about important info - you can scroll down a little to read about the meaning of the Western Blot test.
IND can mean a light positive.
IGeneX rules - for both tests, 2 positive double-starred bands; each stands alone with its 2 double-starred positive results.
Per conversation with them - a single-starred band could happen as a cross-reaction so by itself does not mean Lyme.
When I tested positive for band 31 on IgG my LLMD told me I had had it for a long time. He said that particular band doesn't show up until you've had it for a year. I had ++++ on it, so he literally said I had had Lyme for a VERY long time.
I was also happy to have a diagnosis. It took me three years after my diagnosis to beat it and I've been well now for 5 years. Good luck!
posted
The CD57 seems interesting to get. I wonder how low mine would be or if it would show up normal. Well what i meant is how likely it would be that my immune system did not kill off the bacteria. But i am sure it didn't when i first got it, and that i still have it. Since some things say a positive WB doesn't necessarily mean you have an active infection
Posts: 315 | From Allentown | Registered: May 2014
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- A CD57 is not at all - in any way - a diagnostic for lyme.
It may help in other ways but it's not always much help at all. I would put that money in a different direction.
If money is plenty, then, yes, at some point in treatment, it can help a LLMD get a bit broader picture of how the body is working in some ways -- but it's not at all as good as once hoped. How a patient feels, how they can function is often a better indicator.
To the issue here, though, your wondering or wishing to dismiss the results of your western blots. Not just in this thread but in many others. Understandable, of course. And I do feel for you.
Unfortunately, with the symptoms you have shared, this is not likely to be a mistake. The western blots share detail that IS there. It can't just make up results out of thin air.
A test can "not see" and be a false negative. But if it "sees" enough to show on a band for either western blot, what it sees is there.
If you had no symptoms, I'd say, great. Just keep an eye on it and take superb care. But that is not the case here.
You say "Since some things say a positive WB doesn't necessarily mean you have an active infection" (end quote)
Who are your sources?
Not sure who those "some" are but they are wrong if there are also symptoms, history, etc.
A positive western blot with a clinical diagnosis - symptoms, etc. is pretty clear that active infection is a very serious confirmation and about as certain as you can get.
Can there be other things as well? Sure. But they are not going to make lyme disappear. Often, addressing lyme will allow various symptoms to improve yet, during treatment a good LLMD will cover as many bases as possible.
If you cannot - just cannot - get to a LLMD or LL ND, then there may be some other ways to approach this. Still, a very direct approach is vital, somehow. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Have you connected with any area lyme support groups? If not, just give them a call. Person to person interaction on this topic seems a necessary ingredient.
You can talk to others who have had the same questions as you and also share / voice / express some feeling you have about this. Those feelings need to be heard.
And, in the presence of others who understand, you will see their faces, hear their voices and likely, this will make so much more sense. And they can help you figure out how to maneuver this maze. Maybe even lighten the load a bit. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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posted
Keebler, what I meant to ask is, what if you were exposed to the bacteria but your body fought it off and the igM is still positive? Or does the igM usually fade if there is no infection (or no more infection)
i was told on here about a doc, dr C (complete alternative doc) in PA and i think i will be giving him a call. He somehow found co's, lyme, parasites, etc in someone with a certain machine and this really interests me and it is hard to believe but it would be cool if things like that were really found. I am just concerned about my actual problem being from something completely else like gene mutation, gluten , candida list goes on. But youre right, i probably have lyme
I am not sure i can or want to spend a lot to see a doc who doesnt take insurance. I can take this route first i suppose and see what comes of it
Posts: 315 | From Allentown | Registered: May 2014
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