Today, I walked into my doctor's office (a doctor in Texas who has seen just one case of LD in his many years of experience), knowing in advance that my ELISA test came back negative. In the span of thirty minutes, based on some of the files and abstracts that were mentioned on this board, I showed him evidence that the ELISA test can generate false negatives and got him to listen to me about LD and my symptoms. While I understand LD is a clinical diagnosis, he would like a bit more confirmation (he wasn't willing to rule out me seeing a psychiatrist, on account of my neurological presentation of symptoms).

He then mentioned that he could order a Western Blot - a test that is known to be expensive and also inconclusive. I countered this with requesting that he order the Bowen test! I presented the fact that the Bowen test recently received a patent and has become very trusted in the LD community. He said ok, and made the call to Bowen. I went back later to pick up paperwork, and later to get my blood drawn.

At 4:30pm today, I personally delivered to UPS a package containing a "diagnostic specimen", which is being overnighted to Bowen.

All this, despite having difficulty concentrating, remembering, planning, and doing much of anything on account of fatigue and pain.

# of trips to the doctor's office (today): 3
# of dollars spent on shipping: 45
Anticipating a positive result from Bowen: priceless

Wow---I'm impressed. I know you're glad to get the Bowen done. I hope this makes your doctor sit up & take notice that LD is not only arthritis, but neurological, too. Good for you.

I do not understand why Doctors always want to first send us to a psychiatrist for a serious infection.

Anyway, I'm glad you had a great day. Let us know what happens.

My son & I both had the Bowen test which was positive only for LD. Although I was later treated for a few symptoms of Babesia.

You've done so much research-------I know you'll find your answers & be feeling better soon.