I started anti. treatment from my doctor because according to the IGG and IGM I was positive. (My mother and father both tested positive also).
I then went to a larger hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. I went there strictly for a second opinion on medication dosage.
He ran all of the Western Blot tests again and claims that I am negative according to their lab. I was tested for the second time after the antibiotics were taken. He compared before and after tests. He claims I don't have Lyme. (Even though all of my symptoms and IGENEX prove that I do).
This new doctor said that even though IGENEX was positive, it doesn't mean that a person has lyme disease. It could be other "complications". So, I asked what those "complications" could be, I did not get a real answer.
DO I HAVE IT OR NOT??? DO I BELIEVE THE DOCTOR OR THE TEST RESULTS? THIS GUY SOUNDS LIKE A REAL A**HOLE!!! HAS ANYONE EVER HEARD OF SUCH A THING?
Posts: 17 | From MACEDONIA, OHIO | Registered: Jan 2005
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posted
I hate to say this, but you kind of asked for that one. You had a diagnosis, someone was treating you for your problem... and so you asked for a second opinion from an institution that is distinguished for being 'BIG'.
You got one.
Remember that Capital One credit card commercial where the answer to everything is 'NO'... 'and no, no, NO'?
Welcome to the real world of trying to get treatment for AN unpopular disease that doesn't fit into one of the major medical 'profit centers'.
If you feel that you are sick... and do not think you will get better by doing nothing... then you will need to go to the (or a) doctor that is willing to offer treatment.
[This message has been edited by James H (edited 11 February 2005).]
Posts: 714 | From San Antonio TX | Registered: Oct 2004
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posted
Tell your quack to put or shut up. Tell him opinions are like butholes, everybody has one. Let him test you for what he thinks you may have (couldn't hurt) and keep with your treatment. Im going through the same thing. Im currently getting an MRI from a quack who doesnt think I have lyme. Even though I have improved on antibiotics! But going along to see if there is any reason for my back pain. Just in case.
NP40
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6711
posted
A positive from Igenex is about as positive as you can get. The longer lyme goes untreated, the harder it is to treat. Don't turn months of treatment into a life long battle, by delaying. This disease is tough enough to get rid of, and start feeling better with short time infections, much less long term infections. Our son had two false tests, definitve no's on lyme from two neurologists, children's rheumotologist, infectious disease doc, and many others. Stonybrook lab finally found it. After 3 months of treatment he's finally just a hair better. If we hadn't wasted our time chasing doc's who were clueless about this disease, he might be back in school by now, instead of bedridden most of the day.
If your car engine needs a tuneup, you don't go to your butcher.
Posts: 1632 | From Northern Wisconsin | Registered: Jan 2005
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Tincup
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 5829
posted
STARI..
It comes from a lone star tick.. and possibly other critters. It is a strain of Lyme that is not able to be picked up by the OTHER labs. Their tests weren't designed for it like Igenex tests were designed to do.
STARI is often found in the midwest.. and it is possible .. since Igenex tests are able to detect STARI.. that this is the reason the ducks labs missed it.
Taking antibiotics may not have helped the situation either.
My suggestion... don't let this fool fool you.
And take him to the wood shed... give him a whipping.
At the LEAST.. contact the head of the hospital.. carbon copied to the doctor.. and send them some STARI information.
MAYBE the hospital will wise up? At least you will have put the duck on notice that he isn't going to get away with QUACKING again ... and his bosses are now watching him.
I would also send a copy to your local and/or state health department and the lab who ran the test... IF you are able?
If nothing else.. you can at least quote the CDC when they say..
"Negative tests are NOT to be used to rule out Lyme disease."
posted
James is right and lou said it best......"dump this guy and fast", before he ruins it for you by "showing" insurance that you "don't have Lyme."
Igenex does it best, for the very reason that Tincup said, and a few others. If you want to believe this duck at the duck motel, you can. But I vote for getting well!
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