Topic: Igenex- what package to order to prove Lyme
Areneli
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6740
posted
I do not mean to annoy anybody, but would like to inquire about this commonly asked issue. I think I have seen it on this board before explained but search function didn't work again and I have to do some decisions very soon.
So far I have been receiving treatment on provision of Lyme based on symptoms. Time has come, however, that I get to do some real tests proving my Lyme from Igenex.
I have read that if I order a package of tests it will come up cheaper but don't remember details. Does anybody knows?
What do you suggest I should order from Igenex to prove to ducks that I have Lyme? IgG, IgA, Western blot, PCR in urine?
Anybody knows how much such a package would cost approximately and how to approach the whole issue of testing. I have seen the website of Igenex but there are no prices given.
[This message has been edited by Areneli (edited 14 March 2005).]
Posts: 1538 | From Planet Earth | Registered: Jan 2005
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posted
Questions about labs are best answered by the labs themselves--on their respective sites; and esp. Igenex, IMO. They can answer questions that you, yourself, might not have known could satifsy standard(s) of proof for a given test; in fact, you could probably get Nick Harris,Ph.D to answer your question(s) over the phone. Over years, several times when I called,the staff unsolicitiously offered to have me speak with Mr. Harris, if I wished. I declined with one exception, maybe two.
[This message has been edited by pq (edited 14 March 2005).]
[This message has been edited by pq (edited 14 March 2005).]
posted
I went with the WB. That gave me a + test after two - tests from local labs. I think it was $180 for both the IgG and the IgA WB. That's been almost a year ago.
If you include payment with your sample it's cheaper than paying later.
If you call and ask to get a kit they send it to you for "free." It has all the packaging and prepaid shipping with it. You can just download the paperwork from the site and do it that way if you're in a hurry. Otherwise I thought the kit was handy.
posted
Using IGX's special form request, write on there you want results FAXED to your dr. and paper copy snail mailed.
Dr. will have results in 1 week...that's how long it takes them to test all the bands.
Murphy's law happened to me on mine; they were lost 4+ weeks & no one will admit who lost them.
Also, make sure you get the DR. SIGNATURE & DIAGNOSIS CODES so your insurance company will reimburse you a SMALL amount of money back unless Igenex is on your company's approved list.
My BC/BS was returned to me 6 wks. after I sent it out since my blood lab didn't copy the drs. dx codes to IGX's form sheet.
bettyg, Iowa
IAMNURSE, by PRIVATE email, who did you get an appt. with? Glad to hear you got in soon!
Posts: 1 | From US | Registered: Aug 2015
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cootiegirl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 3216
posted
I think an important point has been missed here from the original poster. There is no test that will 'prove' you have lyme. This is the most common misperception about the whole diagnostic process. Especially if you have been sick for a long time - you have a much higher chance of being seronegative (also if you are coinfected). Of all the bloodtests that I have had done, Igenex included, I show negative for lyme disease. But I am being treated by a very good llmd and got a very positive report just this past week - I'm on my way to recovery!
The best that you can do is use a lab that has a good reputation for being very precise in the process. The proper diagnosis can only be done by a physician that understands that lyme is a clinical diagnosis and a bloodtest is only one very small part of the entire process. cootiegirl
Posts: 1728 | From New York State | Registered: Oct 2002
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Areneli
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6740
posted
You are very correct: My diagnosis is clinical so far but I have all Canadian healthcare system against me without any positive lab result.
So that is why: to make my life easier when dealing with clerks, healthcare decision makers, and less experienced with Lyme doctors.
Posts: 1538 | From Planet Earth | Registered: Jan 2005
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posted
Haven't you been pounding down big doses of antibiotics, Araneli? I think you'll want to be off them for a few weeks at least before getting a test, but others may have insight.
I think the Igenex WB is the way to go, though after all the antibiotics you've been on the Reverse Western Blot comes to mind as well.
(Do I have it right, guys? Is the Reverse Western Blot the one you use to catch Lyme after you've been on abx a while?)
Anyhow, you can probably do either, but please do get better advice than mine about how long you'll want to wait after stopping antibiotics to get the test done.
Cootie, I think Araneli is very well aware that you can't 'prove' Lyme, but you can establish exposure if you test positive for the more specific bands. Seems reasonable that it might strengthen Araneli's hand with healthcare system.
Posts: 199 | From Santa Cruz, CA | Registered: Oct 2004
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cootiegirl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 3216
posted
I guess my point to this was it's a big 'if'. What if the tests come back negative or at the very least interpreted as negative. It will only confirm what the ducks are saying. Please don't get me wrong - I'm not anti bloodtesting. It is frustrating to have to put so much hope and weight into a bloodtest to confirm what we know....just a sad component to this whole disease.
I guess it is worth the chance and the $, and if I were to go the bloodtest route, I'd recommend Igenex WB. And yes, definitely research out the business about testing while on abx... cootiegirl
Posts: 1728 | From New York State | Registered: Oct 2002
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Areneli
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6740
posted
I don't want to quit antibiotycs at the time just to produce positive test for LD.
Reversed Western Blot? What is it?
Anyway, I have ordered the kit from Igenex. I may also do PCR in urine (if Western Blot turns negative) after short treatment with Flagil. I respond very well to flagyl so some bacteria must show in the urine eventually.
The plan is that I will send to Igenex both: blood and urine. But they use urine for PCR only if Western blot turns negative and after I pay over the phone for PCR.
Posts: 1538 | From Planet Earth | Registered: Jan 2005
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