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I was clinically diagnosed with Lyme, but do not meet the CDC criteria. By lab work was done at Stonybrook.
So I am curious and don't want to be treated unless I have to be. Should I be tested by Iginex, and if so, will the fact that I'm currently on antibiotics effect any test results?
-------------------- "Few of us can do great things, but all of us can do small things with great love". Mother Theresa
posted
I have heard that StonyBrook used to use the same testing method as IgeneX but have since changed. Their results are now similar to other labs that come back with too many false negatives. IgeneX uses more strains that other labs and also tests for more bands (16 as opposed to 10) so the chances of getting a true reading is improved.
If it were me? I would have a WB done by Igenex also. But also remember that the testing, even at Igenex is not all conclusive. The Lyme can hide out in the cells and not show up on the blood tests. Many doctors request their patients to go on antibiotics for a spell and then go off of them 7-10 days prior to being tested. They find they get more positives this way, because the antibiotics can draw the spirochetes out into the blood where they can be seen. Dr. Jones does NOT have his patients go off the meds and I asked if this affects the WB, and he said not enough to make it worthwhile. In his experiences he finds the results are not that much different if the patient stays on the medication.
If your doctor feels that clinically you meet the diagnosis for lyme, and there was risk of exposure I think you are smart to give treatment a try, even if the WB is negative. The diagnosis of Lyme is primarily a clinical diagnosis. My daughter's WB were initially negative and then turned positive on treatment.
Hope this is helpful. Good Luck to you!
Posts: 55 | From USA | Registered: Sep 2005
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posted
My LLMd tested me again for WB after 1 month of ABX but he held ABX for 3 weeks beforthe testing. He also tested for all co-infections Bart, Myco, babs, ehlichia. The WB cam back with stonger reading on the bands but when the co-infections came back it was a no-brainer - had all 4 coinfections. After that there was no way I did not have lyme.
Posts: 582 | From milwaukee wi | Registered: May 2005
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