posted
My son, 11, had a bullseye bite at around 2. Following bad MD advice he wasn't treated. He was, subsequently, undertreated twice for 3 mos. Because of growing symptoms, I want to initiate real treatment. For my sake and, especially, my wifes doubting sake I'm having a battery of tests run. He's got an equivocal IgM (ELISA). His IgG on WB bands are 62, 41, 35 & 31. Thirty-one is highly specific, is it not? I gave my wife "Understanding the Western Blot" and what he's come up with is that my son should have at least 2 specific bands. HELP!!
Posts: 40 | From CT | Registered: Oct 2006
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char
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8315
posted
I think you need to get to him to a dr that understands how to diagnose and treat lyme.
You can look for one under the Seeking a Doctor heading.
Good thing is you have your results to take with you. If the tests are equivocal, which they may not be. It could easily be a false negative.
A good LLMD can diagnose taking symptoms into account.
Best Wishes, Char
Posts: 1230 | From US | Registered: Nov 2005
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lymie tony z
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5130
posted
Hey griff...
If I may correct you...the bullseye does'nt bite... It's a bulseye rash one gets after being bitten by an infected tick.
If your child presented with this bullseye rash...NO test is necessary to prove anything.
The proof of infection of a TBD(tick borne disease) is presented by the rash itself...no infection...no rash...
Any way...further evidence of infection would be a positive ELISA...as most are negative...
5 bands in the IGG western blot would prove infection. The IGG means your son has been exposed to tbd's sometime in his short life.
Only two bands in the IGM are necessary for proof of infection. The IGM positive means he has a CURRANT infection and should be treated asap.
Hope this helps....make sure you take a picture of the bullseye rash for "proof" for your physician and find a llmd asap...zman
-------------------- I am not a doctor...opinions expressed are from personal experiences only and should never be viewed as coming from a healthcare provider. zman Posts: 2527 | From safety harbor florida(origin Cleve., Ohio | Registered: Jan 2004
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posted
Griff, I understand your fustration. Fortunately, you are in Conn and are close to some incredable Lyme doctors.
My son, when he was 12-13 was diagnosed with Lyme. We live in Seattle, but we flew to New Haven, CT to see Dr. J. I would suggest you do the same. Our son has improved greatly, going from special ed, to mainstream, and now on to college.
Dr. J is world's foremost Lyme pediatrician. On our past vists we have seen parents who have flow with their children in from England and Austrialia to get help from Dr. J.
Like "lymietony z" mentioned, you have plenty of evidence for Lyme, you don't need any more testing. You just need a true LLMD. Please don't let your child go downhill any more with doctors who don't have a clue. See Dr. J and get you child on their way to health.
Ernie Kent, WA
Posts: 546 | From Cascadia subduction zone | Registered: Mar 2002
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posted
Yes, please go to Dr. J in New Haven. Give a call to their office (hard to get through but worth it!). He works 12 hours a day. Mail your results and he will get back to you. DOn't delay anymore treatment. Dr. J diagnosed all three of my kids (only one had a bullseye). Bullseye- means you are infected already no doubt.
He will also test for all the co-infections- which is so improtant in children. You don't want to miss them if they are there.
The trick with this disease is to catch it early and treat it properly. Don't sit back and wait and listen to the other doctors. I waited with my kids and I kick myself all the time. Dr. J is a wealth of knowledge and will help your child. He also will do consults with your pediatrician should you need it.
Best wishes.
Posts: 238 | From Bethlehem, PA | Registered: Oct 2004
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lymie tony z
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5130
posted
something else also occured to me...
You and your wife may want to get tested for lyme as in a lot of cases proximity may play a role in where the tick or other infected ticks went for a meal after biting your child...
In a lot of cases if one family member is positive there is a good chance more have been infected.
zman
-------------------- I am not a doctor...opinions expressed are from personal experiences only and should never be viewed as coming from a healthcare provider. zman Posts: 2527 | From safety harbor florida(origin Cleve., Ohio | Registered: Jan 2004
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