I am currently trying to get organized to get some comprehensive testing done through Igenex, which I understand is the best laboratory for lyme and coinfection testing. Please correct me if I am wrong.
The tests that I plan to have done, are the following:
I got more information about them from http://www.igenex.com/ by clicking on the "What Tests to Order" link on the main page.
Are these tests really the most accurate, worth the cost?
Are there better tests? If so, what are they?
What can I expect when I take the tests?
Is there anything I should take before, during or after the tests? If antibiotics, which one(s) and for how long or should I not be taking any antibiotics and for how long?
Has anyone had any luck getting insurance to cover the tests?
Thanks!
Love, Light, & Health, Jennie
-------------------- My Lyme dx:11/05. My Mom's Lyme dx:5/16. ISO ASAP-Lyme Literate Dr & Neurologist-Prefer IL, IN, KY, MO, OH, TN. Can travel farther. Finances limited. Prefer Drs take Medicare or Payments. Need great list to find best fit. Tyvm. Posts: 701 | From Owensboro, KY | Registered: Sep 2005
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Michelle M
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7200
posted
Hi Jenny.
Do you have an LLMD? If so, you should follow his advice about testing. If not, you should get one if you suspect you have lyme! Because remember, tests are used to support a diagnosis.. not make it.
That being said..
That looks like a good start!
I assume you are from the west coast somewhere since you're ordering the babesia WA-1?
The best and most accurate test results will certainly come if you're NOT currently on antibiotics.
However, if you're newly infected and in that window of time when time is of the essence, most LLMD's would NOT tell you to stop treatment just to try and seek a positive test result.
I don't really know your status... how long you've been ill, whether you're currently on antibiotics or not, etc. So it's hard to say. That's why a good LLMD should be on board!
Some people who've tested negative will do what's called an "antibiotic challenge" -- take an antibiotic for a couple of weeks and then stop for around 10 days and test. This puts antibodies into the blood so as to increase the chances of testing positive. However, since I'm not a doctor, I can't really advise you to do this.
If you've a nice PCP, he could call Nick Harris at IGeneX about this. He's very accessible and helpful to all.
If you're quite ill and pretty certain you have lyme and have never been on antibiotics, you might just go ahead and test -- I did, and had very positive results. However, not everyone does, since some people's immune system is not working as well, depending on the length of time they've been infected.
My opinion is that you will not find a better lab than IGeneX.
You must pay upfront unless you're a Medicare patient. Some insurances reimburse partially, some reimburse most of the cost. Mine returned me a pittance. Your mileage may vary.
Hope you weren't wishing for the short answer!!
Best wishes, dear, and keep us posted!
Michelle
Posts: 3193 | From Northern California | Registered: Apr 2005
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-------------------- My Lyme dx:11/05. My Mom's Lyme dx:5/16. ISO ASAP-Lyme Literate Dr & Neurologist-Prefer IL, IN, KY, MO, OH, TN. Can travel farther. Finances limited. Prefer Drs take Medicare or Payments. Need great list to find best fit. Tyvm. Posts: 701 | From Owensboro, KY | Registered: Sep 2005
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