LymeNet Flash: Can you be negative after abx?

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»	LymeNet Flash » Questions and Discussion » Medical Questions » Can you be negative after abx?

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Author

Topic: Can you be negative after abx?

mip
Member
Member # 9838

posted

Is it possible to test lyme negative after abx? One nurse mentioned to me that some people did turn negative after abx treatment.

She said that is one way to measure if it is the time to be off abx. Is that true?

Thanks!

MIP

Posts: 17 | From Fairfax | Registered: Aug 2006 | IP: Logged |

humanbeing
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 8572

posted

Most of us have suffered because of the innacuracy of the tests. They are less than 50% accurate.

In the same month, I had two negative quest tests, on IND Igenex test and a CDC positive test from Stonybrook...

Would I ever get tested again to see if I can stop abx...NO!

Lyme is a clinical diagnosis and the treatment follows according to the patient response to treatment (reporting symptoms).

Most LLMD's decide to stop treating once a patient is symptom free for two tow three months.

Some also use the CD-57 test from Labcorp. If you are above a 60, they are less concered of relapse.

Once we solve the problem of bad tests, we will solve a whole bunch of problems with lyme.

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We are spiritual beings on a human journey...

www.ruggierogallery.com

Posts: 906 | From CT | Registered: Jan 2006 | IP: Logged |

Lymetoo
Moderator
Member # 743

posted

I agree with human. Don't rely on a test to determine if you should go off abx.

You should be treated until 2 months AFTER all of your symptoms are gone.

--------------------
--Lymetutu--
Opinions, not medical advice!

Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001 | IP: Logged |

mip
Member
Member # 9838

posted

I was tested positive by Quest and had an EM, so there was no guessing work to start the treatment.

This is the first time I heard this "turn negative" test. Hard to believe.

Thanks all!

MIP

Posts: 17 | From Fairfax | Registered: Aug 2006 | IP: Logged |

Greatcod
Unregistered

posted

The ABX do kill the Lyme bacteria in the blood stream, so a blood test, if that is what you had, would be negative. Doesn't necessarily mean you are cured, there may well be bacteria in other body tissues.

IP: Logged |

5dana8
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7935

posted

NO. I agree with Human & the others. A lyme test is iffy at best for picking up lyme. Lyme should be a clinical diagnosis & that goes for treatment as well.

There's many facters involed. How long you have been sick-how many co-infections you have- Do you still have symptoms ect..

Here's a link that explains why you can still have lyme & test negative:

http://www.anapsid.org/lyme/lymeseroneg.html

Hope this helps
Hugs & healing
Dana

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5dana8

Posts: 4432 | From some where over the rainbow | Registered: Sep 2005 | IP: Logged |

Lisianthus
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 6631

posted

My first 2 (IgeneX & StonyBrook) WB's were IND (2 years ago) My latest one after 18 months of abx (May 06 from Igenex) was Neg. but had some specific bands.

My LLMD said that it made no difference what the tests say, you have to go by symptoms. And he will treat me until I am completely symptom free. (As others have said also)

Lisi

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yahoo 360 http://360.yahoo.com/my_profile-UqSNGiA9crUMRW.lFNGN5Jk-?cq=1

Posts: 986 | From Michigan | Registered: Dec 2004 | IP: Logged |

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