LymeNet Flash: Lyme-like vs. true Lyme

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»	LymeNet Flash » Questions and Discussion » Medical Questions » Lyme-like vs. true Lyme

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Author

Topic: Lyme-like vs. true Lyme

jasonsmith
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 10914

posted

What is the difference between Lyme-like and true Lyme? I haven't been able to figure out the difference.

I have a positive C6 Peptide for Lyme disease. (Though the ELISA and Western Blot were negative, I only had a 41K band.) The LLMD I saw said the positive C6 Peptide shows that I have true Lyme instead of Lyme-like.

I never really understood what he was talking about.

Thanks

Posts: 310 | From TN | Registered: Jan 2007 | IP: Logged |

imanurse
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 7022

posted

When he says Lyme like he is referring to STARI (Southern Tick Associated Rash Illness) or another Borrelia organism that looks like Lyme and has similar clinical symptoms but doesn't show ++ tests for Lyme.

Lyme is the common name for Borrelia burgdorferi. Your tests were + for Bb.

--------------------
**Eat Chocolate**

Posts: 942 | From USA | Registered: Mar 2005 | IP: Logged |

jasonsmith
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 10914

posted

Ok, I think I understand. True Lyme is when you have positive test results for it. And Lyme-like is when you have symptoms suggesting Lyme, but the test results come back negative.

Posts: 310 | From TN | Registered: Jan 2007 | IP: Logged |

dmc
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5102

posted

Not an correct assumption jason,
lyme is supposed to be clinical diagnosis...negative lyme tests DO NOT rule out lyme.

Many people have lyme symptoms, test negative with ELISA (worthless test IMO). Some people have tested positive after starting antibiotics.

I know for 17yrs my ELISA tests were always negative....first symptom was Bell's Palsy (classic lyme) but stupid ducks wouln't treat since neg. tests.

Told have MS. Finally found my LLMD in 2003. Did Western Blot, yep got lyme.

Posts: 2675 | From ct, usa | Registered: Jan 2004 | IP: Logged |

tory2457
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 10384

posted

jasonsmith,

Hi, and I agree with dmc...

someone months ago asked your same question and got a reply like this:

you are either pregnant or not pregnant...right?

same with lyme!

find a good LLMD, it's amazing what a good doctor can help you with.

like dmc...diagnosed with MS in '87. Found a LLMD , got a Western Blot, yep got lyme!

Gosh, dmc I really liked your signature..could you tell?

Posts: 158 | From PA | Registered: Oct 2006 | IP: Logged |

tickedntx
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 5660

posted

As I understand it, the distinction is the causal agent.

Bb (Borrelia burgdorferi) causes "Lyme disease". Other forms of Borrelia may cause similar symptoms, but are not viewed as "Lyme" because they are not brought on by Bb.

It would seem to be a distinction without a difference if the symptoms and treatment are the same, but a distinction nonetheless.

Either way, an LLMD can treat.

--------------------
Suzanne Shaps
STAND UP FOR LYME Texas (www.standupforlyme.org)
(Please email all correspondence related to protecting Texas LLMDs to [email protected] with copy to [email protected])

Posts: 977 | From Austin, TX, USA | Registered: May 2004 | IP: Logged |

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