posted
I had my Western Blot test done last week through a lab in AL. It came back positive for Band 41kDa which from my research is THE band that if positive would most likely indicate you have Lyme. Because I didn't have any other bands showing positive, they are telling me I don't have Lyme disease. My IgG was on the high end 1200 in a range of 600 - 1700 and my IgM was also higher 141 in a range of 60-263. The other issue I have is that I am severely anemic. Can the lyme cause anemia???? or can the Lyme cause issues that can cause anemia?
Posts: 26 | From Tuscaloosa, AL | Registered: Aug 2007
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The following signs/symptoms may be present in those infected with Babesiosis: Fatigue* Arthralgias* Myalgia* Drenching sweats* Headaches* Emotional lability* Depression* Dark urine* Splenomegaly* Dizziness* Nausea and vomiting* Cough* Dyspnea* Fever* Chills* Hepatosplenomegaly* Jaundice* Malaise* Shortness of breath* Bleeding tendencies, bruising* Thrombocytopenia* Hemoglobinuria* Hyperesthesia* Pulmonary edema* Encephalopathy* Low to normal range leukocyte counts* Possible elevated levels of dehydrogenase, bilirubin, transaminase* Anorexia* Approximately 25%- 66% of Babesia patients are known to be co-infected with Lyme disease. These symptoms may continue for long periods of time, decrease, then return. A low Babesiosis titer (IgG) often indicates a chronic infection. An acute or current infection may show a higher reading on the IgM test initially. There are over 100 species of Babesia in the United States but only ONE or TWO species are currently checked by commercial labs.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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Michelle M
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7200
posted
Band 41, while often the band that shows up frequently in early lyme, is not specific to lyme disease like certain other bands.
However, since you didn't get tested through IGeneX, two very specific bands aren't even tested for which you might be positive on.
Also, labs that are not tick specialty labs have up to a 45% miss rate. IGeneX is much better and tests for multiple strains. I would not rely on the tests you have. It's too important.
Not only that, but a doctor telling you that you DON'T have lyme based on (crappy) lab tests has not troubled to acquaint himself with the CDC's guidelines, which describe lyme as a clinical diagnosis, NOT one based on lab tests. The reasons for a negative test (even in a person with lyme) could fill a book.
I would insist on IGeneX testing. Then I would find an LLMD and make an appointment. If your present doctor will humour you, ask him to sign off for an IgG/IgM test from IGeneX -- about $190. Tests 188 and 189. THEN post your results.
I agree with Tutu about co-infections. Regular docs will not even think of them, yet they are more the rule than the exception.
Best of luck.
Michelle
Posts: 3193 | From Northern California | Registered: Apr 2005
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