LymeNet Flash: Co-Infection Testing

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»	LymeNet Flash » Questions and Discussion » Medical Questions » Co-Infection Testing

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Author

Topic: Co-Infection Testing

Lily
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 13158

posted

I go to a pretty well known LLMD in MO. When I was there last October, he diagnosed me based on symptoms and a CDC positve Quest WB as well as a positive one by IGeneX. He also thought I had Erlichia at the time.

He did not even suggest co-infections. However, he did suggest that the Doxy/Amox combo might attack other infections as well.

Now, I'm sick again after being off ABX for 4 months and completely healthy.

We are consulting on the phone and he works with my PCP down here.

Still, there has been no suggestion of coinfection testing even though he did suggest that I may be ill with a co-infection now...perhaps Babesia based on the symptoms.

Why would he not suggest testing? Does it make sense just to treat the assumption. Perhaps this is his particular style.

Should I get my PCP to order these tests through Quest or LabCorp or are they just not accurate through them?

Thanks,

Lily

Posts: 219 | From Florida | Registered: Sep 2007 | IP: Logged |

Lymetoo
Moderator
Member # 743

posted

Most coinfection testing is worthless. [most]

He believes in treating for each coinfection, and doesn't test for them unless you want testing.

Didn't you get a protocol which included all the meds for the coinfections?

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

Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001 | IP: Logged |

Lily
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 13158

posted

Hi,

I guess I am just confused. This time around, I did get a protocol for co-infections and we are planning on treating. However, last time, he stopped after 3 months (symptoms went away after one month) and he never even suggested treating for co-infections (except Erlichia which was covered by the doxy).

So, I read a lot about people testing for co-infections and I started wondering if we are missing something.

Are the tests really that "hit and miss?"

Thanks!

Posts: 219 | From Florida | Registered: Sep 2007 | IP: Logged |

daise
Unregistered

posted

Hi Lily,

Information is missing from your post.

For example, how long have you had signs and symptoms? You have had antibiotics for only 2 1/2 months or so and then you stopped?

Testing for Lyme and coinfections is a problem: accuracy. That's why Lyme and coinfections remain a clinical diagnosis.

daise [Smile]

IP: Logged |

Lymetoo
Moderator
Member # 743

posted

Lily,
Did you have a recent bite and that's why all your symptoms went away so soon??

I imagine he assumed since you were "well" that you could stop the meds.

Not everyone has a coinfection.

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

Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001 | IP: Logged |

Cass A
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 11134

posted

If you want to get tested for co-infections, I recommend the Fry Labs. Just get your PCP to order the kit for you and get the blood taken and sent to them--be sure to do the blood draw early in the week.

You'll have to pay out of pocket, as Fry doesn't get insurance. However, the blood draw may be covered.

If you do get Fry testing, get the blood smear AND the titers.

Best,

Cass A

Posts: 1245 | From Thousand Oaks, CA | Registered: Feb 2007 | IP: Logged |

Lily
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 13158

posted

[QUOTE]Originally posted by daise:
[QB] Hi Lily,

Information is missing from your post.

For example, how long have you had signs and symptoms? You have had antibiotics for only 2 1/2 months or so and then you stopped?

I had symptoms for 5 months. I was diagnosed and then symptom free in one month. We continued the abx. for 2 additional months.

Symptoms reappeared after 4 months. I am back on abx.

Lily

Posts: 219 | From Florida | Registered: Sep 2007 | IP: Logged |

Lily
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 13158

posted

quote:
Originally posted by Lymetoo:
Lily,
Did you have a recent bite and that's why all your symptoms went away so soon??

I imagine he assumed since you were "well" that you could stop the meds.

Not everyone has a coinfection.

Although I do not recall a bite at all, my symptoms and positve WB went on for about 5 months before I was diagnosed.

He said, "people who respond as well as you did...I generally never see again."

So, I was really taken by surprise when I became ill again.

Lily

Posts: 219 | From Florida | Registered: Sep 2007 | IP: Logged |

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