It comes with a free fedex package. Have your blood drawn on a Mon, Tues or Wed so that it will arrive at the lab before the weekend via the 2 day fedex.
Make sure you get a copy of your results right away. Most Dr's only look at the "positive" or "negative" overall interpretation, which is absolutely wrong.
Even if it says nagative, you can have some very important species specific band present.
Read Dr C's western blot explanation at the top of the board here. Also read the section on western blots on page 7 of Dr B's paper...here is the link....
My first test done through LabCorp showed exactly the same results as yours.
My Igenex results were VERY different.
You must INSIST!
-------------------- The fibromyalgia I've had for 32 years was an undiagnosed Lyme symptom.
"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future". -Jeremiah 29:11 Posts: 6076 | From Pennsylvania, USA | Registered: Nov 2008
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nenet
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 13174
posted
rebecky, I assume you got tested for Lyme because you had signs and/or symptoms of Lyme and/or coinfections? Can you help us help you by providing some background on your illness and what you have done thus far? Please don't share any personal info, just basic symptoms and history.
More important than testing is going to a Lyme specialist to be evaluated. Testing is not even considered diagnostic by the CDC themselves. They print on test results that Lyme is a clinical diagnosis.
This means that you need to find a Lyme and Tick Borne Disease Specialist (frequently called a Lyme Literate Medical Doctor) to have an evaluation.
Testing is only useful as supportive evidence, as if you get the rare and coveted positive result, that might help you when trying to get insurance coverage.
****Up to 75% of DNA-proven Lyme-positive cases are missed (meaning false-negative results) by Western Blot - per a recent Johns Hopkins study!****
posted
Wow, I didn't know that last part. Pretty scary if you ask me.
Yes, I have had symptoms for the past 2.5 years. Starting with a sore throat that last about 2-3 months. I developed severe TMJ pain, plantar fascitis, extreme fatigue, gastroparesis, stiff necks and daily headaches.
I just placed a call to an LLMD that another helpful poster had recommended. I hope he helps. I don't want to sit around waiting for the next symptom to pop up.
I have a 5 year old girl and I don't want to be sick all throughout her adorable little girl years you know?
My uncle, who lives in CT was recently diagnosed. He developed bells palsy. That's the only way they found out he had it.
Thanks for the replies. Anymore information is appreciated.
Posts: 19 | From Dover, NH | Registered: Feb 2009
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nenet
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 13174
posted
Glad to hear you already know about LLMDs and have a call in to one. I hope they are a good ILADS following LLMD and are a good fit for you.
One thing I would add is to be cognizant of being evaluated for other possible tick borne infections. Ticks and other Lyme vectors (fleas etc.) are known to commonly carry other infections like bartonella, babesia, erlichia, and others.
Tick borne disease testing is very limited and inaccurate, with the weakness on the false negative side (meaning that if a test is wrong, it is vastly more likely to be a false negative).
Here is a very good explanation of testing, written by one the the leading LLMDs:
There are over 300 strains of Lyme causing borrelia, over 20 known types of bartonella, and so on. Testing just brushes the surface. Your doctor needs to evaluate you for symptoms and signs and consider coinfections in your treatment.
Good luck, and welcome aboard. Sorry you have to be here at all, but glad you will be getting the support of the wonderful people here as you are on your path to recovery. You made a smart decision getting evaluated now and getting treatment if you DO have Lyme and/or coinfections - enjoying your daughter's childhood is a wonderful and huge motivator!
Pinelady
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 18524
posted
Don't forget that some of us need to take the antibiotics and then off for over 10 days to get a positive test. They hide in the cells and cannot be found until you kill some of them. So if you have not done this already, it could be the reason for a low reading. But it is something I would read up on before spending the money.
-------------------- Suspected Lyme 07 Test neg One band migrating in IgG region unable to identify.Igenex Jan.09IFA titer 1:40 IND IgM neg pos 31 +++ 34 IND 39 IND 41 IND 83-93 + DX:Neuroborreliosis Posts: 5850 | From Kentucky | Registered: Dec 2008
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