posted
I would just like some opinions here whether it would be a waste of money to be tested for all the cos. I've been in treatment for 5 years and doing much much better.
Last week was horrible though but this week is some better. I've never been tested for anything other than lyme.
I'm having some sx that could be babs or bart or both. Should I test or just try to treat?
I have a drs appt. tomorrow again with my new lyme friendly nurse practitioner. I'm trying to decide what to do. She is willing to give me the bicillin shots, too. Not sure I want to go that route though just yet.
If I decide to get tested and start back on the bicillin should I wait till I'm tested to start back or would it not affect the tests?
I will be taking the picture of my rash just to get her take on it. I'm sure she won't know if it's a bart rash or not though.
Anyway, any help is appreciated. This is driving me crazy knowing I'm going downhill and doing nothing.
Sapphire
Posts: 495 | From KY USA | Registered: Dec 2004
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Starfall1969
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 17353
posted
I would think it wouldn't hurt to test for the coinfections. My LLMD didn't think I had Erlichia, but he ran the test anyway, just to cover the bases, and that was the ONE test that came back definitely positive.
It seems that it might be better to at least see what the tests show rather than just medicating for something you may or may not have.
I've heard different opinions on whether or not to go/stay off abx when testing, so I'd ask the doctor about that one, or else do a search on it here before you decide.
Good luck.
Posts: 1682 | From Dillsburg, PA | Registered: Sep 2008
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Sorry if I'm asking questions that have already been asked here but I just don't feel like trying to look through a bunch of posts. I've been waking up with a headache and going to bed with it. I'm not one to have a headache very often either.
Is Igenex the best place to get tested if I decide to go that route? I really need some opinions here. I don't want to waste money on testing if it isn't necessary. Anyone know how accurate they are?
Thanks, Sapphire
Posts: 495 | From KY USA | Registered: Dec 2004
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cactus
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7347
posted
Since the testing is not always reliable - even from the very best labs - if I were you, I'd think about what you want from a positive test.
If you need validation that you have a co-infection, then go for it. Sometimes those positive test results help get us through rough spots in treatment.
Or if a positive test may nudge your insurance company to pay for treatment - then test.
But if you're going to treat for co-infections regardless, and the insurance isn't an issue ... You could watch your response to treatment and adjust from there. And not waste money on testing that may or may not be reliable.
Clongen has some good tests now, too - so that may be an additional option as well.
-------------------- �Did you ever stop to think, and forget to start again?� - A.A. Milne Posts: 1987 | From No. VA | Registered: May 2005
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posted
More likely than not you probably have at least one if not more of the coinfections.
You say you have been under treatment for 5 years..but now have a rash? it could be you have been reinfected and now it includes the co-inf.
I was diag (April 2009) and with no insurance, single mom, having to cut work time yada yada yada I don't really have the money for all the testing ( have tested + for lyme, babasia,bart).
My Dr is great with working with me spacing out the testing and treating the symptoms.
Just a suggestion...
if you can afford testing and want peace of mind go for it...if not just take them one step at a time---there will be plenty of time for this dreaded disease to get your money.
Being new to this "lyme world" I must say I was certainly taken back when not only in April my LLMD told me I had Lyme but the 1 tick bite I had gotten 3 days before my appointment was a reinfection of Lyme---reinfection???? I had no idea of such a thing--go figure
Since you're seeing a LLMD they should have a pretty good idea by your symptons what you're facing.
Good luck and keep us posted.
God Bless Posts: 423 | From Virginia | Registered: Nov 2009
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posted
Oh yeah 1 more note, my Dr uses Igenex and I've been pleased with them (:
Posts: 423 | From Virginia | Registered: Nov 2009
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TF
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 14183
posted
I strongly believe in getting the Igenex coinfection tests. My now famous lyme doc did these tests on me at first appt. Found out I had babesiosis and bartonella. He would not have guessed it in my case.
The docs I recommend all test for coinfections at first appt using Igenex. Burrascano recommends this. I heard him say it at various talks he gave.
I and my friends all got positives for various cos using Igenex. This is very valuable information. It guides the doctor's treatment of you. And, as the patient, you then know that the treatment you are doing is for a disease that you actually have. That really helps you get through the treatment.
Posts: 9931 | From Maryland | Registered: Dec 2007
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posted
Thanks so much for all your thoughts and the info. Now I just have to decide what to do.
I couldn't find the price info on Igenex's site. I know it's there somewhere. If anyone knows the price could you let me know?
Thanks again!
Posts: 495 | From KY USA | Registered: Dec 2004
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TF
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 14183
posted
You have to call Igenex for the prices. I understand the lyme and coinfection panel is over $600.
Posts: 9931 | From Maryland | Registered: Dec 2007
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