Considering a Lyme Western Blot re-test. Original test was 2 years ago, equivocal results.
Had 6 weeks of IV Rocephin in 2008, no symptomatic response to my neuro-exclusive symptoms
Currently taking 400 MG daily of doxy before a Lyme re-test.
Is there anything else I should know that can help/hinder an accurate test result? Particular diet, supplements etc to consider while taking the 400 MG/daily of Doxy?
I know the testing is flawed, but hoping for some conclusiveness for the last several years of neuropathy etc...
Thank you kindly
Posts: 247 | From The Country | Registered: Oct 2007
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Pinelady
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 18524
posted
I would be sure and not retest until off
antibiotics for 2 weeks. Have you had any reactions
to the doxy? Most get a lot worse after a couple of
weeks. I do think it is the best shot for those
who cannot produce a antibody/antigen response.
Good Luck and remember to get copies of all test
results. Many are told neg. when in fact they had
borrelia specific bands that should not be
ignored.
-------------------- 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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TerryK
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 8552
posted
My LLMD had me stay on abx when getting the WB. He is a clinical advisor to IgeneX.
I'd call IGeneX and ask them for the protocol. Apparently they have one that should give you more direction.
Terry
Posts: 6286 | From Oregon | Registered: Jan 2006
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Pinelady
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 18524
posted
Yes I would call. When I did in Jan 09 they said no antibiotics.
-------------------- 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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sutherngrl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 16270
posted
I also stayed on antibiotics for WB retests.
Posts: 4035 | From Mississippi | Registered: Jul 2008
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lymebytes
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 11830
posted
The only thing that "hinders" the test is a weak immune response.
I have been on abx 3.5 years. I get yearly testing and never once has it been negative.
So hopefully for you, being on abx helps knock some of the bacterial load down, allowing the body to be able to mount an immune response.
I have found over the years and all the co-infections test I have had (every few months) to be extremely accurate every test based on what I was or was not taking at the time. Really I can't find the flaw in Igenex tests. Again, it would be the body in my opinion that is having the problem with AB response.
map1131
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 2022
posted
Why would you be retesting? Are you not able to get treatment due to eqvicoul results?
If there's still sx and illness then there is most like lyme bacteria or one of it's other good buddies.
Pam
-------------------- "Never, never, never, never, never give up" Winston Churchill Posts: 6478 | From Louisville, Ky | Registered: Jan 2002
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posted
My LLMD thought I would be more likely to get a positive Igenex WB result if tested before starting antibiotics, though he said the fact that I had taken antibiotics for 3 months, then been off them for 1 month, before the test, might already have lowered the chance of a positive one.
My Igenex test came back with more bands showing than one I sent to Quest before starting any antibiotics.
I guess that means my immune system had gotten more active since the first test, after completing the first round of antibiotics and being off them for a month.
I was diagnosed by clinical symptoms and a known tick bite.
My LLMD did not need a positive test to diagnose me, but he believed it would make it easier for me to get my insurance to pay for the drugs over the long term, if I had a positive one.
It is good for emotional support--more people believe you, when you tell them you have Lyme, if your test was positive than if you had a negative test.
-------------------- Don't forget to laugh! And when you're going through hell, keep going!
Bitten 5/25/2009 in Perry County, Indiana. Diagnosed by LLMD 12/2/2009. Posts: 756 | From Inside the tunnel | Registered: Jan 2010
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