littlebit27
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 24477
posted
I had a TON of blood work taken on the Friday before last and the doctors office kept saying they would call me back and yada yada. Well finally I called again yesterday because I still had heard.
The NP got on the phone and said she was the doctors NP and that she really wanted to go over my results with the doctor before they talked to me but I kept pushing, I mean I've been waiting for what feels like FOREVER for these results.
She said my elisa and western blot were negative...I asked if there were any bands positive on the western blot she said no. But she said I am positive for Ehrlichia, which after doing some research learned that is a common co-infection and the NP also agreed it was a co-infection, BUT she said it is showing a past infection not a present infection (WHAT?).
I also told the NP again that they have to remember I was on antibiotics less than a month earlier, because I have heard that can cause false negatives.
Also, my IgG's were low. She said my immune system is not fighting things off as much as it should be. But then wouldn't I be sick more often?
I'm so confused so I wanted to get some opinions from you all. The doctor and NP are *supposed* to be calling back today and give me more answers.
I talked to my best friend with lyme and she has "sero-negative" lyme so she also had all test results come back negative. Ugh, I'm confused and my symptoms are just getting worse. I need to find an answer and soon! Let me know what you guys think. Thanks
Edited; I didn't realize it was hard to read, sorry. I spaced it out some.
I got the doctors name from this website when I asked in the Looking for a Doctor section. I think she is more Lyme Friendly.
I just am confused by the results. I don't understand how I am showing a past infection not present but having symptoms now.
I was also wondering if the ehriclia can be present without lyme disease. Although most of my symptoms do not match that specific infection.
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- I can't read your post - just the first few words - but blood work drawn on a Friday is not always a good start as by the time the lab receives the blood it may not be in the best shape.
The best lab for testing lyme will not accept blood drawn after mid-week. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
| IP: Logged |
posted
You have a right to go to the lab and get a copy of the your own blood work. I have seen alot of doctors and have always gotten of copy of the consult and any lab work that has been done to keep for my own records.
Posts: 207 | From NH | Registered: Jul 2009
| IP: Logged |
Pinelady
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 18524
posted
If you did not test with Igenex I would take it as it is and seek a LLMD to help you. Lyme can hide
itself and other present infections when it is the antigens being tested for. Always get copies of
results no matter what. My doc tried to tell me I was negative just for lack of knowledge.
-------------------- 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
| IP: Logged |
posted
I would be sure you're going to a LLMD, a Lyme-literate MD. It doesn't sound like you are. Lyme is a clinical diagnosis supported by testing, NOT diagnosed by testing. Lyme docs go by symptoms.
-------------------- sixgoofykids.blogspot.com Posts: 13449 | From Ohio | Registered: Feb 2007
| IP: Logged |
sutherngrl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 16270
posted
What six said.....Lyme Disease is a "clinical" diagnosis. Get a LLMD!
Sometimes after you treat Lyme for a few months, you will get more bands positive. For me it took a year of treatment to get a CDC IGM positive test.
It is best to have blood drawn on a Mon or Tue, no matter what lab you are using. That way the blood won't sit over the weekend.
Posts: 4035 | From Mississippi | Registered: Jul 2008
| IP: Logged |
METALLlC BLUE
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6628
posted
If Ehrlicia treatment (antibiotics 1 month earlier), did not yield symptom improvements, and your symptoms are broad and worsening, then you probably have another infection.
Captain obvious, yes? However, whether you have Lyme is something that you need to work with a physician who specializes in that particular disease. I would also investigate testing for the disease using Igenex. Western Blot number 188 and 189 will cover the IGM and IGG.
-------------------- I am not a physician, so do your own research to confirm any ideas given and then speak with a health care provider you trust.
littlebit27
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 24477
posted
Metallic; I was only on the antibiotics for a week. The second day I took them was when the joint pain started.
Update: The doctor apparently felt differently than the NP because the doctor has put me on a month of doxycycline. The doc thinks maybe lyme but wouldn't say for sure. The doc wants to try these oral antibiotics for a month and then go from there. Hopefully they start to help within a month!
Thank you all for the replies. I also asked for my blood work to be mailed to me.
posted
Just be aware that taking antibiotics for Lyme will cause you to herx. Herxing means that the spirochetes are throwing off toxins as they are being killed out.
you will likely feel WORSE before better.... SOME lucky folks go straight to feeling better though...
Keep searching for a real LLMD.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
| IP: Logged |
Pinelady
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 18524
posted
Yes. I agree. I would not expect to see any
improvement for the first 3 months. Which is where many make the mistake thinking it was not doing
them any good. It is a long road. We are not dealing with a easy organism.
-------------------- 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
| IP: Logged |
The Lyme Disease Network is a non-profit organization funded by individual donations. If you would like to support the Network and the LymeNet system of Web services, please send your donations to:
The
Lyme Disease Network of New Jersey 907 Pebble Creek Court,
Pennington,
NJ08534USA http://www.lymenet.org/
UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!
![[confused]](graemlins/confused.gif)
Printer-friendly view of this topic