posted
I have an appointment with a LLMD in April. He won't see me unless I have the Igenex test done first.
I thought lyme was primarily diagnosed by your symptoms not blood tests, since they are so unreliable. I had the standard blood tests done at my regular doctor and a CD 57 test done with a score of 13. I know I have lyme.
I would like to find out what coinfections I have, but I'm kind of uncomfortable that he won't see me before I have the test. I would think he could tell me what coinfections I might have by my symptoms as well.
Should I look for another doctor? Is it better to have these tests then not? Are the tests for the coinfections reliable? Are most of you treated based on your symptoms or test results?
Thanks.
Posts: 15 | From Macungie, PA | Registered: Jan 2010
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posted
He wants you to have all tests through Igenex?
That sound very expensive.
I can understand an LLMD at least asking for the WB through Igenex (my ILADS doc did that), but he made it optional. He never recommended getting co-infections tested there too, due to expense. My doc diagnoses my symptoms, especially for co-infections. And he diagnosed my bartonella several months before I tested positive via labs.
Posts: 584 | From NY | Registered: Feb 2009
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TF
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 14183
posted
I would not look for another doctor because of this. It sounds to me like the doctor wants all patients to have Igenex testing. I'm with him.
My doc didn't offer a choice. So, generally no treatment can begin until the second appt. With this doc's rule, he can actually do something at the first appt. I think that is smart.
The Igenex tests are better than other labs. If they come back positive for a confection, that is reliable, definitely.
But, if they come back negative for a disease, then the doc has to decide based on your symptoms whether or not to treat that particular disease.
I had basically no symptoms of babs or bart, but Igenex found both in my blood. That's how valuable the tests were in my case.
Also, when you know you have a disease, it makes it much easier to lay out the big bucks for the meds and suffer through taking them.
I like your doc's approach. He can see more lyme patients this way, too, which is much needed.
Posts: 9931 | From Maryland | Registered: Dec 2007
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sutherngrl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 16270
posted
LD is a clinical diagnosis, therefore a good LLMD can diagnose and start treatment at the first appt before the test results are back.
The test are used just to back up the clinical diagnosis. Sometimes it can take a few months of treatment to get a positive test result.
Posts: 4035 | From Mississippi | Registered: Jul 2008
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