posted
I was tested through for Babesia 6 months ago and it came back negative but I've always thought that I had it (along with Lyme) since I had the recurring fever, air hunger and chest pains. I had read somewhere that the test is only accurate the first two weeks after being infected. I have an appt with a LLMD next week and I know she uses Igenex and was wondering if anyone knows if they have an accurate test for Babs?
Posts: 3 | From Maryland | Registered: May 2010
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Leelee
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 19112
posted
I can only offer my personal situation. I tested positive for Babesia microti with Igenex.
A year later I retested with Igenex and I was negative.
I struggle with those results b/c I so clearly still have Babs symptoms.
I suppose the thing to keep in mind is that with all TBD testing it is "hit or miss".
Best of luck with your appointment. I hope you find some answers and begin treatment soon.
-------------------- The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. Martin Luther King,Jr Posts: 1573 | From Maryland | Registered: Feb 2009
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Pinelady
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 18524
posted
For me known meds taken for hit it. So I am hitting it some more....No pos. test.
-------------------- 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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Dekrator48
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Member # 18239
posted
Dr B says that there are at least 13 species of Babesia, possibly as many as 24...and only tests for 2 species.
-------------------- 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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quote:Originally posted by Dekrator48: Dr B says that there are at least 13 species of Babesia, possibly as many as 24...and only tests for 2 species.
Exactly. A negative test may mean NOTHING.. only that the test couldn't pick it up!
So go ahead and get a test thru Igenex... but if it comes back negative, ask your dr to give you a trial run of babesia meds and see if you herx or get better.
It's very important to get it treated if you have it...otherwise, you won't be able to get over the Lyme.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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posted
positive igenex for babs duncani......but again testing is not accurate.............
-------------------- Oct 09 Positive CDC Western Blot Jan 10 Positive Babesia Duncani Jan 10 Cd57 28 Mar 10 EBV, IgM, IgG HHV-6 IgG Posts: 739 | From NC | Registered: Oct 2009
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posted
I feel certain that they will treat me for babesia as I definitely have the symptoms. What about the drugs used to treat it, did anyone have side effects from them? I know some of the drugs are kind of dangerous.
Posts: 3 | From Maryland | Registered: May 2010
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posted
Nan...we live in Northern VA. Our son was positive for Babesia WA-1 through a Quest test.
Based on symptoms and this test, he is now being treated with Lariam (controversial drug), Plaquenil, Omnicef and Biaxin. This is the 4th week on this combination of meds and so far...so good.
He is no doubt doing worse physically due to die off but nothing that is a huge red flag or that I didn't expect.
PM me if you have any questions you'd like to discuss privately.
Blessings...
Posts: 66 | From Northern Virginia | Registered: Jun 2010
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Leelee
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 19112
posted
quote:Originally posted by Nan in MD: I feel certain that they will treat me for babesia as I definitely have the symptoms. What about the drugs used to treat it, did anyone have side effects from them? I know some of the drugs are kind of dangerous.
I took Mepron for about four months and I don't think I felt much of a difference.
I was also on azithromyacin for about a year and a half. That may have helped with the Babesia too.
Once I went on IV Rocephin for Lyme all my oral abx and treatments for Lyme, Babs and Bart were changed so right now I am not taking anything for the Babesia.
I have read many people that had some sort of reaction with Mepron, but I think I was just too sick with too many other things. When I return to it I may get better results.
-------------------- The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. Martin Luther King,Jr Posts: 1573 | From Maryland | Registered: Feb 2009
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posted
Have been on Mepron and zithro for 2 weeks and no bad side effects yet ( a little loosening of stool, thats about it).
I did get a herx feeling after about 4 or 5 days, symptoms that I hadn't felt for months came back for a couple of days.
Since then I have noticed a slight improvement with my dizziness so I have a lot of hope in this combo right now.
Posts: 41 | From astoria, new york | Registered: Feb 2010
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posted
I have tested negative more times than I can count, on every test including the FISH test over and over.
I have no doubt I have it. Not only do I have every symptom, but I respond miraculously to Malarone. However, I did not respond all that well to a year of Mepron (enough response to confirm I had Babs, but didn't get well) nor did I respond at all to Bactrim and Zith.
My two sons and hubby both tested positive in one shot for it. Two with microti, one with duncani.
Go figure. The test is not reliable.
-------------------- Positive 10 bands WB IGG & IGM + Babesia + Bartonolla and NOW RMSF 3/5/09 all at Quest
Haley
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 22008
posted
I tooK a test on the Asyra machine and I had very high scores for Babesia pantherae.
Even my LLMD who has been doing this for a while was unfamiliar with this strain.
I have never had a positive blood test. I don't know if having this information would help to find the organism in a blood test.
Posts: 2232 | From USA | Registered: Aug 2009
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