posted
I've had two negative blood tests for Lyme, but still very much suspect I have it. I've had to take a leave of absence from work due to so much pain. And it has been progressing every week. Could the blood tests be false negatives? If so, how do I get a more accurate test? Do only Lyme doctors order the more accurate tests?
fyi- I've already been tested for everything else under the sun...MRI, lumbar puncture, etc. I'm going crazy!
Posts: 3 | From New Kent, VA | Registered: Jul 2010
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massman
Unregistered
posted
The most accurate blood test is none.
It is a CLINICAL DIAGNOSIS. Doc makes the diagnosis after an extensive history, a physical exam and perhaps a symptom survey.
We assume we can measure anything and everything using body fluids. We can't. Many MDs do not or cannot recognize this. ------------------------------------------------
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BackinStOlaf
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 23725
posted
If you are going to go the route of the blood test, I would use Igenex lab. They specialize in testing for tick borne infections
-------------------- First Symptom 9/09 Multiple docs, negative Labcorp test LLMD: 1/10 Positive Igenex/CDC test Treatment 2/10 2/10-8/10 Amox, ceftin, zith, flagyl Currently: Bicillin, Minocycline, still dealing with severe breathing issues
Posts: 1121 | From New York, New York | Registered: Dec 2009
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sixgoofykids
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11141
posted
What were the blood tests you have had? ELISA? It's not accurate at all.
As Massman said, it's a clinical diagnosis. Blood tests, preferably the Western Blot, can be used to confirm the diagnosis.
-------------------- sixgoofykids.blogspot.com Posts: 13449 | From Ohio | Registered: Feb 2007
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I called my regular internal medicine doc because I had symptoms of my Lupus and thought I was coming out of remission.
She sent me to a rheumatologist (sp?) Due to all of my past history and dx. she ran pages and pages of tests. One happened to be the Western Blot.
My ANA test for Lupus came back negative, however, the Western Blot showed I had late stage Lyme Disease.
I guess I just lucked out by her running that particular test. I have been very ill for many years. In and out of the hospital for several different things. Lyme Disease is very rare in St. Louis, but thank God, she ran it.
Some people have a hard time even getting a positive Lyme test. I have a positive Lyme test, and no one to help me get rid of it.
Good luck to you.
-------------------- Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired!! Posts: 153 | From St. Louis, Missouri | Registered: Jun 2010
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posted
I'm sorry, I misspelled your user name. "rebmar"
My memory isn't even long enough to scroll down the page to say hello and send a message.
Good luck to you again.
-------------------- Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired!! Posts: 153 | From St. Louis, Missouri | Registered: Jun 2010
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sixgoofykids
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11141
posted
quote:Originally posted by Consuelachacha: Lyme Disease is very rare in St. Louis
Only because it's so underdiagnosed, just like in Ohio. If doctors don't diagnose it, it's rare, but fibromyalgia, lupus, als, MS, CFS, etc., which all can be caused by Lyme are not rare.
No Lyme cases have been reported in my county. My doctor refused to report my case and when I called the CDC, they didn't care.
-------------------- sixgoofykids.blogspot.com Posts: 13449 | From Ohio | Registered: Feb 2007
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massman
Unregistered
posted
Right on that one six. Sorta like if there are 7 auto accidents in front of your house but none are reported, you live in a "safe" neighborhood.
IMO anyone who says lyme is rare in _____ has their head up their ____ !
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sixgoofykids
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11141
posted
Let's modify that to "any professional who knows better ...." many here are innocently mislead by medical professionals they trust.
-------------------- sixgoofykids.blogspot.com Posts: 13449 | From Ohio | Registered: Feb 2007
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