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Cave - How about more of a guage? Yes a tool too - but I guess diagnostic sounds more definate... And considering how the disease works in the first place, some peoples immune systems are effected...which this does show that these particular sets of Killer cells have been essentially comprimised...and for some we know very well that they can be effected while others systems seem to compensate and it doesnt effect them... But I think that ultimately it at least shows that the Lyme has progressed in the individual to a point where it has disrupted the immune system...just as yet another thing to add to the list to support the diagnosis...I guess that is how i see it anyway... King - these are very specific sets of Killer cells within the immune system. Now from what I was told - documentation from an LLMD - Lyme seems to specifically target the CD57 set - and CD8 suffers too. So the theory was to be able to track and diagnose based on this theory...or something like that - think I REALLY simplified that one...anyway - the problem with this - is that it is like EVERY other test when it comes to Lyme...NOTHING is definate and guarenteed. If the Lyme has not progressed to the point where it is compramising the immune system to such a degree - then this test does nothing. Like the Western Blot - which looks for antibodies - if the body has not recognized the infection, then it doesnt produce antibodies, therefore how can you have a positive test... The various tests all depend on what Lyme has done and where it happens to be at the time of the test. Thus leaving us with possibilities for negative tests - FALSE negatives... In your case, i would venture to say - not just from your numbers but from your symptoms, the doc is going to use this test to determine that you have been chronic - for some time and to determine the best course of treatment. The disease has obviously comprimised your immune system...not to mention if you have any co-infections...so a plan has to be devised to treat the whole you - and this test allows the doc to see just how deeply you have been effected... Sorry if this is scattered - having trouble with my words a bit today... 
Christine I know what I am and I know what I am not
Never put it past this disease to be the culprit - but we also cant brainwash ourselves into believing that it is the only thing |
"I am so happy to be a part of the MDJunction family! Where I used to be alone, I now have friends whom inspire me, comfort me, support me, and do not judge me. My new life began October 17, 2008. I weighed in with severe depression, social anxiety disorder and avoidant personality disorder. I was born with complications but I am fighting for my life and I will survive!!" (apieceofwork)
----- I can't see how they can be considered 'diagnostic' when the numbers vary so much---- over multiple tests, through multiple years with multiple patients.