Lyme Disease Support Group

Please tell me step by step the fastest, and most affordable way to get accurate results. The local health department won't even test (in FL). My Neurologist has "fired" me. My PCP is testing for Rheumatoid Arthritis (came back negative) and is probably not too well educated with Lyme.

To further compound things, I do not have insurance...although I qualify for a type of Medicaid. Will Medicaid cover these types tests? Will Medicaid cover treatment?

Since I am a beginner at all of this, please use simple language. I am well-educated, but all of this new lingo is overwhelming.

Thank you and God Bless!

Medicaid may or may not cover Lyme. Not sure on that end. Most Lyme doctors do not bill regular iinsurance and certainly don't work with Medicaid and Medicare because of how these entities limit treatment methods and time spent with the patient.

Some people have gone as far as selling furniture, cars, and other items to have the money for treatment. I used up majority of my savings in order to pay for treatment so far (six months).

The igenix lab from what I understand is totally out of pocket. I am also new to this but my blood work was covered from my approved lab.

The 1st 30 days of antibiotics was also covered & that is where I am at right now. & I also have pa medicade. Good luck!

Also, why can't a "regular" lab do the screening/test? I keep hearing about only using Igenex, or Fry.

What are the reasons that your treatment is so long? Did it go undiagnosed for a long time, and then transition into chronic Lyme? Am i getting this right? Do you mind walking me through step-by-step how you were diagnosed? Send me a PM if you need.

Please forgive my naivete...trying to understand.

Thank you SO much for your time.

So that means I ask for the labs to be drawn, and then what do I do?

Please dumb-down your knowledge. I feel totally lost as far as HOW to actually:

1. Get the blood drawn?

2. Get a Dr to sign off on it?

3. What tests to ask for?

4. What to do in until my results come back?

Okay, go to your PCP (if you know them well and they are good maybe you can call and just ask them to order the blood draw- tell the nurse you don't have insurance). You'll have to explain why you want it from Igenex- It may be wise to be sure they will comply before an appt (if you have to go in) so you don't get charged w/out insurance...

Your doctor orders the test. You go to the lab for the bloodwork. Then you send it to Igenex with your payment. They send the results to your doctor (that ordered it) in about 3 weeks. You can call and bug Igenex everyday to see if the results are done so you don't have to call the doctor over and over.

I went to an LLMD first because I had already been tested through a regular lab. Although my results were negative, I knew I had lyme and the LLMD ordered the test for me. I don't think this is typical (not an expert here). If I had not pushed for the Igenex test and treatment, I would not be where I am today (which is much better, not perfect- yet).

You are on the right track! PM with questions anytime!