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jileha Posts: 162
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Go see an LLMD and wait what s/he says to your symptoms, whether it is likely or unlikely that you have Batonella or Babesia. Or maybe some other co-infection. This way, you can run much more targeted tests, if necessary. |
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Hazeldee Posts: 251
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PeteG, I am just learning, but apparently, because steroids weaken the immune system, antibodies to Lyme aren't made, so western blots (based on antibodies in your system) come back negative. Not sure about eye drops. Maybe someone else will chime in. I have read that Lyme likes to "hide" in eyes, because it is difficult for the antibiotics to get to them there. I was not only treated with prednisone, but also methotrexate...and then dexamethasone injections. I have a call in to igenex. Will talk to them tomorrow about the best testing options for me to get positives. I will post here when I hear. I am not a doctor. I do not claim to know all of the answers. I am just one person who is sharing my personal experience with pericarditis and various treatments in hopes that the information will help someone else.
Igenex Testing:
Lyme Western Blot
IgM
31 +
39 Ind
41 +
83-93 Ind
IgG
31 Ind
41 ++
Rickettsia IFA IgG
Spotted Fever Group IgG 40
Typhus Fever Group IgG 40 |
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PeteG Posts: 57
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Like I need something else to weaken my immune system  |
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Bettyg Posts: 27275
VIP Member
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pete and hazel,since you've both been on steroids, i'd call IGENEX LABA; request to talk directly to dr. nick harris, DIRECTOR of this lab. explain your circumstances and ask for his professional advise. hazel, western blot and co-infections are right around $1,000 OUT OF POCKETunless you are ON MEDICARE, then you pay around $50 OoPocket. that's too much money to not ask and get a good reply BEFORE spending this $$ you need for treatments/appts. hugs/prayers to you both, bettyg, iowa actiivst BettyG, IOWA ACTIVIST
RETIRED llmd coordinator of 6 yrs; group leader
NOTE: I DO "NOT" USE CHAT thanks!
**************************************
NO INFORMATION SHOULD BE CONSIDERED MEDICAL ADVICE.
please see my WELCOME LETTER/BEGINNER'S LINKS with important links/info galore :)
http://www.mdjunction.com/forums/lyme-disease-support-forums/general-support/2356916-bettygs-welcome-letter-wgood-beginner-links-
Any information provided should not be used to take the place of advice from your personal physician or other professional.
Information on those sites is the opinion of those who publish the sites and is NOT necessarily that of BettyG.
43 yrs. chronic lyme; 35 yrs. misdiagnosed by 40-50 drs. unacceptable; see my profile for more. |
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PeteG Posts: 57
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Thanks Betty, but my doctor & Igenex are already aware of that. I had Igenex testing months ago & being treated accordingly. Igenex was only one of many tests he ran. |
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mj278 Posts: 203
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I wouldn't even bother sending labs for co-infections...jmo. I'd treat based on symptoms and see if you get a response. The money could be much better spent on buying what you need to help boost your immune system, fix adrenals and things like that. If you go to the following website, there is a free ebook available for download, titled....Checklists for Bartonella, Babesia and Lyme Disease: 2012 Edition Just scroll down a bit. http://www.personalconsult.com/posts/checklists-for-babesia-
bartonella-and-lyme-disease.html Feels like everyday I'm alone. Not because I don't have any friends around me at the time, just because no one understands what I really feel like everyday.
I pretend to be happy so I don't have to explain myself to people who'll never understand. |
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Hazeldee Posts: 251
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Yeah, Betty, they are going to talk to Dr. Harris about my case. I am on it. I will wait to talk to them before deciding anything. I know it's expensive, but as you all can relate, I would like to have positive test results first and foremost. Thanks for the book link. I have looked at that one. Like I said, I am pretty positive that I have both co-infections. I'll keep you all posted. PeteG, were you able to get positive Lyme results? I am not a doctor. I do not claim to know all of the answers. I am just one person who is sharing my personal experience with pericarditis and various treatments in hopes that the information will help someone else.
Igenex Testing:
Lyme Western Blot
IgM
31 +
39 Ind
41 +
83-93 Ind
IgG
31 Ind
41 ++
Rickettsia IFA IgG
Spotted Fever Group IgG 40
Typhus Fever Group IgG 40 |
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Hazeldee Posts: 251
Member
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Oh, and there are ways to test for co-infections that are cheaper, which is one thing I am figuring out with igenex. You don't have to get a full panel... I am not a doctor. I do not claim to know all of the answers. I am just one person who is sharing my personal experience with pericarditis and various treatments in hopes that the information will help someone else.
Igenex Testing:
Lyme Western Blot
IgM
31 +
39 Ind
41 +
83-93 Ind
IgG
31 Ind
41 ++
Rickettsia IFA IgG
Spotted Fever Group IgG 40
Typhus Fever Group IgG 40 |
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Hazeldee Posts: 251
Member
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Talked to igenex...steroids could lower the number of positive bands in my western blot, but they say that if I have Lyme, they think it will show up. Also, for the Babesia and Bartonella, the FISH test is most sensitive for both of those. If I have either, they say it will show up with the FISH tests. So in the end, I am just getting the two western blots for Lyme and the FISH tests for Bartonella and Babesia. It will be just under $600 for all of it. And I will have some peace of mind. : ) I am not a doctor. I do not claim to know all of the answers. I am just one person who is sharing my personal experience with pericarditis and various treatments in hopes that the information will help someone else.
Igenex Testing:
Lyme Western Blot
IgM
31 +
39 Ind
41 +
83-93 Ind
IgG
31 Ind
41 ++
Rickettsia IFA IgG
Spotted Fever Group IgG 40
Typhus Fever Group IgG 40 |
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PeteG Posts: 57
Member
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Hazeldee - yes, I had both positive and indeterminate bands so if the steroids suppressed the antibodies, it wasn't enough that the tests missed them. |
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