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08/12/2007 19:39
catsgalore
Posts: 27
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I have my Igenex test kit & an appt. for Tuesday. The tests I am supposed to have are the IgG & IgM Western blots, the Lyme IFA, & the PCR. What are the IFA & PCR tests? Do I really need those? The total cost would be $450. If I just do the IgG & IgM, it would be $245. If I added the PCR but not the IFA, it would be $390.

Advice?

Pam

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08/14/2007 06:20
jaime1978
Lime Green Ribbon
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my llmd did I think only one or the other of the IgG, or IgM...not sure which...what ever was $95..... I would just do the two listed above, get a starting point...but I am NOT a doctor, and I do not know what the others are... do you have a doctor?? is he suggesting you do these tests?
Please do not take anything I say as medical advice. I am not a doctor.

~lyme disease support group leader~
please pm me with any special concerns
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08/14/2007 08:39
catsgalore
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No, I am doing these on my own. My doctors say I don't have to treat, that I am negative, but I worry about those 23 & 41 bands on the WB, especially the 23. I have an appt in Madison (WI) next week with Dr G who will test me. He is homeopathic & my Cdiff nutritionist say that people from all over WI go to him.

Pam

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08/16/2007 10:57
erleichda
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My LLMD had me get the $190 IgG & IgM Western Blots to start. You can always go back and test for other things later.

The IFA and PCR are similar to the ELISA. Physicians who are not LLMDs will run one of these tests first. If it is negative, they tell you that you do not have Lyme. If it is positive, then they run a Western Blot to confirm that result.

In my opinion, you do not need them, but I am not a doctor.

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08/16/2007 11:28
catsgalore
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Lori,

My doctor won't sign off on the Igenex test! He says I've had 2 negative Western blots & that's enough! I have a call in to my women's health doctor in Madison (WI) to see if she will sign it. It's so frustrating.

I may make an appt with Dr M in Fond du Lac.

Pam

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08/16/2007 12:34
erleichda
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I'm so sorry, what a jerk. If you're close to your women's health doctor and she will give you the results afterward, then that will probably be quicker. Otherwise, try to get in to an LLMD because you might have to see one anyway. Is Dr. M the homeopath or the one with the supplements?
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09/28/2007 18:41
deputy643
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Hello,

You may wan't to call them, to see if they can do a payment plan. If you have insurance, it will be reimbursed. Good Luck!

Take care,

Leslie

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