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New member ? about Lyme's testing.

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Posted 4/8/2011 5:31 PM (GMT 0)
I was wondering if anyone knew how long you can test positive for Lyme's...??

I have been sick and bed bound for 8 1/2 month and I just now remember telling my husband I thought I had ringworm before this all happened. I am desperate and really need some answers. I've already left messages for my doctors, but thought I would ask you guys since you are all going through it.
Posted 4/9/2011 12:20 AM (GMT 0)
Testing is dubious at best. Even those that are 100% sure they have Lyme (bullseye etc) can have a negative test...SO testing really means bupkus.

Lyme can very much be a clinical diagnosis by a good LLMD.
Posted 4/9/2011 6:42 AM (GMT 0)
Antibodies to Lyme can remain elevated for years once one has been infected. Lyme is one of the few infections that elevated IgM antibody levels (usually only elevated during the acute phase of an infection) actually has been documented to occur due to chronic, persistant infection. This occurs because Lyme bacteria can change their appearance and so the immune system is constantly having to make different new antibodies.

If I were you, I'd go ahead and get tested.
Posted 4/9/2011 3:39 PM (GMT 0)
Hi MJewels,
Welcome to our forum! I am so sorry to hear that you have been so ill! I have been bed-bound as well and understand how hard and how frustrating it can be.

If you haven't already, it would help you tremendously to read through the thread at the top of the forum titled, "New to Lyme?...Start here!" as it is just packed with really important information and

informative links that our members here have put together. You will find things such as an extensive list of symptoms for tick-borne infections, and info on detoxing, and even info on testing & how to read the tests.

My suggestion for your situation would be to check out the symptoms lists. If you have quite a few symptoms that are listed, then I would highly recommend you get in to see a Lyme Specialist (LLMD). An LLMD can give you a clinical diagnosis (by symptoms) as the Lyme bacteria can actually hide in your tissues and bones.

Should you need help in finding an LLMD, you can do two things. One is to post the area you are in here on this forum and hopefully someone from your area will see your post and be able to give you more info on a doc that they either are or have seen. Please be sure to not state the LLMD's full name here, and enable the email function so that members can email you & privately give you the docs contact info & hopefully even a little bit of info on the doc.

The other thing to do to find a LLMD is to email our long time member, Dan's Mother at: [email protected]

If you'd like more doctor suggestions, you can email stephanie at: [email protected] You can also go to: www.turnthecorner.org/bod.htm if you want to learn a little bit more about Lyme Disease.

You can also go to The Lyme Disease Association and search for LLMD's 3 times in a month. You have to register first. Here is the link: www.lymediseaseassociation.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=277&Itemid=74

You will want to find an ILADS (International Lyme And Associated Diseases Society) doctor. The ILADS site is a great place to read to get you started on your Lyme journey. www.ilads.org/lyme_disease/treatment_guidelines_clearing_ilads.html

I do hope this helps some. Please feel free to ask questions and post more questions. I'll bet that you'll find us to be a helpful and understanding group!

Once again, welcome!!!
smilewinkgrin
Posted 4/10/2011 12:54 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Jewels:

I don't know the answer to your question. I was just DX in January 2011 with Lyme & Ehrlichisos. The only for sure tick bite I had was when I was 13 or 14 and I'm 49 now. My symptoms came on full force right after gallbladder surgery in January 2010. I think that Lyme can hide dormant in your body for many years and that your immune system can keep it in check until something triggers it (like mine did with my gallbladder surgery).

I would get tested. But, be sure and do it thru an LLMD. Very important. I was tested at a regular lab, came back negative. Tested almost a year later through IgeneX with a positive.
Posted 4/12/2011 8:58 PM (GMT 0)
I cannot tell you guys how much this has all meant to me. I have heard that you MUST be tested thru a LLMD. I was tested yesterday with my PCP for the whole Lyme workup but will try to find a LLMD around here. THank you!
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