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Posted 8/31/2011 8:39 PM (GMT 0)
Ok, so I had a lyme test done that went to a lab in Miami, Fl and the results were equivocal. My result was right on the borderline of 0.90 IgG/IgM. Has anyone ever had a test come out like this? I've had tons of medical problems in the past few years and still have a problem with joint pain and fatige. I have posted on here before and people told me to run, not walk to get tested. I did see where a lot of people recommend a test at Igenex?? labs? Maybe that's where I should go next for the repeat. Ugh! I have so many medical bills and I know this won't be covered..... Is there a screen that they can do that is less expensive? Lastly, do you need a special doc to interpret these results and treat? Interesting my ANA is now negative. I've been on plaquenil for 6 months. Thanks a bunch!
Posted 8/31/2011 9:12 PM (GMT 0)
Hi jeaneac,

Sounds like you had the ELISA test done which is notoriously inaccurate in the case of a long term Lyme infection.

A western blot would be more accurate and one from Igenex lab would be much better.

At this point, however, the best bet would be to get a diagnosis from a Lyme literate doctor. They would look at all your symptoms and give you a clinical diagnosis. They would send your blood off to Igenex and also rule out anything else that might be going on.

Otherwise, you could go to the Igenex website, order a test kit (they are free -- although the test is not free) and go to your PCP and get them to draw your blood for it and then act on the results when they come in. If the results aren't straightforward, then you would need a Lyme Literate Doctor to look at them and give you an interpretation with a clinical diagnosis.

I guess it is just a matter of what order you want to do things!
Posted 8/31/2011 9:40 PM (GMT 0)
HI Jeaneac!
I think I was one of the ones encouraging you to get to a LLMD!! Are you seeing one now? Who has been writing the script for the Plaquenil? Do you have one that you already know you want to use? If this is the case, then I would suggest making contact with him/her and getting an appt., so that you can be evaluated clinically.

You will want one that follows ILADS (International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society) recommendations. You can find a link to ISDA's website in our "New to Lyme?" thread. As a matter of fact, if you haven't yet read through that thread, it would be a very good idea to do so!! It's packed with tons of info and really great links!!

Do you need help to find a LLMD? We do have some links that I can post here for you to follow for help in finding one.
Posted 9/1/2011 12:10 AM (GMT 0)
"The previous testing method utilized the ELISA (Lyme titer) which if positive was then confirmed with the Western Blot test. This was woefully inaccurate for a number of reasons. Lyme antibodies must be present on the ELISA test for a positive result. If the individual was taking any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin, motrin, and advil, this could cause a false negative result. Steroids can cause a false negative result. Any antibiotic consumption could cause a false negative result. Therefore, the patient should be off all over the counter medications and any prescriptions for at least six months prior to the test in order not to produce a false negative result!"

-quoted from:

http://www.samento.com.ec/sciencelib/addons/Undiagnosedepidemic.html
Posted 9/1/2011 12:22 AM (GMT 0)
Plaquenil is an anti-inflammatory medication and as stated above may cause false negatives.

I don't think a W-B would be affected. Not sure!

Please find a LLMD! Good Luck!
Posted 9/1/2011 12:46 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks! I do have a rheumatologist but two years ago he told me there is no lyme in the southeast USA. LOL...... My dermatologist who keeps an eye on my morphea ran the lyme titer. My very first skin biopsy was questionable lyme or morphpea. Then, they did another one and said it was morphea.

I don't think there are any lyme docs near where I live. The last list I saw was there was an ARNP in Tallahassee 3 hours from me! I've had a lot to deal with in the past with my health and it had to be first things first, like a surgery that couldn't wait. I'll have a look at the websites you suggested and see if I can get a western blot test. It seems stupid to repeat the same test that was borderline positive. Yes, it does seem like plaquenil might supress the immune system.

Oh, I've read a lot of cases of morphea have been linked to lyme disease-:)
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