Going in for the tests tomorrow, please advise!

Hi,

I had posted the other day about having symptoms of Bartonella Henslae infection from my cat's bites.. I was on amoxicillin for a week now, prescribed by the urgent care doctor, due to symptoms of sore throat, painful jaws and some rashes. I never thought of telling him about my cat's bites.

After googling the last few days, came across the lyme disease forum and wanted to share my concerns. I was recommended to see a lyme disease special integrative doctor, which one of the moderators sent me the info and the appointment is made for June 3rd.

I saw my primary care/internal medicine doctor and explained to her my symptoms and concerns. She asked me to stop the amoxicillin and start the doxicycline tomorrow after getting the blood test done. She wants me to be on it for 28 days. She said that will cover both Bartonella and Lyme.

She also gave me a list of blood tests: lyme disease western blot(Igg, Igm), bartonella henselae (igg and Igm), ESR (sed rate), CBC with cliff.

I will be going tomorrow morning for the blood test and start the doxy after that.

I just wanted your input and insight. I am concerned for being on the doxycicline for 28 days, without being properly diagnosed.

I would really appreciate your comments.

Liverette,
From Los Angeles

Lymebabe,

Thank you for replying so quickly. Are 28 days a reasonable timeline? My main alarming symptoms is the stiff and sore jaw. The rashes are mainly gone and the sore throat as well.

Liverette

No. You have to have a special kit from igenex. Also, not all labs will draw for them (depending on their policy for doing outside work). You will need a scrip from an LLMD and then find a lab that has a liberal policy that will allow them to draw.