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Doxycyline and Lyme testing

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Posted 8/21/2014 5:11 PM (GMT 0)
Hey y'all,

I tried to search this question online and in the forum search function, but could not find an answer.

Since I started on doxycyline 100mg twice daily on Tuesday I am worried that it may impact my ability to get tested.

My question is: will taking doxycyline prevent tests such as the Western Blot from working properly or showing any possible bacterial markers?

Thank you in advance!

Posted 8/21/2014 5:17 PM (GMT 0)
I called igenex about this and they said it wouldn't affect the western blot. It would be a problem if you were running a PCR.
Posted 8/21/2014 5:20 PM (GMT 0)
Hey there Jeff, I started same dose on the same day. How are you feeling? I actually feel great, my stomach's ok, but I think I might be getting thrush already.
Posted 8/21/2014 5:50 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks AML94! I appreciate that.

Rachel,
I really haven't felt much difference. Tho, there hasn't been a worsening of symptoms at least, which was happening for the last few weeks before I started the doxy, so that's a positive.
I'm glad you're doing better.
Did you have all the heart/brain/joints/fatigue issues too? Whatever I have is certainly a strong and persistent little bugger!
Unfortunately, I am still not 100% I have Lyme because my Titer was negative and I am still waiting to see the local LLMD and am hoping he will order a WB for me so we can get something definitive. Though I know the WB is not 100% effective at detecting LD.
I couldn't get my PCP to order the WB because he said the Lyme Titer/ELISA was 100% effective at diagnosing Lyme and since mine was negative that means that I don't have it. Isn't that interesting?
Anyhoo, I just want to get a firm diagnosis. I don't think that's too much to ask. Sigh.
Posted 8/21/2014 6:03 PM (GMT 0)
Now, it WILL affect coinfections testing. I had issues with that when one of my Bart samples had a problem. I had to go off doxy for two weeks before we could redraw.
Posted 8/21/2014 6:22 PM (GMT 0)
Great. Well, how would they know if I have any coinfections? Are there any obvious signs/symptoms?

I don't remember reading anything definitive about that.

Do they assume certain coinfections based on the Western Blot results?
Posted 8/21/2014 6:28 PM (GMT 0)
I'm definitely feeling lymie. I have a ton of symptoms. But the doxy itself isn't causing ill effects thank goodness.

I haven't yet been tested for coinfections, and my first LLMD appt isn't until 11/13!

I did the WB through Quest (ugh!) and had the 41 and 23 react for the igm antibodies and am considered cdc positive, and my bite was five years ago. My doctor still tried to say I was negative for Lyme and the ID doctor said that my body is handling it well. But, I can't really do much other than work and watch netflix.
Posted 8/21/2014 6:35 PM (GMT 0)
Rachel,
That's really really lame that the LLMD appointment is so far out. Do you have an rx for doxy for that long? Just curious what side of the fence your ID doctor is on regarding Lyme (IDSA or ILADS)?

I just called my local LLMD office and the wait for an appointment is only 2 weeks now so I feel really lucky. I will be doing a phone consult with him tomorrow morning (hopefully) so we will see what he says.
Posted 8/21/2014 8:48 PM (GMT 0)
I'm totally disappointed that it will take so long, there just aren't a lot of options where I live.

My neurologist is definitely ISDA. He said I was negative for Lyme since I only tested positive for the igm antibodies and didn't want to treat at all.

My ID doc seems to be split. She believes for treating months on end, if needed, but doesn't think I "fit that mold." She said that it's because I'm not incapacitated. But, I have an extremely high tolerance for pain, and I'm practically home bound at 31 yrs old. Most of my symptoms are neurological and my neurologist has noticed my symptoms have gotten worse just over the past two weeks.
Posted 8/21/2014 9:41 PM (GMT 0)
So the ID doc wants to wait until you are incapacitated to treat with long term antibiotics!? That's pretty sad and does not fit the mold of "First, do no harm."

From all the stuff I've read, the Hippocratic Oath doesn't seem to apply to doctors with Lyme patients I guess.

Sorry you have to go through all this. Hopefully your ID doc will give you enough antibiotics until November. Hang in there!

Again, I am still not completely sure if I have Lyme, though a family friend who's had it is convinced I do, but whatever I have has taken my life away from me and I am sure you feel the same, or worse.
Posted 8/22/2014 3:41 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Jeff, you just commented on one of my threads about Peeling skin. Your situation seems weirdly similar to mine (almost identical), you should shoot me an email (it's visible in my profile). I am also unsure of my diagnosis.

I too have the dizziness, fatigue, peeling skin, bad headaches etc.

Take care
Posted 8/22/2014 3:58 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Stiles,
I will definitely email you later.
about how long ago do you think you were bit? My best guess for me (due to a weird bite and subsequent rash, but never saw an actual tick and rash was not the "traditional" bullseye) was on 6/28 during a hike in Lake Tahoe.
Posted 8/22/2014 4:08 PM (GMT 0)

Jeffissick? said...
Hey Stiles,
I will definitely email you later.
about how long ago do you think you were bit? My best guess for me (due to a weird bite and subsequent rash, but never saw an actual tick and rash was not the "traditional" bullseye) was on 6/28 during a hike in Lake Tahoe.

I never saw a bite either. I live in Virginia but last summer I attended several outdoor music festivals, one specifically where it was very wet and rainy. I honestly have no idea how else I could have been bit, but it was right around then that my body started doing weird stuff. I had skin problems for about 4 months before any dizziness/neuro symptoms.

I was also told by my GP that I 100% didn't have lyme after 2 CDC negative tests. I went months and months before seeing an LLMD and she had me do Igenex, which showed a few positive bands. It was a weak positive, so I'm still on the fence. I've had every other test in the book, but maybe there's something i'm missing if this isn't Lyme.. you're the first person I've seen with a similar skin issue on your hands, so I felt inclined to get in contact. Anyways, I saw in your other thread you just found an LLMD, congrats!
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