Lumbar Puncture- spinal tap, anyone have one??

Anyone know much about this test and how the results can be telling of Lyme infection?

My Neurologist I've seen this last year who had ruled out any neuro diseases wasn't interested in performing this test throughout the diagnosis process. She said the MRIs are enough to make a diagnosis.

Now that I've started treating for Lyme (she tested for once- negative) and mentioned antibiotic use she insisted on a lumbar puncture before abx. Lyme antibodies came back negative, and she is still waiting on other results. She did say that my csf protein is high and we may have to put MS back on the table as possibility. Can Lyme raise it? My WBC doesn't indicate an infection in my spinal fluid. Thoughts?

My Lyme WB from Igenex was neg with ind on IGG bands 23-25, 41. Pos bands 58, 93. IGM ind 41.

Positive Bartonella IGG with Igenex.

Girlie- neuro is def not LLMD. She admits that- She said she wanted to do further testing for neurological stuff before "filling the body with antibiotics" which she strongly discouraged me taking. :)

I do have a LLMD, not sure what to think yet. At first he was sure I had Lyme but now seems to doubt it. Prescribed abx, at very low doses. I started Buhner on my own about a month ago just to be safe. Abx make me pretty sick to stomach, even with good gut care.

Thanks for your info!

Mustard- my LLMD prescribed Rifampin for Bart just this week. I've been on Buhners (Sida, Cordy, jk, etc) for a few weeks now and still learning and adding stuff. Just haven't done well on abx, can't make it more the about 7-10 days and my guts are done. To be honest Rifampin kinda scares me- the whole liver thing. But I know, will it be the Bart or the Rifampin...

Symptoms: (began 10/15 with head pressure and neck ache- no known bite)
Crushing fatigue and fog- including psychological- horrible suicide like depression. All new to me- never depressed before. If not for my wife and kids- pretty sure I wouldn't be here now. Just being honest...:(
All over body pain and weakness,muscle aches. Especially legs/shins/feet. Body pain is much less now than in past.
Muscle twitching
Eye pain
Muscle pain/burning in two symmetrical spots on back under shoulder blades. Bothersome to move either arm. (This and the twitching scare me most)
These are just a few of most troublesome...

I get so discouraged by lack direction- not a lot of LLMD in my area so I feel Im on my own. Lyme seems to fit, though now with my Neurologist talking MS again, my mind is going crazy...

Good to hear that! Mine elevated for the first time this summer- I suspect from the infection?? And have slowly dropped since starting some natural treatment.

PeteZa said...
Mokes take this test and see what you get. lymeontario.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Horowitz-Questionnaire.pdf

I healed with Buhners - just saying.

I got 110 pts just on current symptoms, not taking into account those in the past I no longer have.

Thanks PeteZa- I read your story early on and think of it often. Encouraging for sure! I've really had a good feeling about Buhner. I hope and pray to see some success. Glad to read it is helping others.

Scored 103...

Mokes,

youre symptoms are shockingly similar to mine (without the eye pain and feet/shins)...the under shoulder blades ache especially....mine seemed to have begun after stomach acid issues- by any chance have you had any heartburn or excessive belching as well? if so, ive noticed that taking hcl/pepsin helps alot with digestion- in my case the shoulder blade inflammation i believe to be internal inflammation (left side-pancreas, right side-bile ducts/gallbladder), rather than a muscular issues...ive also had the gut issues that preceded it...

YAY, Girlie!!! I was hoping for a lower score, but I likely shouldn't have done the questionnaire today!