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Why retest?

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Lyme Disease
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Posted 11/8/2017 2:22 PM (GMT 0)
Quick question...my llmd wants to retest me using the Western Blot.
The first time I was positive for bands 18, 23, 28, 30, 39, 41, 45, 58, 66, and 93

I have Lyme. Why would she retest? My understanding is that I will test positive for a LONG time. I thought the point was to treat until symptoms stop and then a few months after that.

What am I missing?
Posted 11/8/2017 2:49 PM (GMT 0)
I agree. You should continue treatment for as long as you have symptoms then add 2 or 3 months more. Since you tested positive there is no reason to spend more money, and save it for treatment costs. Besides if the next test shows negative your insurance may discontinue coverage for other lyme treatment and related labs work. A negative test doesn't mean you no longer have lyme, just that none was detected in that blood sample.
Posted 11/8/2017 6:38 PM (GMT 0)
As tickbite666 explained - no need to retest.

A positive was obtained...that's all you need.

...and if you get a negative, it just means that your immune system isn't able to mount a response. This could happen during treatment.
If you get another positive...it doesn't mean anything either. Your immune system can continue to produce antibodies even after you've healed.

Yes - treat until symptoms are gone.

I would have a discussion with the Dr. and explain you don't want to risk having a negative now and it affecting your treatment.
Posted 11/8/2017 11:26 PM (GMT 0)
My GP has refused to acknowledge my positive test and claims they need to be redone by another UK facility. They are not even treating me until it is done. This facility has previously given me neg results. It is causing more stress and increase in conditions. I have become intolerant to a few meds and they are not even addressing this problem.sad(((
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