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Posted 1/18/2018 11:56 AM (GMT 0)
This is a total newbie question so please forgive me.

How do I get accurately tested for spirochetes in my blood? I want to look into Lyme, bartonella, rocky mountain spotted fever -- all of them.

I don't want to ask my MD first because I've heard most doctors don't know how to look for it properly.

Your advice would be most appreciated... thank you!
Posted 1/18/2018 12:18 PM (GMT 0)
Two options - First is you can order DNA Connexions test yourself without a doctor (urine sample - $500). It looks at a handful of coinfections but not RMSF. If you live in an area that has RMSF and have some of the symptoms you could as your MD to test for it. I was positive for it through labcorp.

Or, you can get an appointment with an LLMD and the bloodwork should be covered by insurance. You can make a list of the coinfections you'd like to be tested for and hopefully they are on board. They will likely have additional tests they like to run.
Posted 1/18/2018 10:24 PM (GMT 0)
Would a regular MD know what to order? My MD is very open minded but she may not know what to write on the lab form. I also don't know what's available through public health care here. Do I just say, "Here are the spirochetes I want to look for"?

Should I also be requesting a CD4+ test?
Posted 1/19/2018 5:36 AM (GMT 0)
Sorry, I feel like an idiot. There's a whole sticky on this forum with an intro to all of this.

Thanks for responding though.
Posted 1/19/2018 11:30 AM (GMT 0)
if you are on Medicare, Igenex would be my first choice to get testing done. You need a doctor to sign the requisition form, to draw the blood, and to put the codes in for your possible diagnosis.
You can call them and ask for the free test kits that they will send to you.
Very simple. But if not eligible for Medicare, then costs for testing can be high. Go online and look at the tests they offer.
Posted 1/19/2018 7:12 PM (GMT 0)

Connor77 said...
This is a total newbie question so please forgive me.

How do I get accurately tested for spirochetes in my blood? I want to look into Lyme, bartonella, rocky mountain spotted fever -- all of them.

I don't want to ask my MD first because I've heard most doctors don't know how to look for it properly.

Your advice would be most appreciated... thank you!

You've gotten some good suggestions, but I wanted to reassure you, we are here to answer those "total newbie questions" too!!!! There are no silly or dumb or 'too newbie' questions. If you need answers, we are here to help the best we can!
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