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Questions about Lyme...how do I know if my treatment was successful?

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Posted 12/19/2011 1:09 AM (GMT 0)
After reading the background information posted in this forum about Lyme's Disease, I feel lucky to have gotten the traditional bull eye's rash after being bitten by a tick. As soon as I saw it, I went to a local urgent care center and started taking doxycycline.  They started a 10 day treatment, which cleared up the rash and the initial symptoms of fatigue and achiness.

As a follow up I went to my regular physician about 2 weeks after I finished the initial dose of antibiotics.  When I explained that I had only gotten 10 days, he immediately got upset and said that they under treated me.  He ordered a blood test, which came back positive for lyme exposure.   He ordered 21 days of doxy (I'm two days in), and put me on the probiotic Align. 

My question is even though the test came back positive does it mean that the lyme is active?  I feel fine physically so I don't know how I can tell.  Is it possible that the test was a "false-positive", in that my body created antibodies to fight the initial infection and are still present? 

I guess I'm paranoid, and in most cases my threshold for pain and discomfort is generally high.  Would I know without a doubt if the lyme was active in symptoms such as achiness, fatigue, etc?

Posted 12/19/2011 1:40 AM (GMT 0)
My blood test showed antibodies for an active infection--apparently the antibioties are different for previous exposure? My LLMD said it is highly unlikely to get a false positive.

I would take your doctor up on a longer course of abx--many primary doctors wouldnt bother--so be glad they are willing to take it seriously.

Ten days likely isn't enough, from what I understand.

I was bit and wasn't treated until 6 weeks later. Had 21 days of abx and wasn't cured. I felt pretty good as well but over time had symptoms worsen.

I would stick to your treatment and pay close attention to symptoms over the next many months. And, if in months or years you develop an "illness" like MS, chronic fatigue, fibromalgia--or one of like 300 other misdiagnosis, get tested again.
Posted 12/19/2011 2:32 AM (GMT 0)
Hi LuvOutdoors,

Welcome to the forum! I am so glad you found our introductory information helpful.

Although it may not seem like it, a positive test result is a good thing. It means that your body is producing antibodies to fight the disease.

Unfortunately, there is no test to know if you have finished fighting. Among the Lyme Literate Doctors, it is generally held that treatment should continue two months beyond the cessation of symptoms.

You could find a Lyme Literate Doctor or try to educate your primary care physician.

Here is a resource to help you:


http://www.ilads.org/lyme_disease/treatment_guidelines_clearing_ilads.html


For many people, the shorter course of antibiotics is enough, particularly when started early. You could just go with this, do everything to boost your immune system and stay vigilant about your health, as worriedinvt suggested.

Being informed is very important, so keep researching and remember that you must be your own health advocate.
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