HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

any advice on blot

Support Forums
>
Lyme Disease
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 1/16/2015 3:07 PM (GMT 0)
My first blot test showed: 23 igm and 41 igg reactive,now it just shows 41 igg and 58 igg, what does this mean? I know I need to use Igenex but havent had extra money so my Dr. Just did a quest to see if anything changed on that one...
Posted 1/16/2015 7:14 PM (GMT 0)
So this is a Western Blot from Quest? Were you treating in between the two?
Posted 1/16/2015 7:26 PM (GMT 0)
Yes quest, yes... my bite happen July 2014
Posted 1/16/2015 8:38 PM (GMT 0)
bump? Can someone else help? I'm having trouble understanding what you're asking.

Basically, a western blot test doesn't show whether you're cured of Lyme or not. It shows the antibodies in your body.
Posted 1/16/2015 10:12 PM (GMT 0)
It's just showing the changing patterns of the way your body is responding to the bacteria. Each band represents something different about the bacteria, and the body produces different antibodies to each part of the bacteria that it can "see" and attack.

As Sarah said, a WB can't show whether or not you are healed, only that the body is still attacking something and producing those antibodies.

You should see if you can at least bump up to Lab corp - they have a tiny bit better reputation for these tests.
Posted 1/16/2015 10:15 PM (GMT 0)
My LLMD told me that, once a person is treated with antibiotics for Lyme, the antibody tests (Western Blot) aren't useful at all. Even if a person isn't treated, the antibody tests might not be helpful

I remember reading scientific explanations for this in a few of the Lyme books I've read.

It basically boils down to Lyme being very effective at disrupting the immune system...and a disrupted immune system means a wacky antibody response, if any.

Once antibiotics enter the picture, they alone can suppress the immune system (since they wipe out our gut bacteria which comprises 70% of our immune system). Same deal....messed up immune system = wacky antibody response.

I, too, am not sure what you're asking, tbohl. Any chance you could clarify?
Posted 1/16/2015 10:49 PM (GMT 0)
Agreed! Thanks guys... asking just what you answered... i should have clarified, asking what the immune system is doing, and why did 23 not show up... I was questioning if it was ever lyme, but my Dr. Said the same thing as traveler
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply