Confused about western blot results

Can anyone give me info on western blot results. First test showed bands 23 igm and 39 positive. I was treated 21days with doxy. Dr retested western blot a week after ending doxy and now only 23 igm positive. Tests were done by two different labs, neither one was igenex. Does the band 39 turning negative mean i am negative for lyme now? Im still having issues and have not seen a llmd yet. Do i just wait it out and see if m symptoms go away. Im so confused.

We can help you find a LLMD - just start a new thread, titled: "Looking for LLMD in/near______" and fill in the blank - of the nearest larger city and State.


Also, when you have the time, please take a look at the thread at the top of the page titled: "New to Lyme?...Start Here!" It's full of good information - symptom lists, info on probiotics, detoxing suggestions, etc.


You can also contact ILADS Physician Referral for a LLMD - Link to website:

ilads.org/ilads_media/physician-referral/

Sarah-That's a blatantly false statement about the Western Blot.

This is from Igenex's website:
WESTERN BLOTS

The Lyme Western Blot tests involve a highly complex visual determination of protein bands, based on their molecular weights and intensities. For both tests, IGeneX uses multiple negative controls to serve as baselines for comparison to positive responses. The IGeneX report form provides an interpretation along with the results in detail for the physician. Two Western Blot tests are available: IgG and IgM.

It goes on to give in depth descriptions for both the IgG blot and the IgM blot.

Kay-the reason you are getting different results is that standard labs don't test properly. I'm just going to guess that the second lab was Quest which is the worst of the standard labs for Lyme testing. It would be no surprise that they failed to pick up the second band. Igenex and Stoneybrook are the only labs that test properly with Igenex way ahead of any other lab. You can contact them directly and they will send you a test kit of for some reason your LLMD won't treat based on your results.

Kay-Family Dr's are simply not knowledgeable enough about Lyme. The one's who acknowledge it exists give at most 3 weeks of doxy. Past that they aren't knowledgeable enough to treat.

Get a copy of your first test. That was CDC positive.
1. The current CDC criteria (used by the IDSA and health insurance companies) for a positive Western Blot are as follows: (a) For IgM, 2 of the following three bands have to be positive: OspC (22-25), 39 and 41.

Start another thread titled Looking for an LLMD in (whatever area you live) Preferably one that takes insurance.
Not a lot of LLMD's take insurance but some do. Since you are CDC positive you should be able to turn in your receipts for out of network reimbursements and blood work and rx's should be covered. You also have the option of doing a full herbal treatment which many people do. There are numerous methods that are commonly used. They have have websites, books and tons of other resources in addition to the wonderful members here who will help you if you choose that route.

The one thing you need to do is start treating in some form. You don't want to let the disease have free reign. If you want to go the herbal route post a new thread asking for advice on which herbal method is most recommended.

Keep the first test (positive) - ignore the second one.

Symptom resolution is what we use to monitor treatment. If you still have symptoms, you still need treatment.