Contradicting test results / symptoms

Doc #1 ran Lyme test which came back negative. I assume it was the ELISA test. He wouldn't do the WB test.

Doc #2 sent blood to Arminlabs test which came back positive (results below)
Borrelia b. Full antigen = 3
Borrelia b. OSP-Mix = 4
Borrelia burg dormers LPA-1 = 3
Bart.henselae EliSpot =2
Babesia microti EliSpot = 2
0-1 = negative
2-3 = weak positive
4+ = positive

Symptoms started 3 years ago;
Numb left side of face on occasion
Tingling toes
Tinnitus (maybe from hearing damage)
Seizures (every 2 months, normal for 7 weeks, then minor seizure on day1, seizure intensity will increase each day and peak on day 4, then decrease to day 7. Then the cycle repeats, normal for 7 weeks.........)

Any words of wisdom? With contradicting test results I'm not sure what to do.

Hi Montrose -

In reality, your results don't conflict. You're right in that the initial test was probably an ELISA, which is simply measuring immune response to "something". Your second test was specific to the Lyme microbe, Borrelia burgdorferi.

I'm unfamiliar with the Arminlabs test, but the results CLEARLY indicate antibody response to Lyme DNA parts (that is indicated by the "OSPA-mix" - different parts of the spirochete have proteins or Outer-Surface-Proteins that cause a specific antibody reaction that the tests are looking for).

So not only did your immune system react to some Borrelia burgdorferi DNA (OSP), the volume of reaction was relatively high or a "4". Without knowing exactly which antibodies the test found, which would be identified in a Western Blot, it's safe to assume these immune responses aren't caused by anything other than the Lyme microbe.

Even the CDC recognizes that Lyme disease is a CLINICAL diagnosis - they provide a statement on their website (albeit pretty well hidden along with a ton of other confusing information). Any knowledgeable Lyme specialist will also easily identify your Lyme symptoms within the context for the positive test result as Lyme disease. I'm sorry for the diagnosis but it's really good that you know. Many people are left with a lot less information than what you have.

Next Steps
Please consider a few "next steps" and be sure to ask any questions that come up - we're here to help and there are wonderful, smart people on this forum who've been where you are and have done valuable research on Lyme.

Step 1:
I would advise that you quickly get an appointment with a Lyme-literate MD or LLMD or Naturopath doctor. First, post a new thread with the subject title "Looking for an LLMD in/near _______" (and indicate the metro area closest to you.) Most Lyme specialists have a packed calendar and a long waiting list - make an appointment and also ask to be placed on the waiting list for cancellations, and check back frequently with a friendly inquiry.

Please email Girlie, our head mod, and she can help you with contact info for LLMDs in your area to consider. You can find her email address in her profile. Or click here:
www.healingwell.com/community/profile.aspx?f=30&p=197951

I'm also a mod but not around as consistently but will help however I can.

Y​​ou can go to ​​The Lyme Disease Association and search for LLMD's 3 times in a month. You have to register first. Here is the link:
​​www.lymediseaseassociation.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=277&Itemid=74​

Y​ou can email ​the​ Tick-Borne Disease Alliance at​: [email protected]​

ILADS has their own referral system as well:
​​​ilads.org/ilads_media/physician-referral/

And www.LymeDoc.org

You will want to find an ILADS trained doctor, as ID Docs (Infectious Disease Doctors) as well as many others, believe Lyme is hard to catch and easy to treat, and don't believe in the reality of chronic Lyme. Go to the ILADS site to read the new (2014) Treatment guidelines to get you started on your healing journey: www.ilads.org/lyme/treatment-guideline.php

Lyme coaching
www.lymecoaching.com/#!schedule-a-call/c1gzt

Another issue about Infectious Diseases (ID) docs note when trying to find a specialist:
ID docs are notoriously allegiant to the outdated Lyme dogma and most won't give you the time of day without a CDC-positive Western Blot and even then might ignore it with some ridiculous explanation and certainly won't treat you effectively. Nearly all follow the IDSA (ID Society of America) Guidelines for lyme, which has been horrifically negligent in effective diagnostics and treatment of lyme and coinfections. Millions of Americans either have no idea they have lyme because of uneducated MDs and poor etiology/testing, are currently misdiagnosed or are being mistreated, and many are suffering needlessly due to these archaic and dangerous guidelines.

And here is another option some people have benefited from:
How to utilize a PCP to support your Lyme & Co tx:
www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=30&m=3863102&g=3863131#m3863131


Step 2:
There are quite a few things you should do while you're waiting to get into the specialist. Learning as much as you can about Lyme will help you every step of the way before and during your treatment.

Please review the "New to Lyme?" thread info at the top of the page - it has invaluable information about diagnosis, symptoms, treatment, etc. and will help you prepare for your first appointment.
www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=30&m=1606610
​
Don't hesitate to ask any questions you might have.

Step 3:
Please complete a symptom and health history questionnaire - this will help you prepare for your appt AND will help the specialist understand the context for your visit, will help clinically diagnose you and will help prioritize treatment approach.

Jernigan's symptom list:
www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=30&m=3673749&g=3673789#m3673789


Step 4:
And also, while you're waiting, you can make some progress learning how your body likes to detox, where it needs help, and what you can do that might help address some symptoms. We have a lot of good info on the forum ready for you when you are ready.

Hope that is helpful -

-p

Those results show - Borrelia, bartonella, and babesia.