xsilverandcoldx said...
my insurance does cover LabCorp tests, but my doctor did seem hesitant giving me a lab request for lyme (not sure if specifically because it'd be from LabCorp, or just in general), saying "the tests aren't always accurate. somebody fully diagnosed with lyme could get tested and still get negative results."
If your doctor said that about
the Labcorp WB, your doctor is right and knows more than most.
To answer your initial questions:
Does it (band 41) mean anything? Answer: Yes
Should I ignore it (symptoms and positive band 41)? Answer: No. Symptoms will continue to get worse.
What your symptoms likely indicate IMO: Lyme and bartonella, possibly more coinfections
Things to consider:
You mentioned $250 was a lot for you to swing for the Igenex test, so I'm going to give you a heads up and some ideas to think about
before starting on this road.
FACT:
Treatment for Lyme disease can get very expensive and can last a long time. Expect a minimum of a year. Everyone thinks they won't need treatment that long, but it seems most take even longer, especially if multiple coinfections are present.
FACT:
Most, but not all, Lyme literate doctors (LLMD) don't take insurance and can be expensive. They can charge far more per hour than the cost of an Igenex test.
TREATMENT OPTIONS:
* antibiotics (best done under an LLMD who keeps up with latest ILADS treatments and is well versed in identifying and treating coinfections)
* herbal protocols such as Buhner, Zhang, Cowden, Rawls' Vital Plan, Jernigan, Byron White (can be done alone or with antibiotics, full or partial protocols, with or without an LLMD)
* other alternative medicine such as rife, HBOT, homeopathy and more (anything involving equipment tends to be expensive and rarely is curative as a sole means of treatment from my understanding)
RECOMMENDED READING:
Unlocking Lyme by Bill Rawls
Healing Lyme 2nd edition and the coinfection books by Stephen Harrod Buhner