FINALLY got my Igenex results... care to weigh in?

"To recap, my western blot results from LapCorp (March '18):

IgG Band 41: Positive
IgM Band 41: Positive

Newest results, Igenex Western Blot (May '18):

IgG Band 41*: ++
IgG Band 58: ++
IgM Band 41*: IND
IgM Band 83-93*: + "


Band 83-93 is lyme specific. It's all you need to back up symptoms of lyme disease.

I think you should seek out a LL Dr. for treatment.

Missouri said...
If you are not feeling well, you should get to an LLMD.

I guess I should've included how I am feeling. The main thing I dislike is having zero energy. I don't have a busy/active lifestyle to blame solely for wearing me out. I wouldn't say I'm completely sedentary, either. I work 5 days a week, 4 hours a day. I usually come home from work feeling worn out and sore and unable to go out to visit friends afterwards or do anything, which seems like it shouldn't be so (it's only 4 hours! what's wrong with me!?). I'm mindful of my eating habits, as well. I'm not overweight and never have been (I might be a tad underweight, though. would like to gain a few pounds). Lots of water and avoid caffeine, sugar, dairy, gluten.. all things that you'd think would help clear up tiredness and a foggy mind (but don't, really). it's better on my stomach, at least! I also feel like every joint in my body pops way more than it should. sometimes it's a brief pain, sometimes it's agonizing. It seems as though a different part of my body is sore everyday (usually with no explanation why), whether it's a joint or muscle. I also deal with depression and anxiety, which I know is an energy stealer, but to this extent? I don't know. I am not taking medication for those things (yet. should I? been thinking about it). I do, however, take medication for epilepsy. So I'm stuck wondering if the way I feel is simply from that or if there is another explanation (which led me to eventually talking to my doctor about it and getting a test for lyme). I have been bitten by multiple ticks when I was a child and over the past few months have found a couple in my house, so I guess it's possible..

I suppose it would not hurt to look for an LLMD. I've just heard they can be expensive and insurance does not always cover the visits, so maybe that's why I'm a bit hesitant and want to make sure it's completely necessary, first.

Being that there are certain bands that are Lyme-specific, and your symptoms, especially the "traveling" or "migrating" myalgias and/or joint pain are more than sufficient to think: very much this complex of diseases (Lyme n Co and friends, MSIDS, CFS, ME). 83-93 (Google: "Lyme Bingo") You've got it. Or in more technical terms you have been exposed to this troubling bacteria(s).

My Lyme-specific band was 31. There may be other bacteria (bart, babs, other strain of lyme) as these tests are 50% accurate at best. But this plus your symptoms is a clinical quasi-diagnosis (as in technically sometimes not recognized) already.

I avoid many of those foods too (caffeine, sugar, gluten, etc) and can feel something's still not right. We know our bodies, how we're supposed to feel when normal, but now there is a new lower, pain-filled miserable normal, or 50% of energy instead of 30%, or 70% to Symptom-free on a good or odd great day (if I eat only cabbage salad kits and water)--now it seems I'm sensitive to even small amounts of frozen yogurt (dairy allergy or sugar additive likely) and red meats (alpha gal possible).

I would say see an LLMD and get properly diagnosed and treated, but I myself have not been able to get the latter part of that as my diagnosis and treatment has been critically delayed and/or discouraged.

So I consult with expert LLMD's via their books, webinars, youtube or websites. I would say I probably have mastered the basics of what every LLMD should know. I sometimes self-treat (or self medicate) and take supplements but I'm vainly trying to get the system to work in my favor ie. get traditional health insurers to honor this very real ailment.

Like right now, or today, I had asthma attacks, and my rib cage and back are sore and I did next to nothing today, just wiped down my car with a rag for like 7 minutes. I take psych meds that either don't help or worsen, and only give a sometimes mildly boost of energy and mood.

I wish I had a quick answer for you to go to that is more hopeful, but this system makes it hard if not impossible for that to happen quickly.

Maybe a sea change is happening, or so I hope.

Not without $800 or so for the initial consultation (I looked locally and there is a LLMD nearby but is cash only, furthest I've got is ID doc says they'll refer me to a specialist but they act puzzled when they see me again), plus the cost of IV ABX, and a referral from my "discouraging" health care provider...and sadly I am superbroke from complications of this disease. I could probably do a web consult and have a doctor use it as guide, maybe cheaper that way that is IF health care comes through.

I took grapefruit seed extract and cat's claw the other night and the next day had an episode (for the first time in months), I'm in a toxic environment and they don't understand my symptoms.

xsilverandcoldx said...

borrelioburgdorferii said...
We know our bodies, how we're supposed to feel when normal, but now there is a new lower, pain-filled miserable normal

This goes through my mind a lot. What even is “feeling normal” now? I know it is impossible to live a pain free life. Nobody does.

I was living a pain-free life. Unless you're talking about injuries? I never had pain prior to lyme.

maybe a headache once in a blue moon...if that's what you mean.

Girlie: dang... so it's possible the live pain free!? I'm just so used to being told by my parents that feeling sore is a good thing ("means you're getting exercise and toning your muscles") and going to the doctors is for emergencies only. "Work is called work for a reason". I feel like they'd view me as weak and giving up easy, or straight up just complaining, if I were to tell them how I've been feeling and there's a chance that it's lyme. "That's not a real disease, you're fine", I can picture them saying. It's hard for me to ask for help, so I just keep going and push myself harder than I probably should and keep the pain to myself. I just have myself convinced it's normal and will never change as a way to cope with it, I guess..

borrelioburgdorferii: there's so much for me to research and learn. thank you for sharing! so, essentially, they make you feel a bit worse for a while, but in the long run may help? man.. what a ride.

yes, exactly! it's totally different...

thank you for always replying and understanding. I most likely will need to vent more at some point.. good to know there's a place where I can without having to worry whether or not I'm being a burden. ha!

appreciate it <3