HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Dr comment about lab test

Support Forums
>
Lyme Disease
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 11/24/2019 4:27 AM (GMT 0)
I have mulled over this statement for three days now. Thoughts on how you would interpret if your LLMD said this in regard to your LabCorp western blot results:

“Well, last test showed three bands and now there’s only antibodies to one band, so it’s getting better”

I know what I think about it and I think I know what most here would say but...initial reaction?
Posted 11/24/2019 4:48 AM (GMT 0)
Here are three articles I'd recommend reading and considering:

https://rawlsmd.com/health-articles/just-how-reliable-are-lyme-disease-lab-tests
https://rawlsmd.com/health-conditions/lyme-disease
https://rawlsmd.com/health-articles/testing-chronic-lyme-disease-really-worth
https://rawlsmd.com/health-articles/hard-diagnose-lyme-disease

The above articles were written by Bill Rawls, MD. If you're unfamiliar with him, he was a practicing OB/GYN who became ill and spent years going from doctor-to-doctor looking for answers. (sound familiar?)

Eventually, he was diagnosed with Lyme Disease, tried some conventional treatments, then found the work of Stephen Harrod Buhner. Over time, using herbal therapy and Buhner's books, Dr. Rawls gradually improved.

Several years ago, Dr. Rawls started a supplement company called Vital Plan that he continues to operate. Vital Plan sells herbal formulations of their own creation, though it's clear that Stephen Buhner was an inspiration. Dr. Rawls has, on multiple occasions, written and spoken about his gratitude to Buhner cited Buhner's influence.

So, the above site (RawlsMD.com) and VitalPlan.com are linked. They sell supplements that contain the same herbal extracts they write about and promote. Just FYI. I'm simply suggesting you read the above articles about the advantages and disadvantages of testing.
_

Post Edited (The Dude Abides) : 11/23/2019 9:53:10 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 11/24/2019 6:17 AM (GMT 0)

Blakeleysmom said...
I have mulled over this statement for three days now. Thoughts on how you would interpret if your LLMD said this in regard to your LabCorp western blot results:

“Well, last test showed three bands and now there’s only antibodies to one band, so it’s getting better”

I know what I think about it and I think I know what most here would say but...initial reaction?

Nope - you can’t use a WB test to determine “its getting better”
This is why many experienced llmd’s dont retest - they rely on symptoms clearing.

The WB is based on the immune system mounting a response to the bacteria...which often doesn’t happen.
Dr J doesn’t retest during treatment.
Posted 11/25/2019 4:23 AM (GMT 0)
This is what I thought, like why would dr even make the comment that “it’s getting better” bc of less bands showing up. I responded that it was a labcorp test and unreliable and she said it shows the body is making antibodies to less infections...sounds so backwards to me. If my daughter was getting better, wouldn’t her body be making more antibodies? Idk, either way, put an unsettled feeling in my mind so I think we are moving on to another LLMD.

Dude, yes, why do we keep spending $$ on unreliable tests and then act like it’s showing tangible improvement?

Just for reference, first WB showed band 41 only. Second showed 41, 45, 66. Third, showed only 58.
Posted 11/25/2019 2:59 PM (GMT 0)
Yeah, it sounds backwards to me, too. I’ve read that some really sick people have few or no bands positive, but once they are treated successfully, then they have many positive bands, indicating their immune system has now identified and made antibodies to the infection.

Is there another qualified doctor you could see? It sounds like she has suffered horribly from treatment. Maybe another doctor would be more knowledgeable and try to get to the root of why she is suffering so much and get her stabilized and on a treatment plan that is both effective and better tolerated. It’s possible that Lyme is not the main driver of her symptoms.
Posted 11/25/2019 3:29 PM (GMT 0)
Screw the tests and the drs! Go by what you feel in your body!
Posted 11/25/2019 6:49 PM (GMT 0)
Walkingbyfaith, yes, I have made an appt w dr K in TN. In general, I believe Blakeley has received pretty typical protocol but like you said, something is causing her to still be non functional and in very bad shape.

Hopefully dr K will be the answer. Hansa center is on my radar as well.

Thanks to all. Pretty much exactly what I was thinking about her comment. Not sure if she thought I didn’t understand and that sounded good or if she just really doesn’t understand.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply