Excited to have rash, disappointed to be CDC negative...

Hopefully, fellow Lyme patients can understand the seemingly backwards emotions I'm having.

I don't have a classic "bulls eye" rash associated with Lyme.  But today, I noticed a "stretch mark" like rash (and yes, I'm sure they weren't just actual stretch marks!) associated with Bartonella, for which I've tested positive through one of the tests ordered by my LLMD, but not FDA approved.

The rash faded within an hour or so of my noting it, but it still oddly made me happy.  I  suppose living with such an invisible disease still leaves some doubt even in my mind, and it made me feel very solid about my treatment.  I also hop it is a good sign, perhaps that the treatment is working well against the Bartonella?

I also saw my Lyme doctor this past Monday.  I got the details of my Igenex Western blot.  I had been told via phone that I was IgG positive, and IgM negative.  The nitty gritty is that both are negative by CDC criteria.  My IgG is only positive by Igenex standards.

So my IgG is:
39 +
41 +++
and my IgM is:
41 +

I also got a nice picture of a stain showing Hemobartonella mingling with my red blood cells from Fry Labs.  It's on my fridge.
  

[patsy10]

I think the doubt is always there.  I know I have it.  I did have the rash, actually three bullseyes at the same time and I still have doubts.  My test was not positive.  At the time my doctor just ran the IgM.  The results were 30+, 39 IND, 41 IND.  Some call this a positive test as IND is considered a weak positive by many LLMD's.  There is a very good explanation of the western blot on the health pages if you would like to read it. Also mine is a long-standing infection and the longer you have it the less likely you are to get a positive result.   I think it's because there is no definitive proof.  I think I would consider taking  that picture and frame it and hang it on the wall.  LOL!  Just kidding.

[JackieCalifornia]

You might want to take a photo and date it next time you get a rash (if you do) -- it's nice to have for the medical records in case somebody gets huffy with you in the future saying you have no 'proof' of a rash...like if you change doctors or insurance or something, since the drs seem to put great store in those rashes.  

I know someone who got a bullseye rash and took a photo right away before it faded, and by the time the doctor's appointment rolled around, the rash was indeed nearly gone.  Jess sayin' ...

[wonko]

I did take a picture of it!  I didn't know if people would think I was nuts, so I didn't mention it.  And I find myself doing rash checks now.  Still no bulls eye, but the "strech-mark" pattern rash looks just like what I've seen online for Babesia.

I first saw it the morning after I took my first full dose (600 mg) of Zithro.  I take it every other day, and wonder if the rash will reappear?  I hope it is a sign that I'm getting better.

I start a third antibiotic next week, bactim or something like that?  My LLMD takes a layered approach, along with pulsing, so I take some pills some days and others on the odd days.  

I had a lousy past weekend, a little cold can throw a big wrench in the works, but I've been feeling pretty good the past couple of days.  And I get a nice long weekend for MLK and Inauguration.  I'll have lots of time to be on rash patrol, and to rest up and maybe even catch up on chores?