Is a falst positive test possible?

8 years ago, I was had a Lyme test run by Igenex which was posted for IGM and negative for IGG.  A month and a half later, the test was run again with the same results.  I then went to a doctor back in my home state to refused to believe I had Lyme.  He rad the test through his own labs (one that doesn't speclialize in Lyme testing) and both test results came back negative.  My understanding is that Igenex is the cream of the crop, as far as Lyme testing goes, as their levels are much more sensitive.  I have been sick for 14 years with some kind of autoimmune condition.  I have things like Fibromyalgia, hypothyroidism, visual problems, gerd, muscle jerking and twitching, neck and back spasm all the time, muscles twitch in my calves and it looks and feels like a fireworks show going on, memory and focusing problems, and a mryiad of other issues.  I have taken tons of supplements over the years for every other kind of autoimmune condition out there and have never gotten well.  Never tried to treat the Lyme because of the second test results and the doctor's insistence that I couldn't have Lyme because I lived in CA (I know, but many doctors are ignorant).  Any opinions on whether I for sure have Lyme or not would be appreciated.  Thanks.

Kir

[JackieCalifornia]

Greetings.  

Would suggest that you find an LLMD and get tested again, for Lyme and coinfections.  
False positives are possible, which is why LLMDs diagnose on the basis of symptoms aided by test results.

Usually two tests are run, Western blot and ELISA, one of which is more sensitive at picking up infection and one of which is better at identifying Lyme and not confusing it with other infections.  Both tests are commonly used, but the diagnosis remains clinical, that is, based on symptoms.

Igenex is still the gold standard, as far as I know.  Things may even have improved over 8 years.

I am sorry you have been so ill for so very long.  Do try to find an LLMD for a work up.  If you need helping finding one, let us know what geographic area you are in.

I'm not medically trained so don't rely on me in making health care decisions ... I'm just another Lyme patient like you!  

Take care, let us know if we can help.  Best wishes -- and good for you for NOT GIVING UP!!!

[Hope75]

Don't count on those tests.  I was negative on three regular lab Western Blots, then positive ELISA.  Igenex found me CDC positive.  I'll never waste my money on anything but Igenex.

Conventional docs will refuse that your probs are connected to Lyme.  Find yourself that LLMD and get his/her opinion.  

[angelofeventide]

Thanks.  I am currently living in Central Texas and have to go through whatever rheumatologist they send me to through Tricare insurance, however, we are moving back to CA in July.  If you can direct me to a LLMD in So. Cal and Central TX, I would be most grateful.  Thanks!

Kir

[angelofeventide]

Thanks!  I know you are right.  I just need to find one in my area.  CaliforniaJackie, since you are in my home state, can you recommend someone?  I will be splitting my time between Glendale and Ventura and can go to anyone near those areas, or in between.  Thanks!

Kir

[angelofeventide]

One other thing I forgot to mention, my face has dents all over it.  Literally, I have thumb print looking indentations all over my face, and one that is shaped like a stretched out worm, about two inches long over my eyebrow.  No one can tell me what this is either, but I know that it is all related to the autoimmune problem.  

Kir

[wonko]

I agree with the above advice, that the testing is dismal and only a well-trained (such as through ILADS) LLMD can properly assess you for Lyme disease and other tick-borne infections.

As for false positives, that is the line my primary care physician gave me when I requested a Western blot.  She told me that she would not get the test, because she was concerned about getting a false positive.  Her alternative was to tell me not to return to her for "this problem," my then-undiagnosed Lyme disease.  Her strange and, in my opinion, unprofessional reaction to my request for proper Lyme testing is what prompted me to seek an LLMD.

There are many online referral services, see the link below to find advice on how to carry out your search:

http://www.chroniclymedisease.com/llmd-referrals