Opinions from my reg dr. and acupuncturist

[pinelady]

I was scheduled today by my regular dr. for a follow up visit than blood test.  I asked her why the clinic did not use IGENEX test lab.   She said that they did at one time but found it not a true test like the Western Blot.  I told her that is not what a LLMD would say and asked her to explain her reasoning.  She said they had too many false positives on things that could or could not of been Lymes.  I asked if my next test would be for co-infections and she said they only do the anaplasmosis since that is the most common here.  I told her I believed there were more co-infections than anaplasmosis.  At this point I think she realized I was either seeing a LLMD or knew what they did.  She did not ask if I was on any new medication and I did not volunteer about my visit with my LLMD to her.  She did assure me that in my case she and her staff would have me flagged as a positive Lymes person and that any further health issues that arise with me will me addressed with the proper meds and that if I have any odd symptoms to contact her a.s.a.p.   She pointed out why they use doxy opposed to what abx's LLMD's use because of the same issues I was concerned about...over use of abx's....liver, kidney and heart issues at my age.  She went on to say that she and the clinic is well aware of the number of Lymes cases in our area and the state of Wisconsin is a stickler for reporting actual cases due to maybe hurting the tourist business.  How funny is that?  She said it if very unfortunate that enough is not being done since Lymes is at an all time high here, in the US and abroad where she studied in Germany.  Instead of giving me the Western Blot today she ordered a blood test for my thyroid.  She scheduled the Western Blot for Nov. because she wanted to see how my immune system was doing since my original blood test last month.  (There again immune system, not dna and blood system.)
My acupuncturist was fascinated by the print out from the LLMD.  She herself being a RN at one time, also was concerned about the high doses of abx's, but agreed on the supplemental and exercise routine.  She is thus treating my immune system.
This whole thing is like a crap shoot in which route one has to journey on to overcome this. I think JackieCalifornia said "one size doesn't fit all".

[JackieCalifornia]

Good for you!!  Keep us posted --

[pinelady]

As posted to JackieCalifornia,  I saw an LLMD last week and have a follow up next month.  I am glad you are trying something new as well.  I did read about Dr. Horowitz awhile back.  Best of luck to you on your treatment!!!!

[pinelady]

I did see an LLMD a week ago and was put on abx's.  The LLMD did not see a need at that time for a IGENEX since I tested positive for Lymes.  I love your replies back to the NY Times.

[mojogal]

First of alll igenex does do the Western Blot. The too many false positives is a typical excuse for non LLMD

There is nothing wrong with taking Doxy but you need more then the few weeks usually given by non LLMD.

I have personally learned now that I am starting over again that you also need an  "intracellular"  drug per the new father of lyme Dr Horowitz as well as pulsing a cyst Buster. This time around, Dr H gives nystatin pills (for yeast) daily. Which for me, makes me feel better, knowing it is fighting the yeast.. I never herxed  on abx before so I am hoping some of these evil bugs are being killed.

Agree with Jackie. Can you get to an LLMD? Good luck!

[JackieCalifornia]

Sigh.  Sorry to hear about your doc's views and approaches.  Sounds like she's feeling caught 'between a rock and hard place'.

Here is part of a 2013 article about Lyme in the New York Times, pasted below in "quotes".  

My snotty comments back at them are between **double asterisks**:
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"According to guidelines from the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), people bitten by deer ticks should not routinely receive antibiotics to prevent the disease. [**Whaaaat???!!!**]

"A single dose of the antibiotic doxycycline may be given in situations that meet all of the following conditions [meaning that NO treatment is given to a patient unless ALL the following are present]:

   (1) "The tick is still attached to the patient and is positively identified as an adult or nymphal I. scapularis (the tick that carries the Lyme disease B. burgdorferi spirochete).  [**And what happens to all the people that the tick fell off of before the doc arrived?**]

  (2) "Doxycycline treatment can be started within 72 hours of the tick bite.  [** CAN be started?  Not "should be started" --?  So ... what are they waiting for??**]

  (3)  "There is proof that at least 20% of ticks in that geographic area are infected with B. burgdorferi. [**So who is doing the statistical work ... the Census Bureau?? ...]

"In general, the risk of developing Lyme disease after being bitten by a tick is only 1 - 3%."   [IN GENERAL??  Is that how docs are supposed to treat to an infection closely related to Lyme ... that being SYPHILIS, which can and does have terrible effects on an untreaed person?]

You get the idea, I'm sure.  
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You say:  "(There again immune system, not dna and blood system.)"  Well said indeed.

Can you find a way to get to a Lyme doc?