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4451049 tn?1387153437

IGenex for coinfections?

Is the IGenex testing for coinfections at least as accurate as the Lyme testing through them??  I know it's nowhere close to 100%.  But I really do not have a clue.  Just trying to figure out if it is even worth the expense.  Any of you test positive for coinfections?  If so, which ones and what method?

I'd so appreciate any leads!!

Thanks!
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Avatar universal
Wanted to mention as well that Lyme treatment wont work quite often if in mold
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Avatar universal
I know this is an old post,  but if you get this... I strongly suspect you have Toxic Mold Illness. This results from living or working in water damaged buildings. It brings Lyme out of hiding as well. Most Lyme patients are susceptible to Mold toxicity genetically. And word of warning, only a functional/integrative/naturopathic Dr will know about Toxic Mold. Forget the regular MDs.
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4451049 tn?1387153437
Yes, my doctor does treat based on symptoms.  I'm just confused by my lack of response to treatment.  Of course, I probably haven't treated for nearly long enough to benefit but I just thought that maybe I would have some type of herx or something.  I know not everyone herxes, but I was just sort of relying on that.  And I sort think my doc somewhat relies on response to treatment as well.  

I am just having some issues in committing to additional medication for a lengthy amount of time to treat a condition that I may not even have.  And, of course doctors rarely admit when they don't know.  But I just sort of sense that maybe my doc doesn't know.  I don't know.  There is just too much overlap in the symptoms of Lyme and the coinfections.

In case you or anyone else wants to help, I'll give you an idea of my symptoms:

Profound fatigue, of course
Shortness of breath, but I'm extremely out of shape too.
Lots of coughing, even though I have never smoked
Hair is falling out bad
Unexplained weight loss (>40 lbs)
Skin issues but nothing major or widespread
Lots of psych issues (OCD, paranoia, irritability, anxiety, ext)
Getting lost
GI issues (lack of)
Heart issues (palpitations, POTS, ect)  
Unexplained dental issues
Visual issues and concentration
Nightsweats and hot flashes (not nearly old enough for the change)
Jaw pain, TMD
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Small twitches at times (like someones taping on my shoulder or foot, ect)
Stiffness (mainly in the morning)

This is just an idea.  I don't have too much pain.
There are probably more, but I think these are the main ones.

If you or anyone else wants to help me out, that would be awesome!!

Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
One thought----- will your doctor treat you without confirmation via a positive test result? Most good llmds will if the symptoms are there but you say you're not having the symptoms?

Some doctor's won't treat if there is no confirmation by test.
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4451049 tn?1387153437
Thanks!  That helps.

Yeah I noticed the different species in which requires different testing.  I was just thinking of a way to get the best for my money, since insurance isn't going to cover any IGenex testing.  

Not even sure if it's worth the money.  I just really need to know if it is there to commit to treatment for it, because my symptoms aren't that strong for Bartonella.  I just sort of suspect it.  I just don't have any responses to treatment that would provide any clues.  But I tested positive for Lyme, and I am not having any responses there either.        
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Avatar universal
I agree with the hit and miss assessment.  I was "not negative" at IGeneX on Bartonella Henselae antibody test, which would have been "negative" at any other lab. I was negative on the FISH test.  I definitely have Bart and it's proving very stubborn.

I tested negative on 2 Babs tests.  That delayed my diagnosis almost a year. I eventually had pretty much every Babesia symptom known to man, and I still have air hunger on and off. I have zero doubt that I have Babesia.

My doctor hasn't bothered retesting me for either one.

Part of the problem is that many tests are species specific.  Someone could have a different species of Bartonella or Babesia that doesn't show up on the test being run.  I read one estimate that about half of Babesia patients test false negative.  

There's a new culture test for Bartonella developed to go around the limitations of antibody testing. I don't know if insurance is paying for it yet.  I'd start with the test(s) insurance does cover.  If you get a positive, then you don't have to get the more costly tests.
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Avatar universal
" Personal experiences are more helpful than Dr Google, in my opinion.  "

Yes and no. (grin)
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4451049 tn?1387153437
Thanks so much!  Thought maybe I would get more responses, but it's all good.

Doesn't Bartonella have two strains as well?  Not sure about this FISH test, in which is suppose to cover them both in one test.  Just not sure how accurate it is.  

Personal experiences are more helpful than Dr Google, in my opinion.  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
B. microti WB was negative consistently.
B. duncani WB was positive.

Bart was WB positive.

Hit and miss? Well, yes and no. Bb probably doesn't think so. (grin)
There are many reasons for this seemingly hit and miss issue and often they're so technical that I have to use it with Google at hand. (grin)

You can find them all using Google.
Helpful - 0
4451049 tn?1387153437
Thanks cave!  Sort of interesting there.  So it's basically hit and miss.  Was that a western blot that proved positive?  that's what I was asking.  

My LLMD treats based on symptoms, in which we suspect some Babesia- I think.  It's the Bartonella that is not necessary clear.  I don't think my symptoms rule it out, but they are not very strong for Bart either.  If you know what I mean.  
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Avatar universal
I was consistently negative for B. microti, many times,  probably all of the tests because my insurance would pay for any number tests.

It wasn't until the B. duncani test was developed that I proved positive.

Bart? One very highly positive from Igenex. That's all. Then, as I've related several times, after treatment---- a negative. Then a positive the next month. Then a negative----- see where I'm going with this?

No matter how good the lab and it's tests there should not be any real dependency on lab tests (except for insurance purposes). Just as mojo said---- a good Lyme doctor will treat for symptoms.
Helpful - 0
4451049 tn?1387153437
Thanks to you both!  

What method did you two have done, particularly for Bartonella and Babesia  
(the western blot, FISH, PCR, ect).  Looking to having some of the testing done, I just want to get the best one or two for my money.  Thinking the FISH??  Since it covers the two strains, would that be right?

Helpful - 0
1763947 tn?1334055319
IgeneX has the best co-infection testing. They don't test for mycoplasma but lab corp did and I came out positive. 18 mos ago my co-infection test from IgeneX came out positive for Bart's which I did have. However it came back negative for Babesia even though 2 months later I had all the symptoms. A good LLMD will treat you based on symptoms alone.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I would trust the  Igenex tests for any tick borne disease over any other lab tests. MDL used to be a go-to lab but it seems to be infiltrated by IDSA thinking now.

No lab is always 100% perfect. But you already know that.

I tested positive for all co-infections through Igenex.
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