Cunningham test?

[lmkmip67]

We just saw Dr. B yesterday and have to get some additional blood work, plus get the whole family tested for strep. And go back to see him in a month. All this is out of pocket. He also suggested the Cunningham test. I have read a bit about it and I understand it is helpful. But I really can't swing the price right now. Honestly I can't do it for at least 2 months, there is no way. I may be able to do it then. But is it really necessary? I hate to sound like I won't do what is important for my son but I really do have to wait as we will be hearing about DH maybe being laid off next week, etc. So as you can see, it just isn't there right now. I am going to call Dr. Bs office on Monday and see if I can wait. I would hate to wait to treat Ian until this test. He really felt it was PANDAS, so is giving antibiotics already. Thoughts? Am I the only one who didn't do this right away?

[ajcire]

I might be in the minority here but I did it and even though my kids numbers fell in the pandas range... it didn't really tell me anything and it didn't change any plan of treatment.

[lmkmip67]

That is kind of what I am thinking. I will do it eventually. But with the office visits of $300 a pop, two in a months time, I just can't do it now. It seems to be helpful to "prove' the PANDAS diagnosis. But if he is being treated by a doctor who believes he has it, it seems like I could likely wait until I can really afford it.

[norcalmom]

I think if you already have a positve strep, lyme, or mycoplasma association, or a clear immune dificiency disorder, then you don't need it.

 

We didn't. It gave me peace of mind that I needed before spending $16,000(or more) on IVIG and most importantly, taking the risks associated with IVIG. I wanted to make sure I doing right thing by manipulating his immune system. It proved to me that his immune system wasn't functioning properly.