If you had a choice?

[debbie5846]

I am curious, if you had a choice between the New Lyme blood culture test and the Igenex Western Block test which one would you have done.

 

Assuming the cost was the same and you didn't have to be off antibiotics for 4 weeks??? I know this is not the case.

 

BUT I have a friend with Lyme symptoms and she is having trouble deciding which test to have done. She has not been on antibiotic treatment yet so that is not an issue.

 

We are also trying to decide if my husband should be re-tested, before we start I.V. treatment. He has currently been off all antibiotics for 3 weeks.

The oral antibiotics didn't help much, so the LLMD is suggesting starting I.V's. Most of his symptoms are neurological so he have had a few scary, neurological diagnosis given to use from the neurologist. Most have been ruled out thru testing, but some have not test. His first Igenex test was not negative, but also not positive.

 

Please wieigh in with your opinion.

 

Thanks!!!

[SSS]

Well gosh, just my .02 cents.

 

In the first case situation, Lyme symptoms, never been tested or treated,

I would go for the new test.

80% full proof they are saying for 100% correct results, so it is positive, to me that means you take it to the bank.

Plus, they give you a photo of your blood with a spirochete in it, implanting a huge visual yes on you brain.

If it comes back negative, 20% chance it really could be positive, you may want to go on for further testing.

Of course, it doesn't tell you a out any co-infections to my understanding.

 

As far as your DH, no-one can make a call on his treatment.

However, I will say, I am reading a new released book called:

'Treatment of Chronic Lyme Disease'

written by an LLMD who has an extensive Lyme medical history,

and he writes his Lyme patients treatment.

Almost 95% of the time, he started his patients with IV antibiotics.

His success rate is impressive.

[philamom]

debbie- we receive 70% (used to be 80%) reimbursement for the Igenex testing. Anything helps. We also do some TBI testing through Specialty lab (a division of Quest in California) and it is completely covered except a small co-pay. It depends on insurance though.

 

If she is getting ready to start antibiotics, then she may want to take advantage of the new test. My daughter has been off abx since end of Sept - ran it the end of December. We haven't received our picture yet - May decide to use it as a dart board.