I am beyond frustrated today after talking to my brother about his appointment with his doctor today. To no one’s surprise here, the doctor does not think he has Lyme even though his Western Blot clearly shows that he is CDC positive! As I mentioned in my previous post, my brother’s Western Blot test showed bands 23, 39 and possibly 41 were positive. Click HERE for more info. about the Western Blot test, if you need help reading your test. There is some great information on that site by Lyme Twist on The Rocks.
According the the CDC (Center for Disease Control): For IgM, 2 of the following three bands have to be positive: OspC (22-25), 39 and 41. My brother has at least two of those bands positive. Bands 23 and 39 are specific for Bb (Borriella burgdorferi – Lyme).
The doctor did prescribe him a months worth of Doxycycline – 200mg/day and will refer him to an Infectious Disease Specialist to “reassure” my brother that he does not have Lyme. Since he is in the military, he will need to go to an Infectious Disease Specialist that takes TRICARE insurance. If anyone knows of a Lyme Literate ID Specialist in or around Dallas, TX please send me a message. I know they are very hard to come by! In the meantime, we are looking into getting him an appointment with an LLMD close by who takes TRICARE insurance….BUT he needs a referral from the military and because this doctor is not an Infectious Disease Specialist, it may never happen. He may eventually have to pay “out of pocket” if his health does not improve.
My question to all of the doctors out there: Why bother having a Lyme test done if you are not willing to acknowledge a positive test? I’m thankful that my brother is at least getting 30 days worth of Doxycycline, but 200mg clearly is not enough to get rid of the Lyme if he has had symptoms for over a year now. I am on 2000mg of antibiotics a day. I’m on a mission now to help my brother. ;-)
Please let me know if any of you know of a good LLMD in the Dallas or Wichita Falls area. I do have a list of doctors, but if you personally know of one, feel free to message me.
Thank you!
Brandi
I am so sorry you are all dealing with this…I went through the same thing. After thirteen years of symptoms, I tested positive on 3 bands in the top and 1 on the bottom. Still, this was not enough to meet the CDC’s (ridiculous) requirements. Luckily, I had a doctor who was willing to treat me, but I also went ahead and had a costly blood test from a lab in California (by mail) called Igenex so that I could receive long-term treatment. Igenex tested me for Lyme and many other tick-borne co-infections. I was fortunate enough to have a wonderful doctor who understood the CDC’s shortcomings. I would recommend her to you, but we aren’t in the same area. I am sure you are aware of the many herbal treatments for Lyme and co-infections as well. I’d be happy to tell you more if you are interested. Some experts believe the herbal treatments are even safer and just as effective as antibiotic treatment. I had great success with many herbal treatments. Thinking of you and your brother….
On a brighter note…… I have nominated you for a “Lovely Blog Award.” You continue to amaze me with your perseverance and your desire to make a difference in the lives of others…
Please see my page at http://swervingforbutterflies.com/2012/08/22/a-lovely-blog-award-thank-you/ to accept and learn more… Congratulations:)
Jackie, I’m so sorry you went through that. I have loved getting your awards though! I feel so honored! Thank you!
You’re so welcome! Hope you are doing well!