Lyme testing is very unreliable. What test did this doctor use? and then interpretation of the tests are not clear eithor. (do yu have a copy of the test results) Most in the Lyme communities use testing by IGENEX labs.

I am assuming you had a positive test at some point since they started IV antibiotics. When was that and what type of test was used then?

Is this infectious disease doctor a specialist for Lyme disease. Seeing a specialist in this field is more important than you might think. At a minimum I would be tested by IGENEX labs.

I don't have the lab results or know what test they performed. On the bloob lab sheet it just stated Lymes. For my original test I tested positive and again do not know the test type. This infectious disease doctor is not a Lymes specialist. He was telling me that he didn't think I had Lymes before the blood tests. I am looking into a Lymes specialist. Thank you!

Hi HonestGuy. Unfortunately, infectious disease doctors are not usually the best to see for tick-borne illnesses.

No Lyme test is completely reliable, and results can vary by lab. It is my understanding that the ELISA or titer is the least reliable test and the one most doctors run first.

In my opinion, the most important thing someone who has or who have have Lyme can do is see a Lyme knoweldgeable doctor. Not doing so is like seeing a podiatrist for a cardiac problem.

If you would like a doctor recommendation, feel free to send me a private message or email me at ko_@bellsouth.net

I tried the infectious disease doctor recommended by my insurance after I had a very clear test by the specialist. He siad he doubted I had Lymes and then saw my IGENEX test and said oh - I guess you do. Then he wanted me to see a few specialist. He was concerned about a number of my labs and then 2 types of pneumonia I had. He wanted to run an HIV/Aids test. He said my Lyme disease was the least of my problems.

I share all of this to show that I understand your frustration. I am also starting to do a little better. I can honestly say that today I feel good!

Do you have to request the IGENEX lab test or is that something a doctor would know to do? I beleive my blood went to another lab that also tested my Thyriod and a few other potential problems. They have tested me for HIV. My original question concerns the IGENEX lab work.

I think most Lyme Literate doctors automatically use IGENEX. Most other doctors use the standard ELISA or western Blot which can be run from most labs. So yes you need to specifically ask for it.

Any kind of doctor can request it and they have test kits available through IGENEX.com. Perhaps you could even contact the lab for a list of Dr.s in your area who use that lab.

Take Lymebytes up on her offer to send doctor list to you via private message.

My LD told me I was fortunate my primary doc did both tests, as I tested positive in two bands (which is a "negative") on one, and the same two bands out of three on the other. SO I agree tests don\ ean much at all. How confusing for you!

Sorry my kid is on my lap and is button crazy. I meant that I tested for the same two out of three bands on the other test and that made it positive.

Thank you all!!

Hi, I just wanted to add that I went to the Mayo to get tested and treated once and the first thing the doctor told me was "you don't have Lyme" without any test done. I was also dropped from my insurance. Then I went to Dr, Burrascano and he did the test at two labs and in the time while waiting on the results he put me in the hospital on I.V Roseffin. both test came back hi pos.almost to the top of the test. My point is to be careful about Dr.s that say you don't have Lyme right off the start with no tests.Thier are a lot of confused doctors mout there,some that seem to have an agenda to call what ever you have anything but Lyme.

I'm seriosly considering that at least one of my grown sons has lyme. He also went to Mayo many years ago - we live fairly close. They didn't know what he had. I also have a good friend whose niece went to last winter. They didn't konw what she had either, but my friend and I also feel she has Lyme. By not helping those with Lyme they are doing a diservice to the whole world! When one of the best known health facilities in the nation and world (which is also in the middle of Lyme counry) doesn't admit to Lyme we are in serious danger as a nation.

Hi Faith. Unfortunately it seems the majority of large medical institutions do not acknowledge Lyme. Maybe because the insurance companies do not want to pay for treatment. You will find it is a very political disease.

Lyme disease is the second fastest growing infectious disease after AIDS in the US and the number one vector-borne disease in the US; however, nothing is being done to educate the public and medical community.

You hear a lot about West Nile. Last year, I believe 3000 people got West Nile. It is esitmated that 250,000 people a year get Lyme!

Lymebytes,I am glad you said what you did people need to understand that It not always a mistake that doctors don't say that someone has Lyme. They will call it everything but Lyme sometimes.It is also important to know that knowing that will not help you. I have heard some scary stories about people that shake the boat too much! I doubt that it still goes on now , that was back in the early 90's late 80's.But I would still be careful about what you say. John Doe LOL.

Thank you all!! I am not very knowledge able about the medical community. Only thing I have noticed so is that they are ready to dismiss you if you can walk in and talk. They tried to make me beleive that I wouldn't be able to walk on my own and that I would be catatonic. At least for them to take me serious. Unfortunely I am still looking for some advice about my original question. Sorry! Would have an oral and IV treatment cause my test to come negative for Lymes. This question may not have been clear originally.

yes, antibiotic treatment can cause a neg lyme test.

And it is also common for the lyme tests to come back neg. even without antibiotics.

These test are not accurate and lyme should be determined not only on unreliable blood tests, but by your symptoms and if you were bit by a tick.

Whether you had a bullseye rash is also not reliable because alot of people don't get the rash. How did they dx you previously???

By a blood test or symptoms or what???? Anyway good luck! There are people here that can help you with info.

It seems to me that the people here on this site really care about eachother. I will always keep you and all others with lyme in my prayers.

Jayne