Omg...i Might Be On To Something

[Rachel--24]

well, it looks like I'm officially joining a number of you in the Lyme Club... got my test results back today and sure enough, I tested positive for one of the Western Blots (the IGM)... I tested positive by both the Igenex standards for the IGM as well as the CDC standards... I actually tested either positive or Indeterminate to every one of the 6 double-starred bands... I was negative by both Igenex and CDC standards for the IGG blot...

Charlie,

I'm not sure if you know how you feel about everything yet. Are you relieved?? I think most of us were relieved to finally be getting answers. I know Carla was "over the moon" when she got her positive results back.

Welcome to the Lyme Clan.

Hey Rinne.....I guess we cant be the "Laughing Lyme Ladies" anymore...Charlie has joined the group.

I'm glad you got a definate positive by CDC standards...so there is no question. Not that I want you to have Lyme....but I know how I drove myself crazy because I didnt get enough positive bands. For awhile I kind of "pretended" I didnt have to deal with Lyme....but I'm all better now...I've accepted it.

I think you've done alot in the short time you've been here....you've researched and learned alot....you're ahead of most people who get diagnosed. It sounds like you've got a good LLMD.

I'm gonna ask my Dr. to order the C D -57 tomorrow. Donna had the blood draw for it a couple days ago. I guess we can all compare results. I havent heard of that product bringing up the counts but I havent done a ton of research on it either.

That guy Scott is really knowledgeable about the C D -57. He uses it to monitor his progress. He's knowledgeable about alot of things so you could always email him with any questions...he's really helpful.

I've got plenty of questions to ask later although I've read my fair share of lyme stuff the past 2 months in anticipation that I might have it... guess I get to put that research to use now...

I think we've all learned a TON about Lyme obver the past 7-8 months...so yeah....definately ask questions.

I'm assuming your sister is probably sick for the same reasons....are you planning on talking to her about getting tested?? I think it would be a good idea...I would suspect she has it too.

Anyways....I hope your feeling somewhat relieved about finally get answers for alot of your health issues....as well as optimistic for a much healthier future.

[Rachel--24]

So Charlie...looking at your signature...you might be gluten intolerant and not Celiac??

You might be like me....where if I detox and treat the infections I'll be utilizing my enzymes again...hence no longer gluten intolerant??? I dont have Celiac genes.

The Dr.'s say all these intolerances will go away after treatment. Is that a possibility for you??

[AndreaB]

I didnt wanna hear that at all....I'm scared of IV DMPS and I told her all the bad stuff I've heard about it. I told her I was concerned about "backfiring" and causing permant damage because I pull out way more then what can be excreted. The worst scenario is it goes back into my brain.

She said they will be testing any chelators before hand and they'll know how much I can tolerate....they will be determining the dose that Dr. S. will use on me. He wont be choosing a random dose....he goes by what they say I can handle as far as dosing.

I'd be concerned too. I'd feel much more comfortable if I were going through their clinic to see what dosage was safe though.

I'd be waiting on pins and needles waiting to see what his response is.

[Mtndog]

I have a quick question about the Igenix testing, I'm sure my doc will explain it all to me but has anyone ever come back negative on Igenix? I was trying to find out and couldn't seem to locate any info. I know that the Lyme diagnosis is more than just test results, but I'm curious about this.

I think I'm pretty scared at the prospect of doing long-term treatment for Lyme because I was just about to start fertility testing and maybe treatment. I feel like if I get diagnosed then that is going to go out the window and I turn 40 in November.

[AndreaB]

Ok, updated list with Charlie added.

Rachel Rhonda Mia Carla Laura Charlie

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[Rachel--24]

Helloooo...citizens of Rachelville! I've been meaning to pop in and say hi for a bit and then I saw purple glittery bats in Noglugirl's signature. I went back and read the first page of the thread...so starnge. So long ago! rachel- I can't believe you were able to eat a brownie! How far you have come!!!!!!!!!!!! That is AMAZING! If it makes you feel any better, I am now ice cream free too.

Hi Bev!!

Yeah..it is very strange going back to my first post on the thread.

So much has changed since then....I think I've learned ALOT since then.

I did eat a brownie...well half...because my friend snatched it from me before I could finish it off.

I wouldnt say I could eat it w/out problems...but I survived the two bites.

That was the first time I ate gluten in 2 years.

I still have all of the intolerances though....I just kind of went crazy for a moment.

I occasionally read D/S journals....I try to keep up with everyone. I read about your anniversary...I'm glad you had such a great time!

Mostly I just stick around here....I get absorbed in the scientificness.

I've been meaning to come back for awhile.... I have a secret (shhh...don't tell!) I wanted to let you guys know that I am going to see a LLMD next week for testing for Lyme As SusieQ would say, "Hold me! I'm scared!" I have been (overall) getting worse over the last few months. Basically spent the entire month of march on the couch including my spring break where I was supposed to be in SF with my dad for a week. I missed so much work I'm surprised I still have a job!

I'm sorry that you've been feeling worse but I'm elated that you've decided to be tested. I've always felt you should so I'm glad to see you taking that step.

It can be scary but for me it was more scary just being sick all the time with no answers.

I dont hope for anyone to have Lyme...I'm just happy to see people getting tested for these other possibilities.....just in case it might be the answer.

I'm not sure (obviously that that's what it is but so far my GI can't find anything...I've had more tests than I care to count.

Yeah...I think we've all been there...definately can relate. I was not doing well mentally when all the Dr.'s were telling me I was perfectly healthy...cuz they couldnt find anything.

The doc I'll be seeing uses Igenix did some reading on babesiosis and wouldn't be surprised if I had that too.

Sorry I dont know anything about Nexium or Prilosec. I know....big help huh.

I'm glad you're seeing an LLMD and getting the Igenix test this time. I think most of us here with Lyme also have Babesia. Its the most common co-infection with Lyme.

Let us know how everything goes.

[Rachel--24]

We're at the airport and getting ready to board the plane in a few minutes ... don't think I'll be able to catch up.

Carla...hope you had a nice flight.

Dont worry about catching up.....we've been very chatty.

[Rachel--24]

I have a quick question about the Igenix testing, I'm sure my doc will explain it all to me but has anyone ever come back negative on Igenix? I was trying to find out and couldn't seem to locate any info. I know that the Lyme diagnosis is more than just test results, but I'm curious about this.

Yeah...lots of people test negative. Its all about how the Dr. interprets the results since there is no test to completely rule out Lyme. It depends on the state of your immune system and whether or not its actively producing antibodies at the time of testing.

Actually the people who are MOST sick from Lyme dont test positive. Its because their immune system isnt really fighting the Lyme. Usually once they start treatment it "jump starts" their immune system into producing the antibodies and then they'll test positive.

I tested negative by CDC standards as well as Igenix standards. However I had some bands to suggest Lyme was there....so it couldnt be ruled out. Igenix clearly states that a negative result when there are indeterminate double starred bands could be significant and further testing should be done.

That was the case with me....it was like putting a puzzle together. In the end everything pointed to Lyme. I had one positive blood test but only 82% specific for Lyme...meaning some other virus or bacteria could cause the test to be positive.

I had tests for all of those other possibilities to rule them out. The only people here to get a clearly positive Igenix test is Carla and Charlie. Me, Rinne, Miamia and Laura all have enough evidence to make the diagnosis even though the Western Blots werent clearly positive.

Rememeber...the test isnt an exact science....it still produces false negatives. This is why its crucial to have a good LLMD who knows how to interpret the results. At this time there is no test completely reliable for diagnosing Lyme....its still a "clinical diagnosis".

Here are 9 reasons for false negatives on the western blot...

Nine Reasons for False Negative Lyme Disease Blood Test Results

1. Antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb) are present, but the laboratory is unable to detect them.

2. Antibodies against Bb may not be present in detectable levels in a patient with Lyme disease because the patient is currently on, or has recently taken, antibiotics. The antibacterial effect of antibiotics can reduce the body's production of antibodies.

3. Antibodies against Bb may not be present in detectable levels in a patient with Lyme disease because the patient is currently on or has previously taken anti-inflammatory steroidal drugs These can suppress a person's immune system, thus reducing or preventing an antibody response.

4. Antibodies against Bb may not be present in detectable levels in a patient with Lyme disease because the patient's antibodies may be bound with the bacteria with not enough free antibodies available for testing.

For this reason, some of the worst cases of Lyme disease test negative -- too much bacteria for the immune system to handle.

5. Antibodies against Bb may not be present in detectable levels in a patient with Lyme disease because the patient could be immunosuppressed for a number of other reasons, and the immune system is not reacting to the bacteria.

6. Antibodies against Bb may not be present in detectable levels in a patient with Lyme disease because the bacteria has changed its makeup (antigenic shift) limiting recognition by the patient's immune system.

7. Antibodies against Bb may not be present in detectable levels in a patient with Lyme disease because the patient's immune response has not been stimulated to produce antibodies, i.e., the blood test is taken too soon after the tick-bite (8-6 weeks).

Please do not interpret this statement as implying that you should wait for a positive test to begin treatment.

8. Antibodies against Bb may not be present in detectable levels in a patient with Lyme disease because the laboratory has raised its cutoff too high.

9. Antibodies against Bb may not be present in detectable levels in a patient with Lyme disease because the patient is reacting to the Lyme bacteria, but is not producing the "right" bands to be considered positive.

So to answer your question....many many people dont test positive on their first test. Some people take antibiotic challenges to boost their immune system into producing antibodies if Lyme is present.

I never did an antibiotic challenge because it got to the point that there was more than enough evidence that Lyme is there....contributing to my problems.

[Rachel--24]

I think I'm pretty scared at the prospect of doing long-term treatment for Lyme because I was just about to start fertility testing and maybe treatment. I feel like if I get diagnosed then that is going to go out the window and I turn 40 in November.

I know it definately sucks when we're sick and wanting to have kids. Trust me I know.

The thing I was most concerned about is if you did have Lyme and never got tested but went ahead with trying to conceive....the baby would more than likely be born with Lyme. It could be Lyme or whatever else might be making you sick that is also causing your infertility.

Recent research shows that over 90% of kids with Autism are testing positive for Lyme. It was passed to them from the mother...and in most cases the mother is asymptomatic. Lots of people have Lyme and are not sick from it.

Even though I do want kids...I'm very thankful that I didnt get pregnant when I was trying to...which was right around the time I got sick. I'm trying to get myself well again and if babies are in my future I will feel blessed...if not...I guess it wasnt meant to be...and I accept that. I'm open to other options.

If you did test positive and had to start treatment...there is always other options. It doesnt mean you cant be a mother.

I guess I would rather have a child that wasnt mine biologically...than to put a baby at risk when I'm dealing with these issues. I dont want anyone else to have to endure this kind of illness.

I do think if I became pregnant my baby would be at high risk for Autism...I dont think that at this time I could have a healthy baby....even if by some "miracle" I was able to get pregnant and then carry the baby full term.

Getting myself well has to come first right now....but I have incentive...because I do want to have kids.

[Clark Bent as Stupor-Man]

Charlie,

I'm not sure if you know how you feel about everything yet. Are you relieved?? I think most of us were relieved to finally be getting answers. I know Carla was "over the moon" when she got her positive results back.

yeah, I'm relieved... I wanted the tests to come back positive, not cause I want lyme persay, but because everything seemed to be pointing me in this direction as to why a lot of my symptoms, particularly neurological, haven't resolved as well as other symptoms with everything I've done with diet and whatnot in the past year... it made sense to me that I would have lyme so I'm glad to confirm it and have some more direction...

I'm assuming your sister is probably sick for the same reasons....are you planning on talking to her about getting tested?? I think it would be a good idea...I would suspect she has it too.

yeah, I mentioned this to my mom when we talked earlier tonight and have talked about this in the past couple months as I started looking into lyme for myself... my sister's been so set in a certain direction for years now though that it's not gonna be easy to get her to switch gears..

So Charlie...looking at your signature...you might be gluten intolerant and not Celiac??

You might be like me....where if I detox and treat the infections I'll be utilizing my enzymes again...hence no longer gluten intolerant??? I dont have Celiac genes.

The Dr.'s say all these intolerances will go away after treatment. Is that a possibility for you??

yeah, that's definitely a possibility, at least as far as how I see my situation... I do have a celiac gene but I don't view that as being necessarily indicative of me having celiac and not simply a temporary gluten intolerance due to everything else going on with my system...

alright, I gotta go catch some sleep now... I'm sure I'll be asking plenty of questions in the next couple weeks though after I take this all in...

[NoGluGirl]

Dear Charlie,

I am glad you finally have an answer to all of this! I hope to at least get the Western Blots done. They are less expensive. I am frustrated, because affording it is the trouble. I hate it because finding an LLMD here is impossible. I worry I will test negative when I can afford to test. Then what?

I cannot afford to go to New York for treatment.

Dear Mtndog,

I have heard that Prilosec and PPIs in general inhibit digestion to a point. I heard most people with Acid Reflux or GERD actually have a shortage of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. This causes you to have difficulty absorbing nutrients from your food and breaking it down. I am concerned about this, since I have been taking them for nearly eight years now. There has also been mention of PPIs being linked to stomach cancer. The misery is terrible without it, so I do not feel I have a choice but to keep taking it.

Dear Rachel,

I am sorry your testing was disappointing. This is probably extremely frustrating. It is so unfair! The info on the WBs was great. I am glad you posted that. I saved it in a Word document. I need to take all of the scientificness and put it in one place. I am going to divide into categories. I am going to do Lyme, Mercury Poisoning, and Food Allergies.

Sincerely,

NoGluGirl

[Fiddle-Faddle]

Hey, mtndg, good to see you! Sorry you've been feeling worse, hope that improves, and quickly!

I have the defective esophagus, too (hital hernia). I was hoping the GERD would go away gluten-free, as I've been on Nexium for over a year, Prilosec before that, Zantac before that....

I actually tried going off the Nexium a month ago, with very strange and interesting results. The acid reflux wasn't so much a problem, but major stomach pain was. And it seemed to get better with milk (and I usually don't like milk, so why was I craving it?).

I looked it up, and it sure sounds like H. Pylori. So I ned to get my rear in gear and write a letter to my GIdoc (who still doesn't know about my gluten status, as I haven't seen her in over a year).

[Rachel--24]

Dear Rachel,

I am sorry your testing was disappointing. This is probably extremely frustrating. It is so unfair!

Yeah...I just wasnt too jazzed up about doing foods but I was fine once we started talking about it. I'm happy that I'm seeing my Dr. today...hopefully I'll be able to report good news about starting treatment.

[miamia]

Helloooo...citizens of Rachelville! I've been meaning to pop in and say hi for a bit and then I saw purple glittery bats in Noglugirl's signature. I went back and read the first page of the thread...so starnge. So long ago! rachel- I can't believe you were able to eat a brownie! How far you have come!!!!!!!!!!!! That is AMAZING! If it makes you feel any better, I am now ice cream free too.

Andrea- You look so beautiful in your prom pic.....your dress is my favorite color!

I've been meaning to come back for awhile.... I have a secret (shhh...don't tell!) I wanted to let you guys know that I am going to see a LLMD next week for testing for Lyme As SusieQ would say, "Hold me! I'm scared!" I have been (overall) getting worse over the last few months. Basically spent the entire month of march on the couch including my spring break where I was supposed to be in SF with my dad for a week. I missed so much work I'm surprised I still have a job!

I'm not sure (obviously that that's what it is but so far my GI can't find anything...I've had more tests than I care to count.

One thing I am wondering though (and this will be interesting to see) is this... I've been taking Nexium for GERD since I went gluten-free. It's a proton pump inhibitor which keeps your stomach from producing a lot of acid so you don't reflux. But I'm wondering if this has been part of the problem.

My neew insurance made me switch to prilosec (they won't cover Nexium) so I started it and it gave me horrible D. I stopped it yesterday and am just taking OTC zantac (which is what I had been taking since I was diagnosed with GERD at 18- my esophagus is defective ).

Anyhoo, I did some reading on PPI's like Nexium and Prilosec and it seems that they can cause absorption and motility problems......hmmm I start thinking. Maybe it got to the point where my stomach had NO freaking acid to digest anything!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! we'll see, it's just a theory and I'll ask my GI when I see her next week.

As far as the Lyme testing goes...Ii just want to know because all my celiac related problems began after I went hiking in acadia National Park, was eaten alive by black flies then had "the flu" for two weeks after and spent the entire summer sleeping like 15 hours a day. They did test me for Lyme when I went to the ER (I went back and got the records) but as you all know....not too reliable.

The doc I'll be seeing uses Igenix did some reading on babesiosis and wouldn't be surprised if I had that too.

Wanted to pop in and say hi and see what everyone was up too and how you all were!!!!!!!!!!! Hugs, B

PS Ten cases of Rinne bars please. can you make the taste like peanut butter too!

Somewhere in this post(Idon't reccomend trying to find it we might lose you forever!!) I posted scientificness about this , but I am highly against reflux drugs. I truly believe most of the digestive problems(and I have a ton of them) are due to nexium. I was on it for a long time and think it really really damaged my system. If i had to go back I would never have gone on it. I think there are alot of other natural ways to deal with GERd and besides Gerd Sounds great compared to what you have to deal with in terms of side effects.

Miamia

[NoGluGirl]

Hey, mtndg, good to see you! Sorry you've been feeling worse, hope that improves, and quickly!

I have the defective esophagus, too (hital hernia). I was hoping the GERD would go away gluten-free, as I've been on Nexium for over a year, Prilosec before that, Zantac before that....

I actually tried going off the Nexium a month ago, with very strange and interesting results. The acid reflux wasn't so much a problem, but major stomach pain was. And it seemed to get better with milk (and I usually don't like milk, so why was I craving it?).

I looked it up, and it sure sounds like H. Pylori. So I ned to get my rear in gear and write a letter to my GIdoc (who still doesn't know about my gluten status, as I haven't seen her in over a year).

Dear Fiddle-Faddle,

I know what you mean. They thought I had h. pylori, too. I had to do the Helidac therapy. It nearly killed me! I did it for four times as long (2 months) as other people. I think that is what made this yeast activate more. Ever since I have had a really hard time getting rid of a lousy pound, no matter how much I exercise, or how little I eat!

There is a supplement called Mastic Gum that Life Enhancement sells. It is good at killing it off. Also, sulfurophane in broccoli kills it. All you need is an ounce of it a day. That is about 3 florets. I normally ate it raw. Also, probiotics help. Yogurt with live active cultures or a supplement will work.

I am taking Prilosec OTC twice a day. Sometimes I can skip the second dose without trouble. Before going gluten-free, I could never do that. I used to have to sleep practically sitting straight up! I have been on a bunch of different PPIs as well. I was on Prilosec before, then Aciphex, then Prevacid. I used to pop Tums like there was no tomorrow as a teenager. Then I had my gallbladder out, and it did not get better. So, I stayed on the PPIs. I switched to Prilosec OTC a year or more ago, and it does better now that I am gluten-free.

Dear Rachel,

Good luck at your appointment! Let us know how it goes! We will be anxious to hear! Maybe one day soon, you will stop reacting to stuff so badly. When you are full of poison, your body sees everything as bad.

You know how you were talking about Aspergillus? Well, a classmate and I were talking about Candida, and she ended up losing a kidney and all kinds of other stuff due to being exposed to toxic mold! She had been exposed to Stacchybotrys and Aspergillus. She was treated by a toxicologist. I told her about the problems I have had with Candida, and she is going to send me some info. Hopefully, there is something new I have not read in all of my research that could help.

Sincerely,

Jin

[Mtndog]

Oh you guys It's good to be back home. Rachel- thanks for explaining all the testing issues. Everyone else- thanks for the hellos! Miamia and NoGluGirl- thanks for the info on PPI's. I hope that the damage isn't permanent!

Rachel- You're right about having kids. My hubby and i discussed it (or have been discussing it a lot) and what you said is pretty much what we've both said- there are other options. I told him that I didn't know if I could withstand fertility treatments because I feel like my body has been through so much, it just seemed like it would slay me. And God knows, I would not want to pass Lyme disease onto a baby or anything else (Angus got the vaccine-lucky dog!).

And who knows- maybe this is the cause of my infertility. I guess I'm MORE scared of the treatment than anything else!

Thanks to all of you. It' good to be back and "see" you all again! Rachelville is two of my favorite things....scientific and FUN!

[dlp252]

I've been meaning to come back for awhile.... I have a secret (shhh...don't tell!) I wanted to let you guys know that I am going to see a LLMD next week for testing for Lyme As SusieQ would say, "Hold me! I'm scared!" I have been (overall) getting worse over the last few months. Basically spent the entire month of march on the couch including my spring break where I was supposed to be in SF with my dad for a week. I missed so much work I'm surprised I still have a job!

Hey Bev!!! Good to see you back! I'm so glad you are going to see an LLMD!!! I just had my visit this week. It's a scarey thought, but it would definitely be better to know for sure whether you do or don't have it.

I AM SO GLAD YOU ARE DOING THIS!!!!! Can I shout any louder. I didn't want to pester you too much as it was your choice, but I'm very happy about this.

I'm thrilled your doctor will use Igenix. We'll be waiting for your results along with you.

I have no insight as to the prilosec, etc.

Ditto!

well, it looks like I'm officially joining a number of you in the Lyme Club... got my test results back today and sure enough, I tested positive for one of the Western Blots (the IGM)... I tested positive by both the Igenex standards for the IGM as well as the CDC standards... I actually tested either positive or Indeterminate to every one of the 6 double-starred bands... I was negative by both Igenex and CDC standards for the IGG blot...

WOW!!!! I'm so glad you finally have an answer! This is very cool!

She said the whole point of what we're doing is to reduce all the imflammation occuring from all these immune responses. The more we address the imflammatory responses and calm down the immune system...the better my body can handle everything. So basically we have to keep on top of everything and just keep desensitizing whatever is showing up to be a problem.

I'm liking Denise more and more, lol. I keep hearing this same thing, or variations of this same thing from almost all of my current doctors. Dr. Rick is really big on it although I feel like he's become too focused on a small area of the problem, he definitely thinks it's a great idea for me to have the tests run from Dr. S.

She told me of one woman who was a patient of Dr. S....he had been trying to detox her for years...maybe 4 or 5 years....and the whole time she was taking chelators but not getting any better. She was not excreting very much at all.

Finally he heard of Anna and sent the woman to BioSET. Denise said they stopped the chelation treatments and worked with her for several months (maybe 8 )....they cleared her pathways, desensitized her to the metals...the same type of stuff they've been doing with me. They got everything opened up for her.

Dr. S then started the chelation again and she just started dumping metals like crazy.

Denise said it was like the flood gates were wide open....everything started coming out from that point on. So it took her about 8 months to get rid of the metals but she felt better almost instantly. As soon as she started excreting she started feeling better.

She said thats why Dr. S. started referring all the toxic people over to Anna before he'll even embark on the chelation. He tells them to work with Anna and he'll do chelation when its time.

Yep, he was REALLY happy I've been seeing Anna, lol.

I have a quick question about the Igenix testing, I'm sure my doc will explain it all to me but has anyone ever come back negative on Igenix? I was trying to find out and couldn't seem to locate any info. I know that the Lyme diagnosis is more than just test results, but I'm curious about this.

Rachel already answered and gave you the really great info on why, but I've been reading a lot on Lame Advertisement forums about people testing negative too, even on Igenix. One guy said he had a negative Igenix test but they actually found the spirochetes in his spinal fluid (I think it was spinal)...so he definitely had lyme, it was just hiding.

Hey, mtndg, good to see you! Sorry you've been feeling worse, hope that improves, and quickly!

I have the defective esophagus, too (hital hernia). I was hoping the GERD would go away gluten-free, as I've been on Nexium for over a year, Prilosec before that, Zantac before that....

I actually tried going off the Nexium a month ago, with very strange and interesting results. The acid reflux wasn't so much a problem, but major stomach pain was. And it seemed to get better with milk (and I usually don't like milk, so why was I craving it?).

I looked it up, and it sure sounds like H. Pylori. So I ned to get my rear in gear and write a letter to my GIdoc (who still doesn't know about my gluten status, as I haven't seen her in over a year).

Well, I have GERD and had H.Pylori, lol. I'm hoping my GERD is from either the lyme or the metals and once those are cleared (if I have lyme) then it will go away. Lately my stomach has started the intense burning in the middle of the night again. I was just treated for H.Pylori in December/January and a followup test showed it was gone, so that wasn't the cause of my GERD.

[CarlaB]

I have a quick question about the Igenix testing, I'm sure my doc will explain it all to me but has anyone ever come back negative on Igenix? I was trying to find out and couldn't seem to locate any info. I know that the Lyme diagnosis is more than just test results, but I'm curious about this.

I think I'm pretty scared at the prospect of doing long-term treatment for Lyme because I was just about to start fertility testing and maybe treatment. I feel like if I get diagnosed then that is going to go out the window and I turn 40 in November.

Yes, you see it all the time on Lymenet ... it's very common for people to test negative.

I'm glad you're having the testing ... I've thought this might be a problem for you, but we all take our own time deciding to do the testing! In the beginning I thought FOR SURE that wasn't MY problem!

Welcome to the club Charlie! You may wear a Lyme green baseball cap instead of the large floppy hats the rest of us wear to our lunch club.

Bev, I had all five of my kids after I had Lyme. Pregnancy was miserable as I always became symptomatic, but it was totally worth it. It's a personal decision ... we do have one child we adopted and we don't feel a bit different about him than the others, so that's always a possibility. He was 20 months old when we got him from Russia. You will most likely require long term treatment if you have it, but I think there are things you can take while pregnant to help out a bit. I'd talk to the LLMD about it, but YOU have to measure whether it's worth the sacrifice of feeling crappy for 9 months to have your own child.

I'm only suspicious about Lyme in one of my kids ... plus, I know I'd rather exist with Lyme than not exist at all! Not to mention, even a healthy child can get it from a tick just like we did! I wouldn't even let worry about the child being born with Lyme into the decision at all.

[CarlaB]

I skimmed and caught up some more ... saw the additional comments about babies ... I'd definately skip immunizations due to Lyme ... and mercury fillings. I've read both sides about Lyme/autism. It's questionable whether 90% of autistic kids have Lyme due to the way they were tested ... 90% in the STUDY did though.

[CarlaB]

I told him that I didn't know if I could withstand fertility treatments because I feel like my body has been through so much, it just seemed like it would slay me.

I've been thinking of this some more ... I got pregnant with no help (except from Adam ) .... if you are chronically ill and aren't getting pregnant on your own, I would take that as a possible sign that your body can't handle it.

It's good to have you back! Now if we could just get Susan back, too.

[CarlaB]

Charlie, I know exactly how you feel. The day I got my IGeneX results back we went out and celebrated! We weren't happy I was sick, we were happy that we FINALLY had answers and knew what needed to be treated. It was a celebration of the start of healing, which wasn't possible when the disease was still a mystery.

We have so much hope on this thread. I'm feeling SO much better! Rachel is eating more and is off the ice cream! Rinne is feeling good enough to develop Rinne bars! So many of us are making progress in the little things. After a while, the little things will add up and we will have made "big" progress.

Bev, Lyme is scary .... but not knowing why you're spending the day in bed is scarier.

[AndreaB]

Oh you guys It's good to be back home.

Thanks to all of you. It' good to be back and "see" you all again! Rachelville is two of my favorite things....scientific and FUN!

It good to have you back and we hope to see you more frequently again.

Does this mean you'll dig up a childhood photo too?

It's good to have you back! Now if we could just get Susan back, too.

We all need to bombard Susan with PM's asking her to come back to us.

Bev, Lyme is scary .... but not knowing why you're spending the day in bed is scarier.

I have to agree with this.

It has been a learning process for everyone and I'm so pleased with everyone's progress thus far.

Welcome back Carla! Glad your home safe and sound.

[dlp252]

Welcome back Carla, we missed you too, lol.

Okay, so I put up a picture of my little dog Chip (on my personal photo). Had to put her down about 2 or 3 years ago. Her owners turned her in to the vet to be put down but the vet thought she had some time left so I adopted her. Poor little thing was so sick, but so darned cute. I had her for two years and she had such a cute little personality.

[jerseyangel]

Hi Donna,

I just took a look at Chip--what a cutie I'm glad you two had each other for a while.

I also thought your Santa picture was sweet.

Guess what's in my new skincare products (Philosophy)--dermochlorella

Hi Bev! Good to see you posting here again I think it's a good idea that you're having the testing done.

I wish I could figure out the reason for my many food intolerances--they don't seem to be easing up any.....I do have a new appt with the new gastro in a couple weeks. (Had to cancel the last one due to a bad cold).

I'm going to give him a try, and then revisit the thought of being tested for Lyme. I don't think it's the case for me, but well, I just don't know

On a positive note, I have found a digestive enzyme that agrees with me! I've been taking it for over 2 weeks now, and no problems. It also is helping with the gas and bloating.

I've been doing research on protease deficiency. All of my intolerances are plant-based proteins. Two of the more common symptoms of this are insomnia and anxiety. I have both of those, and most of the other symptoms, too.

The enzymes seem to be helping with the sleeping, and when I thought about it, the anxiety too (some).

[Rachel--24]

I wouldn't even let worry about the child being born with Lyme into the decision at all.

I would be very concerned given the fact that Autism rates are souring across the nation and these kids are testing positive for Lyme. Its a gamble...some might be willing to take that risk....I would not want to gamble with a new life.

Some of these babies obviously cant cope with the toxic overload while others may fare better. Genetics are definately involved. I figure if I'm very susceptible to these toxins...any child I carry who is being exposed to these same toxins is just as susceptible.