What's the point...

My llmd did not in fact test for bartonella or coinfections through Igenex.  My understanding is that there are better labs than Igenex for coinfections.  My initial lab corp. showed 3 bands of lyme but I was told it was negative and dismissed by every doctor until over 3 years later when I got a copy of it and through researching of bands, made an appointment with an LLMD.  So if can get tested by lab corp or another company the lyme may show up.  I did in fact pay for Igenex myself which turned out to be a waste because I was trying to get insurance company to pay for IV but they refused without a spinal tap, even with positive Igenex. 

So my thought is perhaps you can get tested by the other less expensive or covered labs and see what comes out but if you are clinically diagnosed why to you want to be tested???  Igenex is very expensive but will send you the price list and instructions at no cost.

Make sure you are detoxing and eating properly.  There are still days I feel horrible but antiobiotics, eating right and A LOT OF SLEEP seem to help me. 

Did you get a copy of your western blot? Did any bands show up? Are you familiar with the fact that you can still have lyme with a negative test? Get a copy immediately and return to this forum with the results. Who are you treating with? If they are not an LLMD, they probably do not know lyme.

 i raw runner.. I hear you! I too had too cut costs for testing. I have an HSA, which means I pay 100% up to 10,000 of medical costs.  The alternative treatment avenue can be costly- however if I add up all of the copays and traditional doctors visits- they were more costly and heeded no forward movement.

Anywho- as I said, limited costs for me- but I have an awesome lyme literate doctor, and she treats me mostly according to clinical (symptoms, reactions to meds) If I understand correctly, herxing means success. So, if you are sick, keep going. With that being said, on my initial course of doxy I was so sick that I was getting depressed. I was actually almost suicidal, sore and throwing up and unable to perform my duties with my family was too much for me.  My doc switched me to another med (biaxin) less herx, but at least I felt hope. I will go back to the doxy at some point to see reactions.

My doctor will not only see me for clinical dx, she allows me to email her when I have simple questions about treatments and reactions.  This is a woman that loves her field, and is in it to heal, more than the almighty dollar.

Good luck.. I hear how tough it is.. today I am almost unable to walk or do much.. its a fall day and the list of chores that I hoped to do will sit and collect dust.  Im in so much pain that at times I cant contain the groans..my healthy happy family bustles around me in a flurry of happy autumn activity. In between feeling like dead weight, I find that I can be grateful for little things.

I have a copy of my Western Blot (from Lab Corp and other local labs)and there were no bands that reacted numerous times.  I am aware that I can be positive for Lyme without a positive test, I have been researching/studying this for years, sadly.

My CD57 levels have been hovering around 19-20,  for years.

I do not have a LLMD as there are none around me who take my insurance. My current Dr.(an Immunologist) believes int he theory 'If it walks like a duck...' and is open to learning so I am trying to become super educated so that I can present the most scientifically accurate and condensed info as possible at my appts in order to get the treatment I need...in addition to what I do on my own.

If you are getting treated for your Lyme and co-infections, then there is no need for further testing. I had suggested Igenex testing to be sure you were getting adequate treatment. In my experience, LabCorp did not come up with an accurate test result. Really does sound like you are on the right track.

It cost me exactly $200 to get tested through Igenix and I can't remember if I was tested for co-infections or not. I would definitely get tested through another lab first -- then, IF it's negative and you're still desperate for a positive test, go through Igenix. I'm not really sure it makes THAT much of a difference (I haven't heard from enough people that were negative, then positive through Igenix to convince me; however my current doctor does use Igenix). Testing is so unreliable, I wouldn't even bother unless you're absolutely desperate for a positive test, and still you're playing the lottery...

Raw runner,
I take 5 grams of ground ginger root each day - broken into 3 doses daily - just for general tonifying of the body. I have also found that it pretty much cut out all of my nausea, even the motion sickness I always had to live with.

Glad I could help remind you!!! I think we all stray close to that river in Egypt, the thing is to not go into the water & stay there!!