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Is there a way to know if you are "cured" from Lyme's?

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Lyme Disease
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Posted 7/15/2013 10:32 PM (GMT -5)
My husband had Lyme's over a year ago, diagnosed with the classic bullseye, fever, and flu symptoms after a tick bite. He was given 2 weeks of antibiotics before he knew better.

Is there a way to know if the Lyme has been successfully treated? We are in the process of setting up Igenex Western Blot tests for the whole family, but I am wondering if it is a waste for my husband to take since we already know he had it. Is there a better test to take to understand if he is still infected? Or is this purely based on symptoms?
Posted 7/16/2013 4:50 AM (GMT -5)
There is currently NO test available that can prove one is cured from Lyme. So the only way to know is by symptoms. When symptoms are gone for at least 2 months, then one can withdraw from treatments and see if the lack of symptoms lasts.
Posted 7/16/2013 5:47 AM (GMT -5)
I am off all medication and have been for a few weeks now.

I'm still suffering from intermittent pain,but it's "very bearable"

My doctor is convinced that it is only the damage caused by Lyme that is troubling me and that I don't have a current infection.

Do I believe him? I'm not completely sure,I am still improving but who knows?

I wish there was a way of testing but as Razzle said only time will tell if all the" beasties are out of my body.

Tickled
Posted 7/16/2013 9:03 AM (GMT -5)
So a western blot in someone who has had a confirmed case will tell us nothing new, correct?
Posted 7/16/2013 9:41 AM (GMT -5)
Correct.
Posted 7/16/2013 10:16 AM (GMT -5)
One thing I can tell you though - 2 weeks of abx won't even cover the second time (& maybe not even the first time) the bacteria become available so that the abx can kill them. The Lyme bacteria is a very, very slowly growing bacteria - so it only gets into the blood stream (where the abx are) once every 4 weeks or so.

The most knowledgeable LLMD's say two months is the minimum treatment time and it must be with at least 400 mgs of Doxy a day.
Posted 7/16/2013 10:47 AM (GMT -5)
What would you recommend for my husband to do to ensure that he has been properly treated before we "knew better?"

When he got his rash, he needed IV antibiotics in a hospital for 2 days and then went home with 2 weeks of antibiotic pills. He felt much better after that. He hasn't really had symptoms like the rest of the family have. So should we just assume he is fine unless symptoms show up in the future and worry about testing the rest of us?
Posted 7/16/2013 2:49 PM (GMT -5)
How long ago was this?

Honestly - and only in my personal opinion - depending on how long ago this was, if your hubby isn't showing any of the symptoms, I would assume that he shouldn't have further treatment - just be very aware and watchful for any symptoms. should they arise. Remember that during or after times of stress is most likely when they would 'come out'. There is a possibility that his immune system was able to take care of the infection once it got a boost from the abx, but that usually isn't enough, so just pay close attention.
Posted 7/16/2013 8:19 PM (GMT -5)
According to Stephen Buhner, you don't cure lyme - you can bring the infection down to a level where the immune system can keep it in check however. The important thing is to support the immune system and keep it functioning at optimum levels with good nutrition and limited stress.

If your husband is not having symptoms, his immune system is likely handling the remaining infection, if there is any. Good for him, but keep an eye out for symptoms.
Posted 7/16/2013 10:07 PM (GMT -5)
Okay, thanks so much.
Posted 7/17/2013 4:15 PM (GMT -5)
Agree with rowingmom. I was "cured" or so I thought for 3 years. After a stressful event, it came back. Had I known back then this could happen, I would have not let the stress get my immune system down.
Posted 7/18/2013 12:01 AM (GMT -5)
Jeminij's experience highlights why stress management and keeping our immune systems strong are very important to our overall health.
Posted 7/18/2013 5:58 AM (GMT -5)
I also relapsed after a series of stressful events. Keeping stress at bay is key for a healthy immune system.
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