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neg. blood test, could it still be Lyme?

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Posted 9/30/2015 2:44 PM (GMT -5)
I was on vacation in Sweden and bit by a tick on Aug 6th. started having random joint pain on Sept 7th. severe for two days in my knees, know it is sporadic and in all my joints and back. Just received blood test results neg. for lyme. Could there be a different strain in Europe that would not show with our American tests? I don't know what else could be the cause of the symptoms I'm having.
Posted 9/30/2015 2:49 PM (GMT -5)
Hi coloradojewelkat, welcome to our community!

Which American lab did you use? The best one is Igenex Lab in California. Even Igenex will often produce false negative results, even with people contracting lyme in the U.S.

Could you post your results - because sometimes it's not just about whether it's positive or negative - there may be other information that could indicate lyme disease.

But, Lyme disease is a clinical diagnosis - meaning test results are used as a back-up...the fact that you had a tick bite, and then symptoms consistent with LD symptoms - is an indication of lyme disease.

I would suggest you find a LLMD and schedule an appointment.

We can help you find one...just start a new thread titled: "Looking for LLMD in/near____" and fill in the blank.

I hope you keep reading, posting, asking questions. We've got a lot of support here...and we can help you with this!
Posted 9/30/2015 3:03 PM (GMT -5)
the lab was Labcorp and I have not received the actual results yet just a phone call from the nurse saying it was negative. I am in Southern Colorado and I believe Labcorp is located in Denver. I don't have insurance so had to go to a local clinic and pay out of pocket. I was seen by a NP who suggested West Nile as a possibility if test came back neg. I'm thinking of asking her to just prescribe the usual antibiotics for lyme treatment (if she will) and if that doesn't clear symptoms, going on from there. I will post test results as soon as I get them.
Posted 9/30/2015 3:45 PM (GMT -5)
Since you paid for the test, too bad you didn't know about Igenex. Will you be getting a copy of the paperwork?

Realize that it will be more than a few weeks of antibiotics to treat your infection - since it is causing symptoms. Do you think your NP would prescribe long enough? You are looking at a few months at minimum...
You know - you could schedule a LLMD appointment...and if you find you don't need it..ie your NP treats you for duration...you can always cancel it.
Just a thought.

When you have a moment, you might want to take a look at the thread at the top of the page titled: "New to Lyme?..Start Here!" - full of good information.
Pay particular attention to the detoxing section...and probiotics...both crucial when treating lyme disease.

Good luck!
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