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Posted 3/9/2017 3:43 PM (GMT -5)
I was diagnosed recently with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Fibromyalgia at 32 yrs old. For 5-10 years I've had many symptoms from muscle aches, fatigue, memory issues, forgetfulness, dizziness, gastritis, weakness, migraines, neck/back/shoulder pain, etc....I only had one test positive for Rheumatoid, all others were negative, but they diagnosed me anyway. When I read that Lyme could cause a positive result, I had myself tested at the dr. Just wanted some other thoughts on my "negative" results.

IGG reactive Bands were 30, 41, 58 and 66 (tested brands were 18, 23, 28, 30, 39, 41, 45, 58, 66, 93)
IGM reactive Bands were 23 and 41 (tested brands were 23, 39, 41)

Like I said, I've had these symptoms for many years so it would have to be a chronic infection.

I was on a form of doxycycline for about 6 months for a rash on my rash about 9 months ago.

Just curious to what these results really mean, I am just not feeling content with the Rheumatoid Arthritis diagnosis.
Posted 3/9/2017 4:08 PM (GMT -5)
Hi Rachel84, welcome to our community!

Bands 23 and 41 positive on an Igenex Lab WB IgM would be positive.

So, not sure why your Dr. is saying that its negative - except that he is not lyme literate.

Many people with Lyme disease are misdiagnosed with an autoimmune disease...and RA is one of them.

I suggest you schedule an appointment with a LLMD for an evaluation.

We encourage all new members to read through the thread at the top of the page titled: "new to Lyme?..Start Here!"

If you need help finding a LLMD, just start a new thread : "Looking for LLMD in/near____" and fill in the blank.

You can also email me and I will check my list and send you names..
Posted 3/9/2017 5:10 PM (GMT -5)

Girlie said...
Hi Rachel84, welcome to our community!

Bands 23 and 41 positive on an Igenex Lab WB IgM would be positive.

So, not sure why your Dr. is saying that its negative - except that he is not lyme literate.

I think because this would be a chronic infection, not a recent infection. From what I read, the IGM can be false positive and only reliable for new symptoms. But I could be wrong.

I am trying to look into the lyme doc thing. I am worried about the financial aspect of it.

I also have a daughter with unexplained vomitting for several years, abd pain, tonsils removed, migraines and unexpected chronic swollen lymph nodes (one was removed and biopsied and normal). If I have it, I had it when I was pregnant with her, 8 yrs ago.
Posted 3/9/2017 5:18 PM (GMT -5)
That is not correct information - IgM can be an older infection...and still active.

LLMD Dr. Jemsek writes about this:

jemsekspecialty.com/laboratory-testing-for-lyme-disease/

In other infections, IgM will convert to IgG after a few weeks.
But, with Lyme, the IgM antibodies can persist for years.

It is very possible that you passed it on to your baby in the womb...unfortunately.
..and it is found in seminal fluid and vaginal secretions...so sexual transmission is also likely.
Posted 3/9/2017 5:19 PM (GMT -5)
FWIW - I had lyme symptoms for 15 months and tested IgM positive.

LL Dr.'s (two) never questioned the IgM vs IgG
Posted 3/9/2017 5:23 PM (GMT -5)
Welcome Rachel84,
I'm so sorry for what you have been going through. You will find very good information and lots of much needed support here.
The members are great and willing to help out with questions we have. I've only been a member since September 2016 and just reading posts and asking for help has been a lifesaver for me.

I hope you find the answers you need and some relief of yours and your daughter's symptoms very soon.
Take care. Sincerely, Jo
Posted 3/9/2017 5:39 PM (GMT -5)
Thanks, good info! I dont remember what normal feels like as I have just hurt or felt bad for many many years. It is frustrating, esp when doctors dont listen and just throw pills and you are struggling financially as well and cant keep running around.
Posted 3/9/2017 5:39 PM (GMT -5)
I used this site to understand my test results lymetwistontherocks.blogspot.com/2011/01/western-blots-what-do-all-of-those-darn.html
Posted 3/9/2017 5:42 PM (GMT -5)
Welcome. Sorry that you are here. Because of the RA, you could also test for chlamydia pneumonia (cpn) and mycoplasma pneumonia.

http://www.cpnhelp.org/

Unfortunately, this can become a purse drainer. But you do what you have to do to become well again.

My kids haven't been tested, but I suspect that they may have it, so I am treating them with herbs.
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