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Test for lyme- Canada?

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Lyme Disease
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Posted 4/15/2021 11:52 AM (GMT -5)
Hi All,
I have a quick question. I recently have seen a new doctor and for the first time ever (!!!) he brought up the idea of lyme disease (I was previously diagnosed clinically by a naturopath). I was completely floored as he asked me about travel and specific regions and if I had been bitten by a tick (all this without any prompting or anything from me, I couldn't believe it! As I was expecting the usual - "it's probably low thyroid, etc. we'll do your blood work" only to have everything come back normal - yes I am very jaded - can you tell, haha..). Anyway, I am in Canada and our province has updated their lyme testing guidelines in 2020 (which seem more comprehensive?). Regardless, it's my understanding that if you've have lyme for years that you're unlikely to get a positive test result. Can someone weigh in on this? As I'm really not sure what the point of testing in Canada is unless the infection is acute? Regardless, he ordered a test.
Thanks!
Posted 4/15/2021 12:37 PM (GMT -5)
If you want to get a positive, I suggest testing through Igenex.
Get a Lyme Western Blot IgM and IgG .
I think it costs $250.
You contact Igenex, they send you a test kit. Your Dr.signs the lab req.

Ticks carrying lyme - are all over...every Province.

You can still get a positive test result after years of having lyme. I wasn't 'years', but I was about 18 months of symptoms and got a positive result.
Even if you test negative...there could be positive lyme 'specific' bands which is 'enough' to confirm a clinical diagnosis.

I was negative on the Canadian test. They have a screening test - Which is the Elisa - if it isn't positive, they won't test using the Western blot. That's what happened to me.
I then (months later) tested via Igenex - and it was positive. Did the Western Blot.
Posted 4/15/2021 12:40 PM (GMT -5)
BTW - the Canadian lyme website - still recommends testing via Igenex or Armin Labs.

http://canlyme.com/just-diagnosed/testing/
Posted 4/16/2021 6:05 PM (GMT -5)
Cauliflower Queen,

What was it that prompted the doctor to bring up Lyme? Was there anything off in your regular lab work or any symptoms or problems you mentioned? Just curious.
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