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Posted 10/26/2008 4:40 PM (GMT -6)
Hi everyone.

I will be seeing the LLMD in less than 2 weeks. My question concerns Babesia tests. I have read that they can be innacurate and that diagnosis can take place clinically, as with Lyme.

My main symptom is a severe dysequalibrium/off balance feeling. I had a bulls-eye rash way back in 1994, but was never seen by a doctor.

My conventional Lyme tests have all been negative since first testing in 1997.

So- can we rely on Babesia results, especially in light of long-standing infection?

Posted 10/26/2008 5:30 PM (GMT -6)
There are so many strains of babesia and the tests are not very accurate. All of my igenex co-infection tests (except lyme) were negative. I have babesia but it was found only through a blood smear at frylabs.com. Actually they even missed it and my llmd found it hiding in the slide. I have been treated for lyme and didn't get 100% better because the babesia was missed. I am currently taking artemesia from dr. zhang with great results (herxes) and will take mepron afterwards to make sure it is gone. Then I will take the HH for the bartonella then I will treat the lyme with antibiotics. You have to get rid of the co-infections 1st or you will not get well.
Posted 10/26/2008 7:37 PM (GMT -6)
Thanks. That is what I heard. My brother has Lyme and Babeosis. A lab in Florida did a blood smear and sent his doctor a photo it.
Posted 10/27/2008 6:16 PM (GMT -6)

Hi kitty9309.  I don't think any tests for tick-borne illnesses are completely reliable.  It is possible to test negative and still have them.

Some of the hallmark symptoms of Babesiosis are night sweats, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, chest pain, headaches, and dizziness.  Do you have these symptoms?

Good luck at your upcoming appointment.  Has this doctor been recommended by a Lyme patient?

Posted 10/27/2008 7:23 PM (GMT -6)
Hi Ticker- thanks.

I have dizziness/off balance as my main complaint. I can deal with the others, mostly. Headaches were bad in the past, including migraines.

The doctor is recommended by my (out of the box thinking) endocrinologist. He believes I have Lyme based on my symptoms and history. He was the first doctor to tell me that my negative tests didn't mean I don't have Lyme.

A patient in my area on another forum also highly recommends this LLMD. A friend's friend also saw him and his colleague.
Posted 10/28/2008 6:15 AM (GMT -6)

Hi kitty9309.  I am glad the doctor has been recommended by other Lyme patients.  Have you ever been tested through IgeneX Lab?

Are you on any meds right now?  I think dizziness is one of the hardest symptoms to tolerate.  I hope you get relief soon.

Posted 10/28/2008 6:20 AM (GMT -6)

Hi killbabesia, welcome to the board!

Some people take Artemisinin with Mepron or Malarone.  You may want to speak with your doctor about this.  Mepron needs to be taken with certain antibiotics to work effectively (Zithromax, Biaxin, or Ketek).

Posted 10/28/2008 7:21 AM (GMT -6)
I have not been tested through Igenex, yet. I am sure I will be next week.

No meds right now. I had mild symptoms for all the years I was off and on abx for my sinus infections. I also had relief for about 1 1/2 weeks last summer after taking doxy for a suspected sinus infection. The (idiot) neuro didn't think this was significant!
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