Alana’s Lyme Journey – Part 11 – Waiting

Test results from another LLMD

I finally received the test results from my LLMD in the Northern Dallas area. Since it was a Lab Corp test, of course, my test results came back negative (according to them). On my IgM, I had band 23 this time come back as present, but nothing else. In addition to that, I also learned that my titers were high for Epstein Barr and also for Chlamydia Pneumoniae. I’m not sure of the significance of having high titers for these illnesses…I’ll have to ask again when I see the doctor. There was a lot of information thrown at me during this visit.

The Great Imitator – Lyme Disease

Never covered by insuranceIgeniz

Of primary concern, is that the negative test result from Lab Corp. means that my insurance will not cover my IV antibiotic treatments. Although I had a very positive IGenex test and even had a positive PCR, the insurance will not cover my treatments because they don’t recognize IGenex. The out-of-pocket costs are rather large, but at this point I don’t have many options.

Years to wait!Slow Treatment

My LLMD says that I have to be patient with my treatment. He says that treating chronic lyme can take years and that often there can be setbacks. Ugh! He is suggesting that we do the Rocephin two times a week for six months and then consider an antibiotic holiday, depending upon how I am doing.

Returning symptomsFacial Numbness

I have had a couple of symptoms return in the last few weeks: facial numbness and numbness in my left arm. My limp seems to have improved though. I can now walk for a few minutes at a time normally before my right foot starts to tighten up on me. I am SO thankful for that!

Small victories

I am also thankful that I don’t have to PICC line in order to do the IV! This means that I can still keep swimming as part of my regular workout during the week! Small victories – they count for a lot when dealing with Lyme!

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Lyme Disease, Epstein-Barr Virus

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