Guest guest Posted May 14, 1999 Report Share Posted May 14, 1999 Hi ... I am going to check out that lab Monday. From what I understand the big benefit is that they are doing sensitivity testing which means they are checking to see which antibiotics will kill the lyme strain that you have. If they can do that , it would be extremely useful!!! Far less guessing about which antibiotics will work and quicker recovery...I will let everyone know what I find out.... Best wishes, Byron [Lyme-aid] Gensys >From: Dianna4yak@... > >Can someone tell me what the deal is with this Gensys lab? I happen to live >in Illinois, very close to Aurora, which is where they are evidently. >However, I am unaware of the significance of their testing methods. Also, >what is this Ames test which someone referred to? > >I must add, however, in all of this rhetoric, that here I am with an >equivocal and a positive each from ten years ago, 3 highly positive >Urine Antigen tests and a positive Western Blot (even by CDDC definition, it >shows 5 or 6 bands) from a year ago from Igenex, and two positives from SUNY >labs which just came back last week--and even with all of this, there is a >lot of argument and speculation about what is actually going on amongst >doctors. So, my conclusion is that it's almost like chasing one's tail to >continue testing after a point. I can't imagine what it must be like for >folks who never test positive. What I would like to see is a definitive test >for cure! > >--------------------------- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 14, 1999 Report Share Posted May 14, 1999 Dear Holly... I just picked up alot of decent on the Gensys lab from several lyme people. Saying there methods were faulty..some saying fraudulent. Would like to hear from those who have used it. Rockey Mountain lab does sensitivity tests on other organisms( not lyme) and I have used their lab, so I know sensitivity tests can be done. Appreciate some feed-back Byron [Lyme-aid] Gensys >> >> >From: Dianna4yak@... >> > >> >Can someone tell me what the deal is with this Gensys lab? I happen to live >> >in Illinois, very close to Aurora, which is where they are evidently. >> >However, I am unaware of the significance of their testing methods. Also, >> >what is this Ames test which someone referred to? >> > >> >I must add, however, in all of this rhetoric, that here I am with an >> >equivocal and a positive each from ten years ago, 3 highly positive >> >Urine Antigen tests and a positive Western Blot (even by CDDC definition, >> it >> >shows 5 or 6 bands) from a year ago from Igenex, and two positives from >> SUNY >> >labs which just came back last week--and even with all of this, there is a >> >lot of argument and speculation about what is actually going on amongst >> >doctors. So, my conclusion is that it's almost like chasing one's tail to >> >continue testing after a point. I can't imagine what it must be like for >> >folks who never test positive. What I would like to see is a definitive >> test >> >for cure! >> > >> >--------------------------- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 14, 1999 Report Share Posted May 14, 1999 Hi Kay... Leptosporosis is another spirokete...similar to lyme. Re: [Lyme-aid] Gensys >From: " Kay " <b10g7@...> > >>>>LEPTOSPIROSIS<<< > >what is this? i have never seen it mentioned before. > >kay > > >--------------------------- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 14, 1999 Report Share Posted May 14, 1999 Golfdawg.... I am hoping that the message " put up or shut-up " was not directed at me. I was merely trying to share information that I heard on a lyme board and trying to get feed-back from others that have used that lab as I will calling them Monday. I also don't appreciate taking a few sentences out of context . It gives people the wrong impression that read that post. Byron Re: [Lyme-aid] Gensys >From: lc lott <lclott@...> > > > >--- Golfdawg@... wrote: >> From: Golfdawg@... >> >> In a message dated 6/26/99 7:35:26 PM Central >> Daylight Time, >> F.Byron@... writes: >> >> << >> I just picked up alot of decent on the Gensys lab >> from several lyme people. >> Saying there methods were faulty..some saying >> fraudulent. >> >> >> I think those who are stating that GenSys has faulty >> methods or are >> fraudulent need to provide verification of this or >> state this is simply their >> opinion.... PERIOD. If you don't have anything to >> back it up you are simply >> causing people to panic or you are trying to damage >> the lab itself for some >> reason. >> >> Put up or shut up (or at least explain yourself, if >> you can). >> >> I agree. I would like to see facts and evidence to support this >claim. > L(MI)--------------------------- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 16, 1999 Report Share Posted June 16, 1999 dr. donta just had meredith's blood for western blot sent to BBI. kay Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 16, 1999 Report Share Posted June 16, 1999 --- Kay <b10g7@...> wrote: > From: " Kay " <b10g7@...> > > dr. donta just had meredith's blood for western blot > sent to BBI. > > kay > > Hi Kay- The blood work I have sent to GenSys is a Blood Culture not a WB. We have used BBI for Western Blots as well as PCRs but I think GenSYs is the only place that I know of that does the cultures. L > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > ONElist: the best source for group communications. > > Join a new list today! > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > Please send privately messages unrelated to lyme. > /archives.cgi/ > /archives.cgi/Lyme-Docs > Email: -subscribeonelist > You may substitute " unsubscribe " , " digest " , or > " normal " for > the word " subscribe " ( " normal " is the opposite of > " digest " ) > _________________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 16, 1999 Report Share Posted June 16, 1999 --- rhbailey@... wrote: > From: rhbailey@... > > Dear , > > I'm new to the list, so I need to ask--what test did > you have at GenSys? > How did you decide to use that lab? Have you ever > used Stonybrook? > > Sue B. > > Sue- Welcome to the list. I had blood cultures done at GenSys. My Dr. uses GenSys as well as BBI and IGENEX. Not sure if that is his personal pref or just because they are the more known labs. Actually GenSys is relativly new I guess so am not sure where he heard about them. I know he reads everything he can and goes to confrences alot so maybe thats where he heard about them. To my knowledge he doesnt use Stonybrook but thats only my personal knowledge with my case. Maybe he does with others. L > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > With more than 20 million e-mails exchanged daily... > > ...ONElist is home to the liveliest discussions on > the Internet! > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > Please send privately messages unrelated to lyme. > /archives.cgi/ > /archives.cgi/Lyme-Docs > Email: -subscribeonelist > You may substitute " unsubscribe " , " digest " , or > " normal " for > the word " subscribe " ( " normal " is the opposite of > " digest " ) > _________________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 16, 1999 Report Share Posted June 16, 1999 > Hi Kay- The blood work I have sent to GenSys is a Blood Culture not a WB. We have used BBI for Western Blots as well as PCRs but I think GenSYs is the only place that I know of that does the cultures. L<<< glad to hear someone knows of this lab. kay Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 26, 1999 Report Share Posted June 26, 1999 howdy... I put all the info that I had on Gensys on one of my pages....I had testing done there also and it really does seem to help. I did relapse for a while but once I increased the meds...I'm back to feeling better! (dont get me wrong..have a ways to go but feel like there is hope! Fer once!! http://www.angelfire.com/me2/StarShar/GenSys.html Re: [Lyme-aid] Answer on these herxes, please! >From: C13JK@... > >Holly, >Could you please expand on the meds. your on, and how long you had lyme >before treatment. >Also, I would like more info. on Gynsis. Would appreciate which drs. are >using it. If you can e-mail me direct with this info.,I would greatly >appreciate it. >Need this info. for my daughter-in-law. >Thanks in advance for your response. >(MN) > >--------------------------- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 26, 1999 Report Share Posted June 26, 1999 > , I'm taking two antibiotics. Ciprofloxacin which I believe goes into the brain and spinal cord and Doxycycline (form of tetracycline I believe) that goes through the rest of the body. They both have their good points. Doxycycline goes inside the cells and kills the spirocetes there and the other goes through the brain and spinal cord as far as I know. I have yet to check it out at the book store. I specifically asked for antibiotics that would cover both areas since I know I have symptoms in all those areas, i.e. muscles, brain fog and wierd shakes in legs. I would ensure when your daughter-in-law gets treated that you read alot first so you can ensure she gets the right antibiotics. Doctors are just not well informed enough. Apparently it is the involvement with the nervous system that causes eye problems because it affects the nerves in the eyes. I had blurred vision and tons of pain for along time. I am also taking Nystatin and good bacteria so that my bowels don't go crazy but they seem to be changing and I have no idea whether it is just a reaction or a sign the yeast is growing out of control. It's only been 3 weeks. I have only been on it a month and am having herx reactions. I have only noticed that my muscles are not as weak since I don't seem to be having so many problems writing at work any more. Writing was harder on me that typing. This week I did notice a clearer head but then I had so many herx reactions in between it is just too soon to tell. The lab that tested me was: GenSys, Incorporated 101 South Broadway Aurora, Illinois 60505 630-906-0011 Tel 630-906-0725 Fax The name of the doctor there who interpreted my tests was S.R. Wechter. The clinic in Toronto that sent me was the Toronto Naturopathic Clinic on Bloor Street. They are new at this but are willing to get you tested and treat you. I want to go further now and find a doctor who has more experience since I have been told I only need 3 months of antibiotics and I am questioning whether that is enough since I have had this possibly since I was a teenager. I am not sure at all what test they do but I guess it must be the one that goes through the blood because all I provided was a blood test. I am fairly certain (although brain death is present so who knows) that I did not give a urine test. It cost me $125 Canadian including the amount of the courier for the first test which diagnosed me with a spirocete which is in the rhematoid arthritis group but not the lyme spirocete. I have to try and find a doctor to explain to me what this exactly means since I have all the symptoms of lyme disease. Apparently my spirocete is brand new and hasn't even got a name. Leave it to me to get something new. After finding out I had the spirocete, I had to send money for a sensitivity test that determines which antibiotic will work on my spirocete. Again I have no idea why everyone has to do this but since they are smart enough to detect these critters I figure they must know what they are doing. Personally my opinion, based on very limited knowledge so far, is that once you are late or chronic lyme you can get rid of them for awhile and would have to keep working on it. I also had ultraviolet irradiation treatment for it which killed enough of them to get me back to work when i originally got sick. Apparently there is research on this treatment working on spirocetes. I believe, but am not too clear on whether I am right, that the UV treatment creates a more oxygenated environment in the body and spirocetes can't survive in it. I was fine for a year and a half after treatment. i guess they started to grow again. I think for myself I will do the antibiotic thing and then on a yearly basis go for UV treatment so I can keep them backed off. How can you possibly kill all of these things if they have been growing in your body for 30 years. I do know someone who had the spirocete that causes syphillis and he got better and has never been sick since. He only had it for a few years or less when he was diagnosed and he got cured right away. If you need anything else just write. It sometimes takes me a few days to get back though bec of my tight schedule. I hope this helps. Holly > > > >Holly, > >Could you please expand on the meds. your on, and how long you had lyme > >before treatment. > >Also, I would like more info. on Gynsis. Would appreciate which drs. are > >using it. If you can e-mail me direct with this info.,I would greatly > >appreciate it. > >Need this info. for my daughter-in-law. > >Thanks in advance for your response. > >(MN) > > > >--------------------------- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 27, 1999 Report Share Posted June 27, 1999 Diane & Bryon, That is exactly right. I have had their sensitivity testing done. Holly Byron White wrote: > From: " Byron White " <F.Byron@...> > > Hi ... > > I am going to check out that lab Monday. From what I understand the big > benefit is that they are doing sensitivity testing which means they are > checking to see which antibiotics will kill the lyme strain that you have. > If they can do that , it would be extremely useful!!! Far less guessing > about which antibiotics will work and quicker recovery...I will let everyone > know what I find out.... > > Best wishes, Byron > [Lyme-aid] Gensys > > >From: Dianna4yak@... > > > >Can someone tell me what the deal is with this Gensys lab? I happen to live > >in Illinois, very close to Aurora, which is where they are evidently. > >However, I am unaware of the significance of their testing methods. Also, > >what is this Ames test which someone referred to? > > > >I must add, however, in all of this rhetoric, that here I am with an > >equivocal and a positive each from ten years ago, 3 highly positive > >Urine Antigen tests and a positive Western Blot (even by CDDC definition, > it > >shows 5 or 6 bands) from a year ago from Igenex, and two positives from > SUNY > >labs which just came back last week--and even with all of this, there is a > >lot of argument and speculation about what is actually going on amongst > >doctors. So, my conclusion is that it's almost like chasing one's tail to > >continue testing after a point. I can't imagine what it must be like for > >folks who never test positive. What I would like to see is a definitive > test > >for cure! > > > >--------------------------- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 27, 1999 Report Share Posted June 27, 1999 Dianna4yak@... writes: << I must add, however, in all of this rhetoric, that here I am with an equivocal and a positive each from ten years ago, 3 highly positive Urine Antigen tests and a positive Western Blot (even by CDDC definition, it shows 5 or 6 bands) from a year ago from Igenex, and two positives from SUNY labs which just came back last week--and even with all of this, there is a lot of argument and speculation about what is actually going on amongst doctors. So, my conclusion is that it's almost like chasing one's tail to continue testing after a point. I can't imagine what it must be like for folks who never test positive. What I would like to see is a definitive test for cure! >> Diane, I too tested positive immediately and was able to start treatment within a few months of first getting sick. BTW, that was 3 years ago yesterday 6/26/96 when my life has been altered my what I used to say " A tick! " Now I know it's been destroyed by in part the three S's (among others) Steere, Sigal & Shoen. My husband has never tested positive but since we have a LLMD, I INSISTED he treat Jerry aggressive immediately. He did, by starting IV right away. He had treated me for over a year with orals and I had gotten worse, never better. Speed ahead over a year, we're both getting sicker by the minute. We finally get to an Infectious Disease Specialist. I presented with MRI brain lesions, failed tests from the Neurologist due to serious CNS damage, had same Neuro parade me in front of his partners by saying with pride " NOW, this is a REAL case of Lyme disease! " Not like those people who THINK they have it! " Then when we get back to the ID specialist, he had to do battle with our insurance company. He was on the phone for over 10 minutes ... he was shocked ... that they left HIM on hold! <g> With all the *evidence* we had the insurance company still ended up turning down the IV treatment even though 3 of my treating doctors had prescribed it! They demanded I get a new --- a LYMES test, Neuro testing, and the infamous spinal tap! The point is, after the ID guy saw how HARD it was to get ME treatment with evidence -- he told his secretary --- who told me ... 'Well, if I can't get her treatment, then there is NO WAY to get Jerry treatment because he doesn't even test positive! " So, he left my husband blowing in the wind, and did not treat him because it would be too hard to deal with the insurance companies! Jerry and I finally got IV treatment ---- when we agreed to go SELF PAY until we went through the appeal process. Our nurse told us her company would accept a payment plan we could live with. BTW, the insurance company has picked up a considerable amount to the IV payments. You ask, how do they get away with this? Because they have Insurance PAID WHORES, like Sigal & Shoen who testify against us as LYME EXPERTS so they can deny treatment. Has everyone sent their story into LYMESUIT@...? That is the ONLY thing that is going to work in my opinion. Marleen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 27, 1999 Report Share Posted June 27, 1999 In a message dated 6/26/99 7:35:26 PM Central Daylight Time, F.Byron@... writes: << I just picked up alot of decent on the Gensys lab from several lyme people. Saying there methods were faulty..some saying fraudulent. >> I think those who are stating that GenSys has faulty methods or are fraudulent need to provide verification of this or state this is simply their opinion.... PERIOD. If you don't have anything to back it up you are simply causing people to panic or you are trying to damage the lab itself for some reason. Put up or shut up (or at least explain yourself, if you can). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 27, 1999 Report Share Posted June 27, 1999 I AGREE. THIS LAB ISBEING USED BY MY LLD AND IT HAS HELPED MANY OF HIS PATIENTS. GRANTED, THEY ARE SLOW ON RESULTS BUT AT LEAST YOU GET THEM EVENTUALLY. THIS WAS THE ONLY LAB THAT GAVE ME MY POSITIVE FOR LYME AND LEPTOSPIROSIS. BEV Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 27, 1999 Report Share Posted June 27, 1999 it is chasing ur tail.......there is NO TEST that is effective as of yet .......that is why i will repeat ( i know its getting old but) lyme is a CLINICAL DX......by symptoms.......i personally now after all these years refuse to give any more blood or urine or money to lyme testing.......i have been dx with lyme and that is that.......my titres have never had any relationship to hiow i feel.......and that is the true test ......how i feel.....i collect ssd due to lyme......even they put no weight in blood testing......i have tested all differant ways in the last 10 years and spent nume4rous$$$$$$ who cares what a unreliable tesst says?..... i feel like shit right now....everything hurts and has for months........it is time for me to go to the va.....and pick my medicine of choice......leaning towards zitro and mepron.....would someone please give me the doasages u were on so i can further teach my veterans hosp. doc .......thanks....Reid Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 27, 1999 Report Share Posted June 27, 1999 >>>LEPTOSPIROSIS<<< what is this? i have never seen it mentioned before. kay Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 27, 1999 Report Share Posted June 27, 1999 --- B56G@... wrote: > From: B56G@... > > I AGREE. THIS LAB ISBEING USED BY MY LLD AND IT > HAS HELPED MANY OF HIS > PATIENTS. GRANTED, THEY ARE SLOW ON RESULTS BUT AT > LEAST YOU GET THEM > EVENTUALLY. THIS WAS THE ONLY LAB THAT GAVE ME MY > POSITIVE FOR LYME AND > LEPTOSPIROSIS. > > BEV > Bev- Gensys is also the lab that my doc uses and they are the ones that gave me the proof i need to get not only my treatment but also the evidence I need to file my lawsuits. I am glad they are around. L(MI) > --------------------------- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 27, 1999 Report Share Posted June 27, 1999 --- Golfdawg@... wrote: > From: Golfdawg@... > > In a message dated 6/26/99 7:35:26 PM Central > Daylight Time, > F.Byron@... writes: > > << > I just picked up alot of decent on the Gensys lab > from several lyme people. > Saying there methods were faulty..some saying > fraudulent. >> > > I think those who are stating that GenSys has faulty > methods or are > fraudulent need to provide verification of this or > state this is simply their > opinion.... PERIOD. If you don't have anything to > back it up you are simply > causing people to panic or you are trying to damage > the lab itself for some > reason. > > Put up or shut up (or at least explain yourself, if > you can). > > I agree. I would like to see facts and evidence to support this claim. L(MI)--------------------------- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 27, 1999 Report Share Posted June 27, 1999 Hi Holly I was just rading your letter to someone about what treatment you are taking and about the gensys Lab. I was wondering if the ciprofloxicin and doxy was reccomended by gensys or by your regular doc. When you paid for the antibiotic sensitivity test what were the results. I was also wondering if you could tell me where you got the ultraviolent treatment done and what ist consists of I had heard of it before and wanted to know more aobut how the treatment is done. any information would be much appreciated. Thank you I hope you are feeling better really soon. -Val Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 28, 1999 Report Share Posted June 28, 1999 Hi, Thanks for posting that website, can't wait till you finish putting in your results, let us know when you do. Hope you continue to improve. Hugs, Marta NJ >From: " Da Lawes' " <starshar@...> > >howdy... > >I put all the info that I had on Gensys on one of my pages....I had testing >done there also and it really does seem to help. I did relapse for a while >but once I increased the meds...I'm back to feeling better! (dont get me >wrong..have a ways to go but feel like there is hope! Fer once!! > >http://www.angelfire.com/me2/StarShar/GenSys.html > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 29, 1999 Report Share Posted June 29, 1999 Byron, I sure would like to know more about anything you know about Gensys. I am just very pleased they found the critter. It would be a shame if they found the wrong one. Let me know if you get any backup info on their procedures in the future. I am sure killing something right now. I feel absolutely awful. Holly Byron White wrote: > From: " Byron White " <F.Byron@...> > > Dear Holly... > > I just picked up alot of decent on the Gensys lab from several lyme people. > Saying there methods were faulty..some saying fraudulent. Would like to hear > from those who have used it. Rockey Mountain lab does sensitivity tests on > other organisms( not lyme) and I have used their lab, so I know sensitivity > tests can be done. Appreciate some feed-back > > Byron > [ ] Gensys > >> > >> >From: Dianna4yak@... > >> > > >> >Can someone tell me what the deal is with this Gensys lab? I happen to > live > >> >in Illinois, very close to Aurora, which is where they are evidently. > >> >However, I am unaware of the significance of their testing methods. > Also, > >> >what is this Ames test which someone referred to? > >> > > >> >I must add, however, in all of this rhetoric, that here I am with an > >> >equivocal and a positive each from ten years ago, 3 highly > positive > >> >Urine Antigen tests and a positive Western Blot (even by CDDC > definition, > >> it > >> >shows 5 or 6 bands) from a year ago from Igenex, and two positives from > >> SUNY > >> >labs which just came back last week--and even with all of this, there is > a > >> >lot of argument and speculation about what is actually going on amongst > >> >doctors. So, my conclusion is that it's almost like chasing one's tail > to > >> >continue testing after a point. I can't imagine what it must be like for > >> >folks who never test positive. What I would like to see is a definitive > >> test > >> >for cure! > >> > > >> >--------------------------- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 2, 1999 Report Share Posted July 2, 1999 Hey everyone, Maybe I should just keep my mouth shut here but I thought I would add my 2 cents. I have some rather close experience with Gensys. Actually through a friend and I don't consider them to be really on the up and up. What I mean is that there is something funny going on. Do I know if their TESTING is valid? NO. Do I know if it is in fact accurate or even close? NO. The thing to remember here is buyer beware. FYI Kathleen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 6, 1999 Report Share Posted July 6, 1999 In a message dated 7/2/99 8:13:57 PM Central Daylight Time, Fyikat@... writes: << Maybe I should just keep my mouth shut here but I thought I would add my 2 cents. I have some rather close experience with Gensys. Actually through a friend and I don't consider them to be really on the up and up. What I mean is that there is something funny going on. Do I know if their TESTING is valid? NO. Do I know if it is in fact accurate or even close? NO. The thing to remember here is buyer beware. >> My test was prepaid by check or credit card and was $334 and odd cents. I had the testing for specific infections and the sensitivity testing. It took about two months for the results to come back. Again, considering the fact that the Lyme bacteria is supposed to have a 28-day reproductive span and they grow the blood culture, i would consider that normal. I do have a copy of my sensitivity results but don't have a scanner and really don't ahve the energy to retype all of that. I was backchanneled a note that the doctor running the lab *supposedly* abandoned two other labs and has a mail-order degree. I asked my doctor and he said he thought that was crap and that he had a degree in immunology. But he was going to check for himself. We talk a lot about not naming doctors' names on here so as to protect their reputation. What about labs'? Everyone seems to have a love affair with Igenex, yet they don't even offer this type of testing. Anyone can test for antibodies. What does that mean? That you have had it at one time or another. So what? We need to know if we have it *now* and what specific abx treatments work best. As others have pointed out, there may be other labs where they are trying to use this testing, but GenSys seems to be the one with their name out there. In my experience, my testing came back in a reasonable time with reasonable results. This is a big step for us if this test proves to be more able to pinpoint what abx to use. I hope we are careful with our words as we as buyers certainly should beware, but all I have read is innuendo thusfar. No specifics yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 7, 1999 Report Share Posted July 7, 1999 Hi Golfdawg, I am glad you had a good experience with GenSys, I haven't tried either that lab or Igenex, I probably should be discussing trying one of the these labs with my doctor, but I guess I am getting apathetic about the whole Lyme testing unreliability. I just wanted to point out that a few years ago, my dog was chronically sick with ear infections, I took him from vet to vet, trying to find out why this occurred, finally one vet suggested that they send a culture of his infection to a University Veterinarian Hospital. When we did that, we did get results back showing which meds would fight this bacteria that had invaded his ear, I can't recall the exact name, but the germ he had was the hardest to kill. Finally we got the name of the correct abx in oral and cream form to treat the poor dog, and his problems were solved. I always wondered why if they could do that for my dog, they could not do a similar test for Lyme disease....then I learned it is hard to culture the spirochete from the blood. But after reading your post I am confused, is it hard to culture, or does it just take time? Is it possible some labs (like Igenex) just don't want to be bothered with this type of testing due to the long time involved in culturing? I don't know anything about Labs or microbiology, but is it possible that conditions have to be met and special equipment used that are not cost effective??? If this is the case, I am pretty PO'd! Please keep me posted on how well you react to the abx they recommend for treating your specific infection. This culturing procedure makes a lot of sense to me, with past experience with my dog, and also knowing that we each have different strains of this disease and this could be a good reason why each of us respond differently to different abx, plus word that Dr was able to culture the spirochete from blood and is still working on perfecting this in his lab. I want to be open-minded and positive about the possibility that this is a viable option for all of us. Hugs, Marta NJ >From: Golfdawg@... > > >My test was prepaid by check or credit card and was $334 and odd cents. I >had the testing for specific infections and the sensitivity testing. > >It took about two months for the results to come back. Again, considering >the fact that the Lyme bacteria is supposed to have a 28-day reproductive >span and they grow the blood culture, i would consider that normal. > >I do have a copy of my sensitivity results but don't have a scanner and >really don't ahve the energy to retype all of that. > >I was backchanneled a note that the doctor running the lab *supposedly* >abandoned two other labs and has a mail-order degree. I asked my doctor and >he said he thought that was crap and that he had a degree in immunology. But >he was going to check for himself. > >We talk a lot about not naming doctors' names on here so as to protect their >reputation. What about labs'? Everyone seems to have a love affair with >Igenex, yet they don't even offer this type of testing. > >Anyone can test for antibodies. What does that mean? That you have had it >at one time or another. So what? We need to know if we have it *now* and >what specific abx treatments work best. > >As others have pointed out, there may be other labs where they are trying to >use this testing, but GenSys seems to be the one with their name out there. >In my experience, my testing came back in a reasonable time with reasonable >results. > >This is a big step for us if this test proves to be more able to pinpoint >what abx to use. I hope we are careful with our words as we as buyers >certainly should beware, but all I have read is innuendo thusfar. No >specifics yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 8, 1999 Report Share Posted July 8, 1999 In a message dated 7/7/99 2:11:55 AM Central Daylight Time, mlmccoy@... writes: << I always wondered why if they could do that for my dog, they could not do a similar test for Lyme disease....then I learned it is hard to culture the spirochete from the blood. But after reading your post I am confused, is it hard to culture, or does it just take time? Is it possible some labs (like Igenex) just don't want to be bothered with this type of testing due to the long time involved in culturing? I don't know anything about Labs or microbiology, but is it possible that conditions have to be met and special equipment used that are not cost effective??? >> Yes, it is hard to find it in your blood. The Lyme bacteria was not actually found in my first blood sample, but a leptospiral infection was. So I could take the blood culture again, but that is more money out of my pocket. I may do it in a few months. And it also takes time because of the long reproductive cycle of the Lyme bacteria. Most bacterial infections reproduce very rapidly, so it is a quick and easy test. With Lyme, you have the problem of actually finding it in your blood and then doing at least a 28 day culture to see if it grows. Then you have to test the respective abx on the cultures that grew to see which abx is most effective and to what degree. This is the same concept used with a lot of bacterial infections, but I would assume the fact it is not used often comes down to money. Not enough interest to pursue the test, long period to grow the culture, not always easy to find Lyme in the blood, etc. Overall, this still is important as it trys to specify which abx works best at killing the infection. Instead, you could take abx that simply will not kill the infection no matter how long or how much you take. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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