How to Get Tested for Lyme Disease: Atlanta, Ga
How to Get Tested for Lyme Disease: What You Need to Know
If you have unexplained symptoms like fatigue, joint pain, brain fog, or muscle aches, you may think about Lyme disease as a cause. However, getting an accurate Lyme diagnosis can be challenging because of the limitations of traditional blood testing. In this blog, we will explain the various ways to test for Lyme disease. We will discuss what the tests measure and why a thorough approach is important.
The Limitations of Traditional Lyme Disease Testing
When most people ask how to get tested for Lyme Disease, they start with their primary care provider, hoping to get clear answers. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case due to traditional testing methods.
Many clinics use tests like the ANA (Anti-Nuclear Antibody) test. This test is not specific for Lyme disease. Instead, it checks for general inflammation or autoimmune activity in the body. This test won’t detect if you were bit by a deer tick and infected with Lyme disease.
Another commonly used test is the Western Blot, which has its own set of limitations. The Western Blot test checks for antibodies your body makes against the bacteria that cause Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi).
However, it does not separate the results for different co-infections you can get from an infected tick bite. This is a major drawback. Lyme disease often comes with other tick-borne illnesses like Babesia, Bartonella, and Ehrlichia.
Even more concerning is that the longer you’ve had Lyme disease, the less likely it is to appear on the Western Blot. Over time, your immune system may stop making detectable antibodies. This can lead to negative ELISA test results, even if you still have symptoms.
This is one reason the known cases of Lyme disease are lower than reality. Untreated Lyme disease can lead to long term depilating symptoms.
The Importance of Lyme-Literate Providers, Atlanta Ga
Not all medical doctors (MDs) are trained to recognize or diagnose Lyme disease effectively. Many healthcare providers are not “Lyme-literate.” This means they may not fully understand Lyme disease and its co-infections.
As a result, they might misdiagnose patients. They could say a western blot shows a false positive or miss a diagnosis entirely.
Knowing that if a doctor misses a Lyme disease diagnosis, it’s not always their fault is important. The education about Lyme disease is limited and confusing. Many healthcare providers do not receive enough training to understand its complexities.
The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) has not given clear guidelines for diagnosing and treating Lyme disease. This is true for cases beyond the early stages.
The lack of clear diagnostic tools and treatment options means many doctors use old or limited tests. This can lead to missed or delayed diagnoses. This gap in guidance and education contributes to the ongoing challenge of identifying and treating Lyme effectively.
That’s where we come in. Our office focuses on Lyme disease. We keep our knowledge fresh by attending training classes at ILADS each year. This ongoing education allows us to offer more advanced and accurate testing options.
While not every MD is Lyme-literate, we work closely with those who are. We have teamed up with some caring doctors who know how important Lyme testing and treatment are. This way, you will receive the care and support you need.
Our office believes in natural remedies as much as possible when supporting the body. However, we know that some referrals are necessary for medication and medical treatment.
The owner, Alane understands Lyme personally. She got bit by a tick in the 1980s. It went undiagnosed for five long years. Read her story here.
Advanced Testing Options for Lyme Disease
For accurate Lyme disease testing, we believe the most reliable option is Vibrant Labs. They offer two tick panels that are far more comprehensive than traditional tests. One panel examines most infections, except for two. The other panel covers all known tick-borne infections and some viral issues linked to chronic illness.
Our testing is unique because it measures both IgG and IgM antibodies.
- IgG antibodies indicate a long-term or chronic infection. This means your body has exposed itself to the bacteria for a while, and you may have lingering symptoms.
- IgM antibodies indicate a more recent or active infection, showing that your immune system is currently fighting the bacteria.
This dual approach helps us see if your infection is new or has been with you for a while. This information allows us to create a better treatment plan.
Many time we see both IgG and IgM antibodies. Many times we feel patients were bitten by a tick more than once. Each time, the person tends to get worse symptoms.
Understanding Lyme and Co-Infections
Lyme disease rarely comes alone. Often, ticks carry other bacteria and parasites that can complicate the infection.
Co-infections such as Babesia, Bartonella, and Ehrlichia can cause many symptoms. Standard Lyme tests may not detect these symptoms. That’s why it’s crucial to use a testing method that can screen for multiple infections simultaneously.
Our panels provide a key benefit. They help us detect Lyme disease and the co-infections that may be causing your symptoms. This comprehensive approach is vital for effective long-term recovery.
Ready for Real Answers? Let’s Get You Tested.
If you’ve wondering how to get tested for Lyme Disease you are in the right place. And if you have been struggling with symptoms that seem unexplained or dismissed by traditional tests, it’s time to get the answers you deserve. Our office provides the best Lyme disease testing available.
We provide in-person and virtual consultations. No matter where you are, we can help you get tested. We will help you understand your results and guide you on your path to recovery.
Don’t let Lyme disease go undiagnosed. Reach out today to book an appointment and start your journey to better health.
HAVE A QUESTION? MEET THE OWNER, ALANE WINCEK!
CERTIFIED HOLISTIC NUTRITIONIST, METABOLIC HEALTH SPECIALIST, AND NATUROPATH.
Hey! I’m Alane Stieglitz-Wincek. I grew up on sugar and plenty of junk food and had no clue how my diet effected my health.
I changed my life and have worked as a holistic nutritionist and naturopath, for over the last 30 years. I help people get healthy, fit and lean, find hormone happiness and recover from all sorts health challenges.
Obsessed With: my family, my dog, my clients, loving life, and living it to the fullest!