Flashback

Let’s look at where this all began. Africa. At least this is where we think I got Lyme’s. There was one specific instance where I remember having a few ticks on me, but I was wearing jeans and quickly brushed them off. One of the usual signs that diagnose Lyme’s is a bullseye rash. I didn’t have that though. Lyme’s can be hard to diagnose because it can look like other illnesses also- such as Multiple Sclerosis, Lupus & Arthritis.

My doctor diagnosed me with two tests. First was Hnk1 or CD57 lab-draw test. And second was the Western Blot test. The first test deals with our natural fighting cells in our immune systems. They attack foreign invaders that enter our bodies. Our cells have different markers or flags that identify them. So the lower the CD57 level, the lower the immune system can play its role in fighting off illness. My doctor says we want our CD57 number around 200. When mine were first drawn they were at 84. Second draw they dropped to 34, then 55, and last time it was done they were at 92. So we have seen some gradual improvement which is a big deal! We are hoping with my next draw it is above 100.

Overall labs are the big key indicator with how the illness is progressing or dying off. I get my labs drawn about every 6-10 weeks.

Talk with you soon,

Maddie

Resource: https://www.researchednutritionals.com/library/lyme/everything-you-wanted-to-know-about-cd57/

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