The blood tests that were ordered measure the levels of antibodies (immunoglobulins) against infection. What is your original cause for concern? Do you have a diagnosis at the moment?

My original cause for concern was multiple non-specific symptoms. The full list is too long to put here. The most overwhelming symptom being fatigue. I'm also having neurological symptoms, sleep issues, GI problems, endocrine problems, minor cardiac issues, joint/muscle pain, etc. I'm still somewhat functional, although I can no longer work due to the life-altering, mind-numbing fatigue and post-exertional pain.

I really hesitate typing the next paragraph, largely because of the reaction a lot of people have to this. Please don't dismiss me. I'm really trying to find answers and figure this all out.

I have clinical diagnoses for both CFS and Lyme disease. The first doesn't explain all my symptoms and I have doubts about the latter for several reasons.

First, all testing (multiple methodologies by 3 different labs) has been negative for lyme and co-infections (babesia, bartonella, ehrlichia, Mpn, Cpn). Thus the questions about my low Ig levels possibly affecting test results. Or it could be I don't really have any of those and my symptoms are being caused by something else.

Second, the neurological symptoms have gotten exponentially worse (with new ones popping up) while in treatment while there's been no abatement in other symptoms. I was on multiple antibiotics for 7 months and am now off all of them.

Third, the Dr who gave me the lyme diagnosis only diagnoses and treats lyme disease and I'm wondering how many of his patients he *doesn't* say have lyme (yes, I question everything). I no longer see him. This is also the doc who originally ordered the Ig testing and then dismissed it.

Btw, I had an ANA and that was negative too.

So anyway, that's out in the open now. I'm hoping all this doesn't get in the way of any answers to my initial questions.

I'm currently seeing a neurologist who has referred me to another neurologist for a full differential. The appt's in late January.

Thank you very much for your time and interest.

I see, nyxie. Your questions are so specific and your condition is so multi-symptomatic, that I think you're in good hands with the neurology specialists. I'm sorry that you're going through these hard times, though. Chronic fatigue must really be difficult. No one knows what causes CFS. It is most common in women in their 40s and 50s, but anyone can have it. It can last for years. There is no cure for CFS, so the goal of treatment is to improve symptoms. Medicines may treat pain, sleep disorders and other problems.

I'd suggest that you look into these websites to learn more about how to cope with CFS. MAybe you could even join a clinical trial.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/chronic fatiguesyndrome.html
http://www.cdc.gov/cfs/cfstreatment.htm