In my humble opinion I do not see the need for a lumbar puncture. It can not
rule out lyme disease or MS. If you get a high T-cell count that might indicate
Multiple Sclerosis, but what causes Multiple Sclerosis? (Researchers don't
really know) Is M.S. caused by TRUE autoimmunity, or are there a higher than
usual amount of Killer T-cells because there might be an underlying Viral or
Bacterial Infection. In fact, there are a number of "respected" researchers who
are weighing in on the side of an infection. Also, there have been a number o
f Lyme patients who were misdiagnosed as having MS. They were then put on
steroids which supress the immune system (Bad bad bad - big mistake). Well, why
not just accept the fact that you have some unusual symptoms and find a "lyme
literate" doctor who will prescribe Antibiotics. Why not just see if
antibiotics help. In addition your doctor may want to do the Western Blot.
He/She may have to do it more than once before you get a confirmative test, and
in fact there is the possibility you will never get a positive test. But the
main test would be how you respond to antibiotics (The right kind, the right
amount, for a lengthy duration). If you don't respond well, and you continue to
have symptoms then you may want to re-evaluate and ask for an MRI, which is
often useful in diagnosing MS.
Let us know how you fair...
lumbar puncture