Should Any Action Be Taken If A Lymes Blood Test Was Pulled ?

Posted on Tue, 18 Aug 2020

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 18 Aug 2020 Answered on

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 Last reviewed on

Question : if a lymes blood test was pulled to check if there is a flare up at all if the titer came back at 23. should any action be taken? symptoms of joint pain swollen joints muscle ache. lethargy. last treated for lymes a year and a half ago

Answered by Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
The titer of antibodies is elevated, follow the advice below

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

The blood test for Lyme disease checks for the presence of antibodies to the bacteria.
Usually the titer of antibodies stays elevated for months and even years.
The titer result in your case is elevated, so you might be having a flare up.
I recommend to use steroids to treat the joint pain.
I also suggest physical therapy to strengthen the muscles.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Kind regards!

Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi
General &Family Physician

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj