LymeNet Flash: When do you switch meds?

This is topic When do you switch meds? in forum Medical Questions at LymeNet Flash.

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Posted by jobrien (Member # 41253) on :

When is it time to try something else? I've been feeling horrible for the past 3 months-is this the way it's gonna be? Man, it's like penence!!

How do I convince my LLMD/NP that this totally stinks and that I can't take it anymore- I don't want to whine or complain- there's lots out there worse off than me!

I'd think I need to try something less harsh on my stomach (Zithro) is really beginning to bug me!!

Are shots the way to go? Anyone know the benefits/disadvantages of shots?

Posted by treepatrol (Member # 4117) on :

I was always on 2 or 3 abx's at a time then would switch one every three months or so.

Posted by Lenny777 (Member # 5452) on :

quote:
Originally posted by jobrien:

Are shots the way to go? Anyone know the benefits/disadvantages of shots?

Shots are the way to go if they work for you. Not everyone responds to the same treatment.

I'm on Bicillin injections and I love them, well, as much as you can love a 2.5 inch needle.

I think they are easier on yeast. Easier on your stomach and you don't have to worry about taking them every day.

Also, you don't have to worry about taking them with your supplements.

They are expensive as all get out. But hey what's money? I just go out to the old money tree in the yard and pick a few bills.

Posted by amyb (Member # 5520) on :

Lenny777....you have a money tree!!!

and all this time i have been working TWO jobs to support my lyme.....i'll be right over...amyb

Posted by David95928 (Member # 3521) on :

I don't know about changing meds. It sound like you may be herxing along with irritation of the stomach from the oral antibiotics.

You asked, "Are shots the way to go?"

Lenny has it right.

The shots (Bicillin LA) are very effective. If you follow this board, or search "bicillin" on this site you will see a lot of people who say it has helped them more than anything else. In my opinion, it may come closest to being the "magic bullet" for chronic Lyme.

Generally, people also take an oral antibiotic, in my case Biaxin but Zithromax is also fine.

This regimen is also much easier on the stomach, and seems to have minimal associations with yeast problems and opportunistic infections in the intestine.
It's good stuff.

Oh, in my case it's only a one and a half inch needle. The stuff is kind of expensive if insurance refuses to cover, but can be ordered very reasonably from online pharmacies in Europe (About $3.00 per dose)

It gave me another chance at life.

David

Posted by rosesisland2000 (Member # 2001) on :

When do you switch meds?

This is one of the reasons it is so important to have an LLMD. He will know when it is time for you to switch meds.

I am currently on Bicillin shots, but, prior, I have been on every abx type under the sun.

Only your LLMD should switch. Are you really seeing an LLMD or someone who says that they treat LD? There is a big difference. Usually, but, not always, an LLMD will only be treating LD and not have a slew of other patients with other things in his care.

I only started the shots because of my last visit on Aug 30th, he prescribed them to me. He decided that I would probably do well on the Bicillin shots.

Rosemary

Posted by jobrien (Member # 41253) on :

quote:
Originally posted by rosesisland2000:
When do you switch meds?
This is one of the reasons it is so important to have an LLMD. He will know when it is time for you to switch meds.
I am currently on Bicillin shots, but, prior, I have been on every abx type under the sun.
Only your LLMD should switch. Are you really seeing an LLMD or someone who says that they treat LD? There is a big difference. Usually, but, not always, an LLMD will only be treating LD and not have a slew of other patients with other things in his care.
I only started the shots because of my last visit on Aug 30th, he prescribed them to me. He decided that I would probably do well on the Bicillin shots.
Rosemary

Yes, I am seeing an LLMD and obviously, she needs to be the one to switch meds.

I'm just trying to build up my "case" since I've been complaining about my stomach for the past 3 months.

I'm afraid to try something new- already been on Doxy,Flagyl and now Zithro- it all messes up my stomach.That's why I think I'd do better with shots.

I'm not dying but I'm feeling real close to it!

Posted by liz28 on :

Actually, ketek is the next generation of zith, and its big selling point is that it's easier on your stomach. As someone starting my third day of ketek herx, I can vouch for the fact that it works.

What someone wrote about three months sounds wise. Most of the drugs that really work will cause a herx within four days of starting on them. Flagyl's herx can last for several months, but the others should start giving you improvement after two or three at the most.

A herx does cause a worsening of symptoms, but the symptoms also change. They are NOT exactly the same as your Lyme symptoms. Until recently, you couldn't complain much because even the best drugs we had were often not much more than a stopgap measure. But now there are several drugs on the market that will, if not cure you, make you significantly better. You never have to settle for sitting around for months, and you don't have to be afraid to speak up for yourself.

Posted by liz28 on :

Forgot to add one warning about ketek--it's a LOT stronger than zith, and the dose doctors are prescribing, 800mg taken once a day, can be a little high. It works just as well if you start at a lower dose and ramp up.