LymeNet Flash: opinions on going from oral to IV antib. ?

This is topic opinions on going from oral to IV antib. ? in forum Medical Questions at LymeNet Flash.

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Posted by goldenjake (Member # 6451) on :

hi
i want to ask again for anyone that has had
good or bad results on going to IV antibiotics. i started on orals 6 months ago
and still have symptons. left hand stiff numb, burning feet joints are stiff, pain
comes and goes in the back of my head. its like the orals arent penetrating deep enough . anyway my clinic has left it up to me to decide to try 16 weeks of IV antibiotics, followed by oral abx.
any thoughts or stories?
jake

Posted by duramater (Member # 6480) on :

jake

i've only ever done ivs when super-sick (CSF positive meningitis or cardiac symptoms). my own *personal* opinion is that i would not do the iv unless i was that sick. i would (and have) used orals when symptoms were less severe.

why do i say this? the risks of iv (super infection, c. diff, candida, catheter related phlebitis and clotting issues) need to be taken into account relative to the symptoms you suffer.

also, i've not felt totally better until after a few months after i've *stopped* antibiotics. once i finish, i slowly and consistently improve over time. if symptoms return, i reinstitute antibiotics.

anyway, that's my thoughts on the issue. i would also push the m.d. to talk out with you the pros and cons of iv/orals given your constellation of symptoms.

all the best with your treatment,
~DM

Posted by achey (Member # 6284) on :

jake
My LLMD said because of my long term neuro symptoms that Iv was the way for me to go.

I just finished 12 weeks of iv zith, and had a lot of improvement, even in areas that have been compromised for so long that I just thought it was me.

I'm still having cognitive, receptive and expressive, visual,hearing and coordination issues, so tomorrow I start new iv and oral protocol targeting those issues. I'm optimistic.

I don't know if IV is right for you. It has been very good for me. I wish you well with your decision.

Posted by treepatrol (Member # 4117) on :

My whole treatment was oral abx's almost 4 yrs. Wife had it to we think we shared it back and forth. I could have done IV but I oppted not too if you can handle orals stomach wise thats what I went. If you cant try IV.