LymeNet Flash: IV Antibiotics

This is topic IV Antibiotics in forum Medical Questions at LymeNet Flash.

To visit this topic, use this URL:
https://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/ultimatebb.php/topic/1/32183

Posted by poodlegirl (Member # 6746) on :

Can anyone help me with pros and cons of IV antibiotics? I have been on orals for 3 months but I need IV and I am a little worried about it. What side effects: aging, weight gain/loss, overall ability to function while on IV???????etc. Just need a little info to help me out

Posted by robi (Member # 5547) on :

I have never been on IV abx . It was offerd to me after 4 monts of orals. I decided not to do it.

I was pretty bad but not as bad as some stories I have heard. My infection was 5-6 months undetected before treatment.

At 4 months of orals I still wasn
t doing to well. Still I di not like the idea of IV. I staye with orals and now am into 11 months of treatment.

I still have symptoms but they are somewaht less. I am continuing treatment.

I have not ruled out IV, but Iam not anxos to jump to IV either.

Just wanted to give you an idea that you can do oral longer before makng a decision.

I should also mention I have neuro lyme and arthritis.

robi

Posted by IBelieve (Member # 6834) on :

I was offered IV last October, but waited until Decemember to begin because I was so nervous about it. I had no trouble with it at all. I only did it for 4 weeks though. It is all a personal decision. Whatever you feel comfortable with.

Posted by achey (Member # 6284) on :

I've been on Iv for 4 months now.

I have had Ld for 30+yrs..recently dx'ed though.

My LLMD felt that Iv's were the only real option for me with the intensity of my symptoms, and Gi problems with orals.

I had a port installed in my chest. It allows me much more freedom than a PICC line although it was a surgical proceedure.

I am getting some marked improvement..especially in decrease pain and increased mobility.

Neuro changes are coming more slowly.
Heart and lung problems are resolved.

I feel good with my LLMD's advice to jump into Iv treatment.

I wish you well with your decision

Posted by solsearcher (Member # 4482) on :

I've had chronic Lyme for 26+ years. Orals only help slightly, so I did (and will do again) IV Rocephin for twelve weeks straight.

I think the option I chose is called "pulsing." I had a nurse insert an IV needle in me on Monday mornings. I then infused the Rocephin twice a day, Monday through Thursday. I took the needle out myself on Thursday evenings.

I wore long sleeved shirts at work, so no one even knew I was infusing. That schedule left my weekends IV-free so I could be as active as this disease allows. It was the best option for me, an option I'm willing to repeat.

It did help somewhat, but my case is chronic. I'll need more. Good luck.

Scott