Hello, I've been on IM Bicillin for 9 months continuously now with no apparent plans at stopping. I get my shots every three days and combine it with oral antibiotics. (Currently Doxy). I've made a lot of improvements this way. I'm just getting burned out on getting the shots and need some encouragement.
Anyone been on it longer than a year continuously?
Take care, Ms. Myo
Posted by hiker53 (Member # 6046) on :
IM bicillin for a year? OUCH!!! I just started it last week and boy does it pack a punch. I only weigh 95 pounds and the nurse is trying to figure out how to get 6 weeks of it into my rear end without running out of space! I get 2 shots once a week--one on each side. Plus, it so expensive! Hiker
Posted by Jill E. (Member # 9121) on :
I heard through the parent of a Lyme patient that the patient has been on it about 14 months and doing well.
I've only had 9 injections and am already getting one spot of scar tissue. I have no idea how long my LLMD plans for me to be on it, but it took me months to even obtain three boxes of the stuff and pay full cash price.
I've been very curious as to how many injections one can go through before the scar tissue prevents further usage. Obviously, one year is not out of the question.
I'm not having the miraculous results some people talk about. How long was it before you noticed improvement?
Thanks, Jill
Posted by David95928 (Member # 3521) on :
Over three years.
Posted by timaca (Member # 6911) on :
Ms Myoclonus~ How much doxy are you also on?
I'm just on one shot of IM bicillin per week at this time, for I also have C. difficile, and I'm trying to get rid of that without having to go off the bicillin. I'd love to be getting two shots a week, but I can't due to the C. diff.
Timaca
Posted by Ms. Myoclonus (Member # 6750) on :
Hey Hiker, I'm a skinny 108 lbs so I know about having no room to spare. I'm proof that skinny people can do it! (I personally think some people develop more scar tissue than others regardless of their size.)
Hey Timaca, I'm not sure on the doxy dose as I haven't picked up the prescription yet. I'll post it when I find out. I'm just now stopping Zithromax 250 mg 2x day with the Bicillin.
Hey everyone, I'm one of those lucky ones whose insurance has been picking it up. I pay $40 for a month supply. Also, it is usually delivered within one to two days to a locally owned pharmacy. Walgreens will not carry it for me. I know others have had a harder time getting it and paying for it, but I've had no problems.
Also, my number one tip to keep the soreness down is to ice it after injection.
Thanks to everyone who responded. Ms. Myo
Posted by beachcomber (Member # 5320) on :
Almost 2 years for me. I just reduced from 2.4 mil. units/week to 1.2, due to antibiotic induced collitis from Cipro - nasty med for me. Decided to reduce all meds to clear up the collitis.
Hiker: I am quite thin/small & have had some issues with finding new spots to inject. I take it in the hip sometimes, with no problem. I have a skilled nurse shoot me. Am way too chicken to jab that spear into my own hip or butt. My advice is to do yoga and other exercises to build glute muscles. I work out 5 days per week, minimum, to help build muscle. It has made life much easier.
Posted by timaca (Member # 6911) on :
beachcomber~ Sorry for your colitis. I am dealing with C. difficile, and I'm hoping to clear it while still on the 1.2 mu Bicillin LA.
Are you taking anything for your colitis?
Does your doctor or GI doctor think you can clear it while still on the bicillin?
Timaca
Posted by beachcomber (Member # 5320) on :
Timaca:
My colitis is a result of having been put on Cipro and Amoxicillin while undergoing recent surgery and after. The Cipro trashed my gut. I did a C-Diff test and it was clean. I have been treated for C-Diff in the past with Flagyl - evil Rx for me.
Basically, we reduced my Bicillin to 1/2 dose, like you, and I am continuing with a mostly macrobiotic diet and adding in sugar-free electrolytes. We are hopeful that the med reduction and the diet will clear up the colitis. So, no additional meds, except for Lomotil that I take when I absolutely need to.
No dairy has been one of the most helpful things. Whole grains are good. Animal protein is not so good - undigestible. Veggies are grand. Fruit in moderation.
Hope you feel better soon. C-Diff is crummy.
Posted by DolphinLady (Member # 6275) on :
I was only on it for 6 months and I made lots of progress on it. What helped me was to have the area massaged firmly after injecting followed by a good walk.