So my LLMD has prescribed Bicillin shots, twice a week. Problem is I am not sure if I am allergic to Pencillin or not, so ideally would like to do it in a medical setting. My PCP doesnt sound very enthusiastic towards the lyme treatment, though I have not asked her about the shots. I am wondering if any of you got the shots at a doctor's office/hospital/some special home care and wouldnt mind sharing the same info. with me. Thanks. -Radha
Posted by UnexpectedIlls (Member # 15144) on :
My fiance gave it to me right at home. He had never done it before, but did a great job!!!! There are pretty easy instructions, but I understand your fear of not knowing of a allergy.
someone else will be by I am sure for better advice!!
Posted by RadhaPK (Member # 8761) on :
Thanks for the reply. my husband is willing to do the same for me, but the whole allergy thing is whats holding us back. A medical facility that way would be great.
Posted by feelfit (Member # 12770) on :
My LLMD gave me my first shot in his office. He suggested that I do them from then on at home. My PCP is following my treatment and was willing to give my shots in her office...
I feel more comfortable w/ this situation for now.
I think that your 1st injection should be done by a medical professional because of the chance of a reaction.
feelfit
Posted by RadhaPK (Member # 8761) on :
thanks for the response. My LLMD is not an option (he is about 5 hrs drive away). PCP - probably is going to create a problem about it - but think would ask her. I am pretty worried about the allergy stuff.
Posted by Tracy9 (Member # 7521) on :
My LLMD as a standard of care gives everyone a week of HIGH DOSE ORAL penicillin first, to rule out any allergy, and an epi pen to go with it.
That way if you have a problem, you find out while you are taking the penicillin that is only going to be in your body for a few hours, rather than a shot that is going to be in your body for ten days or so.
He gives very explicit instructions on how to take the orals, and then you must take your first shot within 6 hours of the orals.
Having your first shot in a medical setting may not be all that helpful, since allergies to Bicillin shots characteristically show up on Day 10 after the shot.
Maybe have your doctor consult with him?? He is in CT, Dr. P.
Posted by RadhaPK (Member # 8761) on :
Tracy, what is the oral pencillin you took - do you know the name? I go to Dr. H at hyde park and injections are what he seems to be doing directly for all his patients. I do like the idea of trying oral for a day. Can you send me the med. name? Thanks!!
Posted by Tracy9 (Member # 7521) on :
Hi, It is just penicillin. Our LLMD put us on it for I think between 5 - 10 days, we had to take it for so many days before we could get the injection. It was a very high dose though, to be taken three times a day for about a week before first shot.
Posted by robi (Member # 5547) on :
An allergist can test you for an allergy to bicillin. That way you know for sure. You can develop an allergy at any time so even though you may not be allergic now youcan become allergic. Your doc can RX an epi-pen that you can administer yourself if you should have a reaction.
Posted by hiker53 (Member # 6046) on :
My LLMD recommended the bicillin, but my gynecologist actually prescribed it and I got the shots in his office. I am a wimp and could not give them to myself! But, the nurses who gave them to me were great and not much pain at all.
The doctor was also kind enough to write a note to my insurance company, so they would reimburse me and the only place I could find the bicillin was the hospital pharmacy. Hiker53
Posted by hcconn22 (Member # 5263) on :
In the Butt.
Left cheek.
Posted by RadhaPK (Member # 8761) on :
Thanks Tracy for the details of the oral meds.
Robi - I do like the idea of seeing an allergist - might be something I should discuss with my PcP.
Hiker!! - I think I might also be a whimp regarding the shot, but right now I am mentally blocking the pain etc. to get better. Anything it takes is what I am set with.
Did any of you see any dramatic improvements while on the shots. The problem is that my condition has declined quite a bit - and the herxes on some the medications make me difficult to stick to them. My LLMD thinks that if we try bicillin the herxes may be less and I might be able to tolerate it. Before this I was on 100mg mino - which ended me with severe neuropathy - all muscles heavy, painful, crawling itching including the lungs and my head is pretty crazy. The worse happened when I took 3 months break for detox - all hells broke lose - and I am pretty much bedridden now.
-Radha
Posted by RadhaPK (Member # 8761) on :
up for any more suggestions. Did anyone try going to hospital Out Patient ward for the shots??
-R
Posted by Windmill (Member # 15404) on :
I did them myself, it was hard but more mentally hard than physically. it was only sore after i had done it, the injecion itself was no big deal. was taught how to do it properly though and thats important. I found Bicillin really helped me so hope it helps you too:)
Posted by RadhaPK (Member # 8761) on :
thanks windmill. very encourging to hear that it helped you. -Radha
Posted by Tracy9 (Member # 7521) on :
Our LLMD won't let us do them ourselves. He insists on Visiting Nurses.
Posted by Vermont_Lymie (Member # 9780) on :
First shot in the doctor's office to make sure there was no allergic reaction. Actually, I had a wierd reaction but it was definitely not allergic; I felt like I was drunk and very sleepy after the first shot.
The rest of the shots at home with a trained spouse.
If you are not sure if you are allergic, definitely have the first shot at your llmd's office or another doc's office to be safe!
Posted by RadhaPK (Member # 8761) on :
thanks vermont_lyme and tracy.
Posted by pab (Member # 904) on :
You could get the shot at home & then head to the ER parking lot. You would be right where you need to be if you happen to have an allergic reaction. Our LLMD suggested this because not every one can get the shot in the doctor's office. We have not started the shots yet.
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