My LLMD has wanted me on IV Rocephin since I first got diagnosed 3 years ago. I was very sick then, and have made many improvements, but still I am not well.
Since I cannot get insurance to cover IV, my LLMD (who is an hour and 15 minutes from me) suggested that I come in at least once a week (at the very least) and she would give me IV there in her office (no port or picc line since I cannot afford that).
I highly doubt if anyone here would agree that IV Rocephin once a week is worth the time and money. But the herx I am experiencing from yesterday's IV is sooo severe....it is almost exciting that maybe the IV Rocephin will be exactly what I need to get my body into remission.
I would love your thoughts, experiences and comments. I am a single mother of four, with an ex who cannot watch his own children (he has made some stupid choices which resulted in him losing visitation). I am a teacher, and I am struggling to get by financially since my ex will not pay me the court-ordered child support. Things are incredibly stressful, and I have kids with congenital Lyme and PANDAS as well.
So these weekly trips to my LLMD seem like an added stressor. But....I am SO SICK OF BEING SICK, that I am willing to try this for a time. I have read some threads on here about IV Rocephin and I have not seen anything about IV Rocephin in this manner. Has anyone heard of such a thing?
THanks everyone... CB
Posted by sammy (Member # 13952) on :
Rocephin can also be given IM. If you wanted, you could easily learn to give them to yourself. That may be a cheaper alternative to IV. Maybe something to think about and discuss with your doctor.
Posted by David95928 (Member # 3521) on :
Just to add, IM Rocephin BURNS when mixed with water. Insist on lidocaine and it is almost painless. For the cost of driving and paying to have the IV done once a week, you could easily take it IM on a daily basis. McGuff sells it for about $10.00 per gram. 30 ml of 1% lidocaine is about $6.00 at CostCo. A syringe costs about 25 cents. So a week of daily shots would be less than $90.00 I'm pretty sure you can't get an IV every week for that.
Posted by lightfoot (Member # 2536) on :
I agree with the two comments above.....IM EVERY day would definitely beat once a week IMHO.
Good luck and let us know how it goes.
Posted by penguingirl (Member # 28688) on :
Have you tried Bicillin IM injections already? Just thought I'd throw it out there as a suggestion in case you hadn't tried that route.
Not sure if Rocephin IM is stronger than Bicillin IM.
Bicillin (make sure you get Bicillin LA) would be injected 3 x a week and it is normally about $20 for a month supply plus a few $ for the needles.
Posted by kidsgotlyme (Member # 23691) on :
It sounds like you really don't need anymore stress in your life right now.
I agree with everyone else. A lot of people have had the same degree of success on shots vs. IV