My LLMD and I have been struggling to decide whether or not to start IV antibiotics, primarily for Babesia.
I have been in treatment for 3.5 years, sick for 5.
My current doc has tried almost every antibiotic regimen at very high doses. My previous LLMD pulsed abx at lower doses.
In both cases, any gains I make don't seem to last.
For instance, I had a two-month improvement early last year after starting Coartem (bad herxes at first), but then my extreme fatigue returned.
Until the past week, I have been in excruciating pain almost every day for three months. I was feeling desperate.
My current worst symptoms are crushing fatigue, pain, sinus congestion/post nasal drip, and resistant oral thrush. I also have some cognitive problems, dizziness, weakness, and frequent fevers and night sweats.
My question is: What was the "tipping point" for those of you who have tried IV antibiotics?
Did you improve more on IV than oral antibiotics, and were the gains worth the risks?
Were your improvements on IV antibiotics lasting or short-lived?
And were IV antibiotics helpful for Babesia symptoms or just Lyme?
Thanks in advance for any feedback.
Posts: 118 | From Northern Virginia | Registered: Apr 2012
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posted
IV antibiotics penetrate more tissue and are better tolerated that orals. I have been on both but for me I do better with IV. Less stomach upset and goes right to the areas infected.
Posts: 61 | From Connecticut | Registered: Jan 2015
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tdtid
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 10276
posted
Are you sure your doctor is saying IV for Babesia?
I only ask because yes, I did have IV for 15 months for both Lyme and Bartonella, but I was told that Babesia is treated with anti malaria meds.
At least at that time, there were none to be given by way of IV. I actually had the hardest time getting rid of the Babesia and that's nasty so my heart does go out to you.
But I'm wondering what meds your doctor would put in an IV to treat it.
For me, I was taking antibiotics in the IV for the other things and then had to do the anti malaria med separately. Mepron is a very common one but there are so many other avenues to take, but no...it must be something new.
Would love to hear what is being used in IV's now for Babesia. Sounds like progress IS being made in this field.
-------------------- "To Dream The Impossible Dream" Man of La Mancha Posts: 2638 | From New Hampshire | Registered: Oct 2006
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My LLMD said that IV Clarithromycin is effective for Babesia, but you're right -- IV is primarily for Lyme and Bartonella.
I think he just doesn't know what else to do with me.
I have tried anti-marlarial meds (Mepron, Malarone, Coartem, Cryptolepis), but I only felt well for two months max. Then I relapsed.
Posts: 118 | From Northern Virginia | Registered: Apr 2012
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