my llmd wants me to start bicillin shots, starting with one shot per week ending up with three shots per week plus starting rifampin for my bart. The shots are 1.2 ml units. Has anyone done these shots and what was your experience with them> do they help? aRE THEY PAINFUL? hOW LONG ARE YOU USUALLY ON THESE SHOTS.
THANKS DIANA
Posted by psr1 (Member # 22957) on :
I did them for several months. They hurt very briefly - I did not find the pain a big deal at all - and they did help me, though not a lot after a few months so my LLMD took me off.
Posted by keltyl (Member # 14050) on :
Did them for several months. Had a very good :shot-giver", my neighber is a retired RN. Also my doc prescribed Emla cream, you rub it on area I think 1/2 hr b/f your shot.
They did not seem to help me, but that doesn't mean they won't help others.
Posted by stephfino (Member # 23599) on :
I did these for 20 weeks-and had my first real progress once starting them.
They hurt me when given for the first few weeks-then I sort of got used to them.The shots are suppossed to be administered slowly, as the Bicillin is a thick white gluish looking substance. So they hurt more than your typical quick B12 or flu injection.
I found then very helpful! Unfortunately, I had to pay out of pocket for them as they weren't covered by my insurance.
Posted by mookie333 (Member # 26021) on :
I do them now and only have had 2. I have a friend of mine who is a nurse and gives shots often, z track them into my backside.
I cant get used to it! I ice it 20 minutes prior and it doesn't hurt much after, but whoa!
The next day out it hurts like heck. I have some weird responses.
I herxed like crazy on rifampin and mino. But these biciliin shots along with the diflucan every day has kinda turned me into 1 angry woman.
If this is a herx, well good. But, essentially I kinda feel a little out of it.
Please do give suggestions to make that area less sore. OMG! heat or ice?
Posted by WhitneyS (Member # 25666) on :
hey were on the same meds! I have been on Rifammpin for about 1.5 months and just started the Bicilin shots. I've only had two (this week) and will continue. It hurts when the do it, and then for about 30 min after, then It will be sore the next day but not too bad. They dont inject it into a working muscle-- meaning one that you really use in normal activity so it doesnt hurt when you walk or anything. Fingers crossed that it helps. Its supose to help the most with nuero symptoms which are my main symptom. I'd be fine taking them for life if they took away the fog!
Posted by n2themystic (Member # 27315) on :
I had discomfort for the first 6-7 shots. A few were so sore I had a hard time sleeping.
My body must have gotten used to them because now other than a slight discomfort getting the injection I really don't feel anything.
So for me... it did get much better!
Posted by Lymeorsomething (Member # 16359) on :
They're not bad pain-wise. I self-injected for a while but this can be tricky. It's better to have someone experienced (i.e. nurse, etc.) do the shot for you. You don't want to put that stuff in a blood vessel.
Posted by lpass (Member # 26781) on :
I'm also taking rifampin and bicillin shots (as well as biaxin and omnicef). The shots don't hurt very much when I get them but I'm definitely a little sore in that area for the next couple days. Not too bad and definitely worth it if it gets me better!
Posted by Haley (Member # 22008) on :
I am about to give myself one of these shots. I was going to do a new post for this. This will be the first time I am doing the shot myself.
I have read how to do them myself. I'm confused about the aspiration or pulling blood back. If there is no blood return wouldn't that mean there is air in the syringe? I'm guessing it's not good to shoot an air bubble into your system.
Any tips
Posted by sammy (Member # 13952) on :
Haley, if you are using the prefilled Bicillin LA syringes leave the air bubble in the syringe, don't prime the needle. Just pull the syringe out of the package and twist on the needle.
Bicillin LA is super thick, the manufacturer recommends leaving the air bubble in place so that when you insert the needle and aspirate you will easily see blood in the syringe if you hit a vein. If you do not see blood when you pull back on the syringe then go ahead and inject the medicine. The small air bubble will be absorbed by the body. It won't cause a problem.
If you are going to administer the shot yourself it might be easier to locate the injection site by looking in a mirror and marker an x on the spot. Place an ice pack over the site 20min prior to injection to numb the area.
After the injection walk the around for a few minutes to help relax the muscle. Then place heat on the injection area. This will help the body start to absorb the medicine and relieve any cramping or pain.
If you are sore the next day try rubbing on the injection site and muscle. I found this really helpful. Probably helps prevent lumps too.
Good luck Posted by Lymeorsomething (Member # 16359) on :
Yeah, definitely DO NOT inject if there is blood in the syringe.
Posted by Maradona (Member # 24552) on :
I think no use of Bicillin if you don't take a cyst buster like flagyl ore tindamax same time.
If you take both of them it is one of the best meds out there and will not give you big herx but just fill better and better,and yes the adult dose should be 3 shots 1.2 milion units each a week again depends on weight you add more ore less.
Posted by tsilverman21 (Member # 24939) on :
Thanks to all who have posted here. I had my first one yesterday. The nurse that did my IV's came out and gave me my first one and trained hubby to do them. Next week he gets to give me 2. We also had to pay for these but the Ins says if the doctor does it it will cover or I have to get a statement of need from him and I will be administring than I can pick up from the pharmacy. I don't know why they have to make everything so hard on us just to get treatment. Does anyone just pick theres up from there LLMD and do it there self. That is how the doc says most of his do it. But It sounds like they don't call to order it. I have had a real set back in treatment and do not want any laps in the shoots if they are going to help. I have been back in the wheelchair now for 3 weeks and in much pain. Sorry If i am going on to long. I never write and I guess its all just getting to me. My Blessing to All.
Posted by ryansmom (Member # 27456) on :
DS, has had 16 of these bad boys over 16 weeks. They hurt unless imla cream is used. Maybe this is why my son is so angry all the time (because of the herx). Ugh.
Posted by lymeboy (Member # 24769) on :
I did them. the experience wasn't very pleasant, but it wasn't unbearable. Giving yourself the shot is uncomfortable, so if you have a mate that can help you that makes it easier. The most important thing is hitting the right spot on the muscle. There are many charts online if you google "IM injection chart". Take the shot very slowly. I had some incredibly powerful herxes with this drug. It put me out of work, but I think it cleared a lot of the lyme. I took 3 / week for 4 months.....whooooaaaa baby! Its definitely effective, and yes make sure to get a cyst buster.
Posted by tic chick (Member # 9156) on :
Tsilver....LLMD gives me the script and I get it filled at Target pharmacy. I ice the area for almost and hour b4 injection. Not a problem with injection really or herxes. Starting Biaxen soon as Flagyl was too ruff on stomach and headaches... IM Bicillin for about 6 months.... Dian... Also from Boston area
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