posted
I am contemplating getting intravenous (IV) antibiotic therapy. However, I have heard that another option, which doesn't seem to be mentioned much in the literature I've read, is instead get intramuscular (IM) shots.
As far as I am aware, IV requires a PICC line or some sort of tubing to be implanted in the chest or arm. I am worried about the risk of infection and other complications from that. IM just involves sticking a needle into a muscle. But for some reason, it seems to me that almost everyone does IV instead of IM injections for antibiotics.
What is the reason to do IV over IM, or vice versa? Is IM just too painful? Or does have IV have less complications than I fear, or does it somehow circulate the drugs better? If you faced a similar debate, I would appreciate it if you could describe your experience and how you made a decision. As someone who has tried neither, it would seem to me that a small bit of pain is not too much to bear given the risks of infection and complications with the IV injection-related tubing, but maybe I am missing part of the story. Thank you!
Posts: 12 | From Palo Alto, California | Registered: Apr 2012
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lymeboy
Unregistered
posted
I didn't find IM too be all that painful. A bit uncomfortable, though. These methods will not be effective if applied as monotherapy. You will need a cyst buster with them. I have done both, as monotherapy, and it was pretty ineffective. People do get great results with the right combo.
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posted
I also wonder about this and am also working on starting IV abx soon. I have wondered if they are both equally effective fe cognitive difficulties.
-------------------- Tick bite in 2006, bullseye rash, treated with 2 rounds of 2 weeks of doxy. (once in 2006, once in 2009) Dx with chronic Lyme May 2011. LLMD April 2012, Treating with omnicef/zith Lots of supplements! Posts: 640 | From Connecticut | Registered: Apr 2011
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posted
My LLMD said that bicillin IM can be just as effective as IV.
I chose IV and had a port put in instead of a picc line. I asked a lot of people about which they preferred and most that started out with a picc wished they had just done the port. No problems with the port and it is easy to infuse daily.
After 11 weeks on IV Rocephin plus orals, I am seeing slow improvements. Usually cognitive improvements and fatigue are the last to be realized, but I am getting the cognitive improvements at the forefront of IV treatment. I am also giving myself daily methlycobalamin injections.
I have the MTHFR mutation and have to do those and take Deplin. Wish I could afford for my husband to do IV too, but we can't afford for both of us to do it and I am disabled. He is still working. Thank God!! I am glad I decided to do IV with the port.
-------------------- Faithful
Just sharing my experience, I am not a doctor. Posts: 2682 | From Colorado | Registered: Oct 2009
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bcb1200
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 25745
posted
IM injection is discussed in a lot of places actually. The primary medication discussed is Bicillin L-A (penicillin G benzathine injectable suspension).
Most take 1.2M units (per 2 ML) 2-3x weekly. Bicillin L-A (not Bicillin C-R) isn't a high dose penicillin. But it does allow for very long sustained blood concentrations of penicillin which is very effective at killing Bb.
The shots don't hurt that much.
-------------------- Bite date ? 2/10 symptoms began 5/10 dx'd, after 3 months numerous test and doctors
IgM Igenex +/CDC + + 23/25, 30, 31, 34, 41, 83/93
Currently on:
Currently at around 95% +/- most days. Posts: 3139 | From Massachusetts | Registered: May 2010
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bcb1200
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 25745
posted
IM injection is discussed in a lot of places actually. The primary medication discussed is Bicillin L-A (penicillin G benzathine injectable suspension).
Most take 1.2M units (per 2 ML) 2-3x weekly. Bicillin L-A (not Bicillin C-R) isn't a high dose penicillin. But it does allow for very long sustained blood concentrations of penicillin which is very effective at killing Bb.
The shots don't hurt that much.
-------------------- Bite date ? 2/10 symptoms began 5/10 dx'd, after 3 months numerous test and doctors
IgM Igenex +/CDC + + 23/25, 30, 31, 34, 41, 83/93
Currently on:
Currently at around 95% +/- most days. Posts: 3139 | From Massachusetts | Registered: May 2010
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