posted
Hi all, I have a question and some concerns. I am chronic Lyme (10 yrs) but was diagnosed and have been taking oral antibiotics of all combinations for almost 2 years. DR feels that we have done all we can do with the oral and I'm not better (little improvement)so has recommended me going on IV Abx. with a course of itleast 12 weeks. I would do this at home with a nurse once a week to change bandages etc. I'm very scared of infection and whether or not this is going to help. DR has had a good success rate with this IV method. I guess I would like to hear others experiences and be reassured that I have made a good decision to go ahead. Thanks for your input in advance. Posts: 36 | From Arkansas | Registered: Feb 2012
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Cumulatively, I've spent over a year on IV antibiotics, and haven't had any trouble with infection. Aside from my very first one springing a leak a week in, I really haven't had any trouble with it at all.
Posts: 306 | From Brownsville, PA | Registered: Jul 2007
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steve1906
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 16206
posted
I never took the IV route, but many here have and I'm sure you'll get some great advise.
posted
your risk of infection with a pic line is greatly reduced if you are at home , not hospital. Make sure your nurse is meticulous in precautions and correct her if necessary. Make her wash her hands when she enters the house. Some nurses are very sloppy
Posts: 803 | From USA | Registered: Oct 2013
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GretaM
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 40917
posted
I have made more progress in 6 weeks of IV and oral, than 6 months in heavy combo oral antiobiotics.
Occasionally since IV, I have a glimpse of my energy pre-lyme! It is very exciting to have these moments again.
Reminds me of how others live.
Carmen is right-some nurses are sloppy. (and docs)
I would recommend your nurse wears a mask as well as gloves. And if the gloves touch anything not sterile-ask him/her to put on a new pair.
I do my own infusions at home and I have had two docs show me how...both had completely different ideas of sterility and sanitization.
Make sure you read up on proper techniques, and don't hesitate to ask questions.
In my opinion IV abx are worth it if you aren't making progress on oral combos.
Posts: 4358 | From British Columbia, Canada | Registered: Jun 2013
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Judie
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 38323
posted
The leader of my Lyme support group paid out-of-pocket for IV for several months of rocephin.
It was on her 7 month that her symptoms completely turned around.
She's doing great (still needs orals for maintenance). She works full time, is a single mom of 2 and has more energy than healthy people I know.
Posts: 2839 | From California | Registered: Jul 2012
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gmb
Unregistered
posted
Plan on at least 6 month if you have been sick that long.
I thought 6 months would have done it for me, but I did 16 month, and still taking orals fighting babs and god knows what else.
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