posted
When is it time to try something else? I've been feeling horrible for the past 3 months-is this the way it's gonna be? Man, it's like penence!!
How do I convince my LLMD/NP that this totally stinks and that I can't take it anymore- I don't want to whine or complain- there's lots out there worse off than me!
I'd think I need to try something less harsh on my stomach (Zithro) is really beginning to bug me!!
Are shots the way to go? Anyone know the benefits/disadvantages of shots?
Posts: 1 | From Northern Virginia (Chantilly) | Registered: Jul 2013
| IP: Logged |
treepatrol
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 4117
posted
I was always on 2 or 3 abx's at a time then would switch one every three months or so.
Posts: 10564 | From PA Where the Creeks are Red | Registered: Jun 2003
| IP: Logged |
and all this time i have been working TWO jobs to support my lyme.....i'll be right over...amyb
Posts: 362 | From west chester, pa | Registered: Apr 2004
| IP: Logged |
David95928
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 3521
posted
I don't know about changing meds. It sound like you may be herxing along with irritation of the stomach from the oral antibiotics.
You asked, "Are shots the way to go?"
Lenny has it right.
The shots (Bicillin LA) are very effective. If you follow this board, or search "bicillin" on this site you will see a lot of people who say it has helped them more than anything else. In my opinion, it may come closest to being the "magic bullet" for chronic Lyme.
Generally, people also take an oral antibiotic, in my case Biaxin but Zithromax is also fine.
This regimen is also much easier on the stomach, and seems to have minimal associations with yeast problems and opportunistic infections in the intestine. It's good stuff.
Oh, in my case it's only a one and a half inch needle. The stuff is kind of expensive if insurance refuses to cover, but can be ordered very reasonably from online pharmacies in Europe (About $3.00 per dose)
rosesisland2000
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 2001
posted
When do you switch meds?
This is one of the reasons it is so important to have an LLMD. He will know when it is time for you to switch meds.
I am currently on Bicillin shots, but, prior, I have been on every abx type under the sun.
Only your LLMD should switch. Are you really seeing an LLMD or someone who says that they treat LD? There is a big difference. Usually, but, not always, an LLMD will only be treating LD and not have a slew of other patients with other things in his care.
I only started the shots because of my last visit on Aug 30th, he prescribed them to me. He decided that I would probably do well on the Bicillin shots.
quote:Originally posted by rosesisland2000: When do you switch meds?
This is one of the reasons it is so important to have an LLMD. He will know when it is time for you to switch meds.
I am currently on Bicillin shots, but, prior, I have been on every abx type under the sun.
Only your LLMD should switch. Are you really seeing an LLMD or someone who says that they treat LD? There is a big difference. Usually, but, not always, an LLMD will only be treating LD and not have a slew of other patients with other things in his care.
I only started the shots because of my last visit on Aug 30th, he prescribed them to me. He decided that I would probably do well on the Bicillin shots.
Rosemary
Yes, I am seeing an LLMD and obviously, she needs to be the one to switch meds.
I'm just trying to build up my "case" since I've been complaining about my stomach for the past 3 months.
I'm afraid to try something new- already been on Doxy,Flagyl and now Zithro- it all messes up my stomach.That's why I think I'd do better with shots.
I'm not dying but I'm feeling real close to it!
Posts: 1 | From Northern Virginia (Chantilly) | Registered: Jul 2013
| IP: Logged |
liz28
Unregistered
posted
Actually, ketek is the next generation of zith, and its big selling point is that it's easier on your stomach. As someone starting my third day of ketek herx, I can vouch for the fact that it works.
What someone wrote about three months sounds wise. Most of the drugs that really work will cause a herx within four days of starting on them. Flagyl's herx can last for several months, but the others should start giving you improvement after two or three at the most.
A herx does cause a worsening of symptoms, but the symptoms also change. They are NOT exactly the same as your Lyme symptoms. Until recently, you couldn't complain much because even the best drugs we had were often not much more than a stopgap measure. But now there are several drugs on the market that will, if not cure you, make you significantly better. You never have to settle for sitting around for months, and you don't have to be afraid to speak up for yourself.
posted
Forgot to add one warning about ketek--it's a LOT stronger than zith, and the dose doctors are prescribing, 800mg taken once a day, can be a little high. It works just as well if you start at a lower dose and ramp up.
IP: Logged |
The Lyme Disease Network is a non-profit organization funded by individual donations. If you would like to support the Network and the LymeNet system of Web services, please send your donations to:
The
Lyme Disease Network of New Jersey 907 Pebble Creek Court,
Pennington,
NJ08534USA http://www.lymenet.org/
UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!
Printer-friendly view of this topic