I've been on orals for a year. It's been up and down for me. I have a rough time with treatment for Babesia (mepron) and now have symptoms of Bartonella. Make sure you get treated/tested for coinfections. I feel pretty good right now, but I know I still haven't knocked out the babesia, so I'll be having another go round on mepron (yuck).

My daughter, on the other hand, was much sicker than I and has been on IV for over a year. Started with rocephin, added Clindamycin, switched to Primaxen with Clindamycin. Tried IV Zithromax which is supposed to be one of the best treatements, but she is allergic to Zith. She's now on IV Primaxen with oral Bactrim and is hanging in there.

I would say it's personal preference. I'm really squeamish on the IV for me, so I'd rather stick with orals if I can.

Good luck

My husband and I both have neuro and physical sx.

I'm now using IM bicillin and am treating for/have treated for babesia and bartonella (and in the past for erlichia and mycoplasm). In a year or so I'll know more about how it worked. But I am much, much, much improved.

So that's another option for you too. I've found IM far easier to manage and far less restrictive than IV, and I've been able to take the orals for the coinfections without having my stomach overloaded.

Have also been doing tons more detox of all kinds than ever before, and I think that's helping too.

It was not a pretty site.

I have managed to fight back, and have made some serious headway since an undiagnosed and untreated case of Babs was discovered. It could be the reason I didn't do well with the Lyme treatment to begin with. So do make sure that you do not have any undiagnosed coinfections.

Also, I was put back on IV when the Babs was discovered, and within about 6 weeks or so developed a nasty case of sepsis. Also not a pretty site. The line was pulled and I swore I would not have another one. It was quite scary at the time. And a difficult recovery.

You said you have a stiff hand and neck. Do you have any other neurolyme symptoms? Cognitive problems, neuropathy, things like that?

You also need to realize that you may never "kick" Lyme. The goal here is to get it under control. IMO, few are actually cured. It usually goes into remission, and could always come back out later during a time of stress. Many would probably agree that it takes major lifestyle changes to keep it under control.

Do weigh the risks and benefits with your individual situation. IV is not without risk.

make sure you treat for coinfections...stiff neck..makes me think babs..you won't get better on iv or orals if you don't treat coinfections first! and tests are almost always negative..treat the symptoms , not hte testing..a good llmd will do this.