I've managed to microwave myself pretty good despite taking what I thought were pretty good anti-sun precautions (still nursing an ugly fat lip covered with what looks like the world's grossest cold sore).

My Lyme is mostly neuro/multiple brain lesions and bilateral arm stuff. Rest of body OK. Cognitively sometimes a bit lost. Already the Doxy has decreased my headaches by 75% so I'm thrilled with that.

The LLMD hinted that if IGeneX returned positive tests (and boy, did they) he intended to IV me when next we met at the end of the month.

I've been reading posts from you injection people and wondering... What prompts your LLMD's to choose IM injections over orals or IV's? Now, the hip pain post sounds pretty ghastly (!), but otherwise, it sure sounds better than constant stomach nasties and sun trauma of orals and sounds better than IV too.

I ain't skeered a'needles!

I want it, I want it!!! (except for great big 'uns goin into me and stayin' thar a long time)

Michelle M

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Originally posted by Michelle M:

I've been reading posts from you injection people and wondering... What prompts your LLMD's to choose IM injections over orals or IV's? Now, the hip pain post sounds pretty ghastly (!), but otherwise, it sure sounds better than constant stomach nasties and sun trauma of orals and sounds better than IV too.

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I personally found the tales of the pain of IM injections to be greatly exaggerated. The shot itself isn't bad, and I only suffered a sensation of bruising (day after the shot) the first few times it was given. Big deal.

Unfortunately, the Bicillin didn't work for me, but when it does it's supposed to be great. I think IM has less potential for causing harm -- no blood clots, no infected lines -- than IV. Not that I am not considering IV now that the shots haven't worked, but I think the shots are a good thing to try first. My LLMD tries to avoid using IV whenever he can.

On the one hand with the IV I had a picc lines, which I was very good at keeping for unusually long times.

On the other hand, bicillan has no line but it's a tough shot in the tush. I usually had a large lump that hurts for a few days and then some bruising. It was a very good med for me. Although, I could only take one shot a week.)

Oh, by the way, the IV has no needles! only when it's first put in. It's a rubbery line inserted into a vein. (that's a picc line). A port is different but I've never had one of those.

Well, Michelle, I'm sure that was no help and that someone that knows something will come around shortly and give you good information.

ps - I think when I was first treated with IV it was because they felt it would be better for neuro involvement. I also don't know if that's true.

I had problem pregnancy (3 prior miscarriages) and had to have weekly BIG shots of progesterone; recall baring my butt every week for the needle.

She's 13 now & was worth every second of it!

I know my doc is thinking "IV" because of brain lesions but I'm sure wishing he was thinking IM just because I'm a sissy.

Another reason: I know the cost of IV is outrageous and my insurance is Blue Cross; they might split it with me for a while then they'll tell me to take a hike.

I think it is certainly something worth bringing up with your LLMD in case he/she is willing to consider IM therapy for you.

Wishing you good health,
MM

Sorry for all the dumb questions; I usually suck up all the info I read on here but just haven't heard much from the IM camp about protocols and such..

Thanks in advance...

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Originally posted by Michelle M:
Thanks, everyone... Does everyone that does IM give themselves their own injection?

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quote:

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Originally posted by Michelle M:
Thanks, everyone... Does everyone that does IM give themselves their own injection? Or do some of you run by a clinic or doctor office on a weekly basis for the shot?

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I had nurses from my local Visting Nurse program come to my home and give the injections.

What are you shooting that comes in a small needle with a small prick? I want some of that. My Bicillin needle is about 2+ inches long, pretty thick and it takes 2 good jabs for my nurse to get it through the muscle. It then takes about 2 minutes for her to inject it. I'm not complaining but, it sure isn't just a prick for me.

That said, I really prefer it to having a PICC line and having to schedule my life around infusions. Two injections, once a week is a dream in comparison, despite the pain in the butt.

JMHO

the reason iv and im is better is the blood brain barrier is penetrated better than thru digestion process..it goes right into your blood stream. esp iv.