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Posted 7/19/2011 12:33 PM (GMT 0)
Has anyone gone to their first lyme doctor appointment and started IV antibiotic treatment right off the bat? Instead of trying the oral for many months first and then the doctor deciding to do the IV? I am hoping he decides to do the IV asap, because from what I am reading it is what helped most for many many people and crossed to the brain. I cannot go through anymore pain! And if he does think I have had lyme for more than 5/10 years, I do not think oral meds would do much! Thoughts?
Posted 7/19/2011 1:04 PM (GMT 0)
Hi there, I don't post often.  But have read two posts from you, to which I can relate.  First the head and neck pain, oh I know how that is- like my skull is going to crack! (side note- ice, NOT heat, helps me).  Second I was like you in feeling I couldn't take it any more, and needed drastic measures (in this case IV).  Short history for me:  Diagnosed two yrs ago, after classic symptoms, much debate, then finally definative test for Lyme.  "cured" after 1mo abx.  Then these more obscure symptoms started up a few mos. later (heart, lungs, kidneys, HEADACHES, neck pain, dizzy, joints, etc).  All that to say I know where you're at right now.  I started oral abx 3 weeks ago.  No info yet on coinfections. I won't lie, it's been rough at first.  I was told to expect to get sicker before I got better, and I did. I've heard IV can be worse.  BUT the headaches are GONE.  (I only had them for 2 days after starting abx).  And I can think clearly for the first time in a very long time.  My neck and body still ache, but it is improving by the day.  Just thought I would share my line of thinking here.  We (my husband) ended up deciding that we would try oral, if it didn't work right away, and or seem like it was going to start dragging on, we would push for IV.  For exactly the same reasons that you feel this way.  My Dr. is optimistic that this will not be a long drawn out ordeal.  Now that my "brain fog" has lifted (wouldn't even admit I had it til it was gone), I am committing to caring for myself, nurturing my HEALTH, getting strong to fight on my own.  (I am a SAHM, of 4).  I'm not saying this is "it", but I am quite HOPEFUL that it is, feel like I'm on the right track.  Good luck whatever you decide.  I'll be anxious to hear how your progress goes.  Just dig in your heals and ride out the first week or two, you'll probably find then that you'll have more strength to fight whatever fight you have.  J.V.
Posted 7/19/2011 1:31 PM (GMT 0)
Romohr,

As you have had Lyme for a long time, I would doubt that the doctor would start you on IV -- however, treatment styles really vary.

An IV would deliver the medicine so fast that you would be very likely to have a violent herx reaction. The oral abx would deliver the medicine gradually giving your body time to detox.

I can understand your being anxious to have this done and over with but, and you might have heard other members say this, slow and steady wins the race with a long-term Lyme infection.
Posted 7/20/2011 1:59 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you J.V. :)

And yes, I understand achievinggrace. I have been thinking about the herx reaction being greating. I had a rocheplin (sp?) shot two months ago, and I woke up the next day without a headache and feeling the best I have in months. And I just feel that would be the best treatment for me. I know the doctor will probably want to start me out slow, I took cipro for a couple weeks and it had no affect on me. It was probably not a high enough dosage. I just can't live like this any longer. :((
Posted 7/20/2011 3:24 PM (GMT 0)
Please remember though, a single shot of Rocephin is a lot different from having an IV of Rocephin and getting it every day. I realize (and completely understand) that you are anxious to start feeling better, but to go into treatment too fast and on too high of a dose could lead to some very serious complications!

You might be surprised at how much oral meds can effect you! I have been ill for most of my life (literally) with TBI's and oral abx really knocked me on my behind! I was too ill to handle them. So sometimes being ill for a long time makes it impossible to handle the abx in strong enough doses!

I'm sure your LLMD will evaluate your situation very carefully and try to choose an appropriate place to start. Curing these infections is not a sprint - it's more like a cross country run! "Start slow so that you have the stamina to finish" kind of thinking.

There are however, things that you can be doing now to help your body be more ready to take on the abx and things your doc will want you to do - Are you detoxing already? Believe it or not, staring to detox now will improve your body's starting point! There is a great post about detoxing & dry skin brushing in the "New to Lyme?" thread at the top of the forum. Don't forget to drink plenty of lemon water too! smilewinkgrin
Posted 7/20/2011 3:52 PM (GMT 0)
My Dr recommended IV treatment right off the bat once I was diagnosed with Lymes. I went through 6 weeks of IV treatment and haven't really had any symptoms of note since then (its been about 10 years). I did have about a 4-5 month period after the antibiotics were done that I felt very run down, but a lot of rest seemed to do the trick for me. I also did a vegan diet and ate foods that were supposed to keep inflammation at bay, and I think that helped as well.  Best to you....
Posted 7/20/2011 3:57 PM (GMT 0)
Just goes to show that each person's treatment is not always right for another! We have to have such individual treatment plans it makes it difficult to explain what might happen at a LLMD's visit!
Posted 7/20/2011 8:43 PM (GMT 0)
If I'm remembering correctly it means Stay At Home Mom, which would mean he is a she! LOL!
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