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Need some advice about IV abx and docs

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Posted 3/19/2014 12:37 AM (GMT 0)
Hello all,

I've been doing a bit of reading on the subject and I'm fairly certain I need IV antibiotics, but I don't know if I should see an ID specialist or LLMD in order to get that kind of treatment. I know many here have had terrible experiences with ID docs, but the closest LLMD I can find is more than twice as far away and seeing them multiple times could become very troublesome travel-wise. Would it be worth the risk of going to see the ID specialist for this kind of treatment?

Thanks in advance.
Posted 3/19/2014 12:47 AM (GMT 0)
have you started any treatment as of yet? why do you think you need iv - do you have neuro lyme? I have heard only negative things about ID docs when it comes to treating Lyme, so I would recommend seeing only an LLMD, if you can get there soon enough. If you do have a name of an ID doc, try to find out more about him/her -bc maybe there are some good ones out there!!
Posted 3/19/2014 1:02 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Chapelle, thanks for the response.

I started treatment back in November but I am sure I've had lyme for years. I've had many symptoms (extreme fatigue, joint pains, cold and stinging hands/feet, brain fog etc) going back to at least early 2012 but only recently sought treatment when my knee started swelling last year.

I am going to see my PCP on Thursday. He seemed almost skeptical that lyme could survive past 30 days of doxycycline so I don't trust him much, but he did say he'd do some research and find an ID specialist for me on my next visit. I'll do a little research myself once I get the name :)
Posted 3/19/2014 1:18 AM (GMT 0)
ok - keep us informed!

I've never needed iv - so maybe someone else on the forum will be more helpful!

good luck!!
Posted 3/19/2014 2:11 AM (GMT 0)
See an LLMD, I am getting a picc line in a few weeks.
Posted 3/19/2014 11:29 AM (GMT 0)
Ditto to Maine76. See a real LLMD at any cost.

There are maybe only a handful of ID specialist in the country that follow ILADs practices. My first LLMD was a highly respected ID who has treated thousands of Lyme patients. I left after one year to get more aggressive treatment, especially for co-infections.

After six months on orals we discussed IV treatment. I was lucky enough to change my health care policy at renewal time to a lower deductible plan to help with the high cost of IV. I'm much better now, but still struggle with co's.

I also had to fire my PCP for lack of support only after six months of ABX therapy.

god speed Mr. Mikester
Posted 3/19/2014 2:19 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Mike,

From my experience - an ID doc will not give you IV antibiotics so you many not have an option but to go to an LLMD. I 100% understand not wanting to drive too far.My LLMD was 2.5 hours away from my work and about 3 hours away from my house but it was worth the drive.

Deciding what treatment is your own decision of course but if you haven't looked into alternative therapies like herbs and homeopathy - it is worth at least a glance. I was originally told I might have to get a picc line put in but that scared the beejesus out of me so I did oral abx, herbs and homeopathy.

Turns out I just needed to be patient and I did not need a picc line. I am in no way discouraging you if that is the path you want to take. I just want you to know that there are other options out there and picc lines can be quite expensive.

Best of luck, let us know how it works out!

~beht
Posted 3/19/2014 10:34 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you for the advice, everyone. This is making the choice of seeing the LLMD pretty easy for me.

Opugirl, I will definitely research alternative treatments as well!
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