Had my visit with 2nd LLMD - PICC Line Suggested!

Hi,

So I had my visit with a 2nd LLMD and I really liked him (saw another one a few weeks back that I was not crazy about). He sat and talked with me for over an hour and answered every question I had for him, he looked over my labs, did a physical exam and took some more blood samples for more testing. The first LLMD I saw rushed through the appointment and did not want to answer any questions because he was rushing off to another patient. The only thing that freaked me out was that he wants to do a PICC line - I guess I should have expected this. I have had LYME for 12 years now and in the past year have started having neurological symptoms. The doctor would like to start me on orals and then move on to the PICC line in the next few weeks. I was pretty naïve and thought that a PICC line was just like an IV, like the one I had when in the hospital. But I just looked it up and its a pretty invasive thing. I want to get better, but that really seems intense.

Anyone have experience with it? What are the pros and cons? Any input would be appreciated.

I had a PICC for 16 months. The procedure was quick and I was in and out in less than 3 hrs. The placement of the PICC only took about 15 minutes, then they administer your first dose while under nurse supervision just in case of a bad reaction.

I took Actigol to protect gallbladder and had no issues. A nurse came to my home the next day and trained me on home infusion. The nurse followed up with weekly visits to change the dressing and coupling. She also took blood every other week for a CBC and CMP test. DryPro makes a real good waterproof PICC protector to allow easy shower or bath.

Depending on which state you live in or your insurance coverage, you may be limited to only 30 days of coverage. Cost without insurance can be pricey. InfuserveAmerica in FL has the best direct prices at about $800 per month.

ccc....

I treated with orals for one year with my first LLMD, then switched to another LLMD to get more aggressive Tx for co's. My initial sx were neuro, then spread to arthritic pain and stiffness growing into all joints of my body before getting a clinical lyme diagnosis.

I had had all of the sx you listed and then some. I could work, but fatigue held back exercise and weekend social activity. When diagnosed and starting treatment I reduce my work schedule to four days a week.

After six months on orals with my second LLMD we discussed IV and I had to wait a few more months to change my work health plan over to a better plan. It took 9 months to start seeing improvements, mostly with arthritic sx, then went back to work full time. I thought I had a stubborn, mepron resistant strain of babs, but then tried another round of rifampin for Bart and that got me over the hump to about 90%.

I think you can get better without IV if you are 50% functional. Try the oral ABX route first, then maybe IM injections. Also mix in Burner herbs or Byron White formulas. I just read Bryan Rosner's latest book... pricey but worth the read.

godspeed

Post Edited (tickbite666) : 8/13/2014 9:23:10 AM (GMT-6)