How did you get IV ABX?

Hi all,

Been on multiple orals for the last 4 months. I have noticed a stop in progress recently. Just curious how others went the IV route? I only have a little (or none) neurological lyme, so my LLND won't agree to IV treatment and she is skeptical that insurance will cover it. I mainly have arthritis and some sort of heart issue related to the infection.

How did you get your IV ABX, how much did it cost, and how long did you use them?

Thanks in advance!

IV is usually prescribed for the sickest of patients, especially with neuro sx, or if your gut cannot tolerate orals. 4 months is not that long of a time to throw in the towel. Have you treated for Bart and Babs yet? Most of the time they are what hold back progress fighting Lyme.

IV is very expensive unless you have excellent insurance that will cover IV for as long as your LLMD thinks you need it. This varies greatly from state to state and among different insurance companies.
Do the research first. If you will only be covered for 30 to 60 days it may not be worth the effort even if you have low deductables and co-pays. If you then elect to go it on your own, check out Infuserve America in FL (they are one of the best low cost suppliers at around $800/mo), and download a great booklet titled "Infusion for Lymies" from the web.

When my LLMD recommended that I should start IV Rocephin I decided to wait until I could change my insurance policy at the end of the year in order to make the $$$ work to my benefit, with higher monthly premium, but less upfront deductables which I met on day one with my PICC insertion at around $500. I stayed on IV Rocephin for 13 months, and last 3 months on IV Doxy, while staying on an aggressive oral protocol alternating Bart and Babs treatment.

good luck

Post Edited (tickbite666) : 10/25/2016 5:55:10 AM (GMT-6)

Tickbite, Peteza, and Bluelyme... Thank you. I had no idea about infuserve america. That is a good option. Also, thank you for guiding me towards Burrascano's guidelines. I have had the infection for a little over a year, so according to his guidelines, IV treatment from 6 - 14 weeks is appropriate.

I understand that IV treatment is usually reserved for neuro symptoms, but I would argue that heart symptoms are just as dangerous, if not more so.

Do you need a doctors prescription to use infuserve america? I'm guessing you need a doctor prescription to put a picc/ port in.

One final question. While taking flagyl 2 months ago, I developed oral thrush. I am trying to get it under control now, but as we know that is difficult in the middle of antibiotic treatment. How serious is oral thrush, and should I be worried about getting a systemic fungal infection/ fungus on the heart valves? I am currently taking nystatin tablets, eating paleo, and swishing nystatin.

Also, my mom is an RN. She could help with the IV.

Thank you!!

Post Edited (Sheeks175) : 10/25/2016 2:03:19 PM (GMT-6)