Martha's Vineyard,
First I want to say that I really feel your pain and lonliness. I have been there (except no kids except furry ones).
I give you so much credit for thinking "outside the box" and you are one determined lady and I believe you will get well.
I also do not believe in chemical antibiotics, I feel that people are "brainwashed" into thinking that's the answer. Truth be told, there is NO answer to chronic lyme disease. I tried Doxy for 8 months and it didn't help in the long run. I did extensive research as I'm sure you did and most people do.
I ended up doing Dr. Jernigan's protocol (he came out with a new book by the way which may intrigue you) called Beating Lyme Disease. I followed his "healing at home" protocol and I have been in remission for 3 years now. Like you I have seen people stay on chemical antibiotics for years and years and they do not get better.
I don't believe in a magic bullet that I feel so many people are searching for, I do believe in looking at the big picture which consists of the right botanicals, heavy detoxing, exercising, and the right diet as well as eliminating stressors from one's life (I know that's the most difficult part).
As far as CS, yes, I tried that before Dr. Jernigan's protocol and no, I didn't turn blue or have any bad side effects. But I didn't get well from just the silver alone either. It was just something I tried as well as Nutramedix Samento and other things.
My view is that a person needs to address every aspect of their life style, not just the medicines they choose (or what their doctors chose for them).
My motto is if something is not working, stop it and try something else.
I wish you the best and once again, admire you for your determination! You will get there!!
Denise