Herbs or abx?

I'm new to the Lyme world. And there are days it's just overwhelming, and just don't want to deal with it. I started treatment last month with my LLMD... She started me on A-L Complex, Artemisinin & Glutathione. The artemisinin kicked my butt...lol. I saw her again today, and was told my bartonella came back positive also. I'm having pretty severe neuro issues, joint pain, depression, anxiety, etc. I asked her about anti biotic treatment. She gave me the choice of what I wanted to do, and how many body reacts to each treatment. I just want to get rid of this nasty disease, and get back to a "normal" life. My weight also continues to drop. I was once 200lbs for 20 years, now I'm 124. I love being thin, but not at this price. I want to get a opinion of antibiotic or get treatment?. I just don't know what to do anymore.

I think overwhelming is a bit of an understatement to be honest. I'm back in treatment yet again, and it's still hard to deal with it some days.

As Cd said, choice of treatment is very personal - and I agree with her other statements as well. I'm one of the ones that just can't handle the abx, so I healed with herbs only and healed very well and very quickly. But herb only isn't for everyone for a number of reasons.

I've seen some people heal with abx only, but most do a lot better with herbs added in. So unfortunately, we can't really help you choose abx or herbs, it's too personal of a choice - and I've worked hard for years here to make sure that people don't get harassed by anyone here as to which choice they make.

I've started with Buhner's Protocol because I'm concerned about the effect antibiotics could have on my gut...where much of my immune system resides.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/09/130916122214.htm

That being said, I am very open to the possibility that I may need antibiotics. I'm keeping an open mind. I'm working with a DO who is supportive of my herbal approach. I like Buhner's Protocol because it's laid out so nicely in his book and there are options...if one doesn't work, try another. His protocol is empowering. I didn't feel empowered when I was working with MD's. (No LLMD yet)

I had a significant herx when starting with Japanese Knotweed, so I am taking it very slow.

Ksnin- I agree, it is a very personal choice, it's unique to each person. I can tell you I was on abx for a year and did a combo of abx and herbs. But my first LLMD sucked and the other LLMD I saw I'm not quite sure if she knows antibiotics. As it was said before, you may want to keep an open mind about doing abx or a combo of both. Some people have healed completely from just doing one but the majority use a combination. I am right now doing alternative treatments and herbals only but am keeping the possibility of using abx again. Since my gut stinks, I will need it to heal more until I introduce it. I think the best thing to do is to listen to your gut, pun intended :). If you feel like one approach isn't working, try another.

Thank you DaveNJ41 & Traveler...i do have to remind myself daily, sometimes hourly that this is a marathon. I'm dealing with a lot of neuro symptoms... And just get so scared, that I'm not going to return to who I once was... Mentally.

I did regain my mental functioning after a few years. The first 3 years were the worst. After having Lyme for 4 years I decided to go back to school. I was so hesitant since my short term memory had been so affected by Lyme. So I just took one class, gave it my all, and made an A! I trudged along for the next few just taking one class a quarter. It felt great to be back in school. My Lyme cycled about every 3 months and at the time I only took Doxycycline and antifungals. Also various herbs and supplements, not the ones used now for Lyme. I ended up graduating with honors after almost 7 years in school, but it felt like such an accomplishment! I agree so much with traveler, it takes working that brain when it is not working right.
Many years I could go for a few months and almost forget that I had Lyme, other years I was dealing with it more, but don't give up on yourself. It can and does get better. Sometimes it also gets worse, but I have learned that it does pass. And thankfully now there is so much more knowledge and research on Lyme.