In need of reassurance from others in treatment...

I did the same thing as you!! LOL. I started reading about antibiotic resistant superbugs and it made my anxiety go through the roof!! I was a wreck for weeks.

After doing a ton of research (been sick since May, diagnosed in July, but probably bit 3-5 yrs. ago given the extent of infection) I have come to the conclusion that antibiotics probably get rid of it a tad bit faster, with the caveat being you get more ill. I actually lost hearing in one of my ears due to the Plaquenil I was taking for 2 mos. Once I stopped it and it gradually came out of my system (32 day 1/2 life) my hearing came back. In the meantime, my nurse practitioner put me on an herbal protocol instead. I have to say, I like it much better! They are strong, but so much easier on your system, in my opinion. But I also detox a ton, have radically changed my diet, take my supplements, go to acupuncture 1x a week and also lymphatic drainage massage, 1x a week or every other week, and everything else you are supposed to do to build your immune system. But as I said, even though I've herxed 2x in the 6 wks. I've been on the herbs, over all my symptoms are improving but without the terrible side effects of the abx. I was literally in such a fog it was silly and I was so exhausted. Now I feel like I have more tolerable side effects. Nothing stopping me in my tracks--just annoyances I have to live with daily. But as you probably know some of them you get used to and don't notice as much. I actually got used to not hearing out of one of my ears! That's insane!!

At any rate, only you can decide what is best for you. There are plenty of people on here that have only used abx, some use herbs and abx, some use only herbs. I definitely subscribe to the school of thought that given the right tools your body can heal itself. So regardless of what medicinal route you take it's important to remember to be very kind to your body in everything you do--eating, sleeping, exercise, stress, etc.

For gastrointestinal stuff you should be taking a really good probiotic. Some people will say you can take any brand, but I don't believe that's true. Just like everything else, there are gradations of quality and I think investing in a good probiotic is money well spent.

Don't even get me started on your PCP. I literally hate doctors now. I CANNOT WAIT for the day that they (CDC) actually come clean and let the world know that Lyme actually does exist, that it's chronic and they don't know a darn thing about it. Because all of these complete IDIOTs that have gone on record saying it doesn't exist will have egg on their face and their legacy as a physician will be tarnished in the way it deserves to be. The suffering that people have endured at the hands of these morons is nothing short of appalling. I feel like we are in a 3rd world country! My PCP had a copy of a microscopic slide of my infected blood, showing it clearly, stained in purple, and she STILL REFUSED to admit that it was even possible that I could have Lyme. Is that sick or what?? Oh god, I can't even bear to get started on this topic again.

Anyway, hope my 2 cents was at least a little helpful! I'm sure some of our many knowledgable forum dwellers will also be by with their opinions as well. Good luck!!

Hi Jen,

I used to be extremely worried about taking antibiotics as well. I had never taken ANY medications prior to Lyme.

I just wanted to say that some people are able to get significant improvement through the use of herbal protocols. For others, their improvement comes from abx. There is no way to know what will work best for your situations, but do know that it's a personal choice whether to go with herbs, abx or a combination of both.

My personal opinion is that antibiotics are not dangerous when you have a very serious chronic infection. It's not as if we are taking them for fun! Some do have side effects and those should be monitored by your LLMD. The most significant risk is that of candida, and c. diff. Both of these can be avoided by taking anti-fungals (natural or rx), and lots of probiotics along with S. Boulardii.

Another potential risk with any med, herb or supplement is an allergic reaction. I always think it's best to be prepared and I would mention to your LLMD the possibility of keeping an epi-pen on hand just in case.

I have been on abx for a significant amount of time and have never had a consequence from them that couldn't be managed. The herxing was severe several times, but as long as you are prepared and have a good LLMD to ask questions of if something comes up, you're in good shape.

The response you got from the clinic is typical. That's why a lot of people don't mention that they have chronic Lyme. Generally, if you have a LLMD, use them for as much as you can and try to avoid other doctors unless absolutely necessary.

Thank you Shabbychic, Summer and Springsjean,

Sometimes I just feel like I have my once a month appointment with my LLMD who understands me and actually cares about me and then everyone else the rest of the time is against me. It's really hard.

I'm also new to depression and anxiety, so I have it fairly severely because I let it go...I have been really hard on myself for not doing stuff around the house and being "in a bad mood"...like I should just be fine. It doesn't help that I live in an area where mental illness of any type is taboo (still!) and everything like this among my family is "hush hush" making you feel like you should be ashamed. It also doesn't help that I know any doctors I have seen in the last year besides my LLMD would say that my illness has been "in my head" and caused by depression and anxiety this whole time, even though I just recently developed symptoms and lyme disease can cause it.

I've been sick for over a year and I just started to have my first improvement since starting treatment over one month ago and now this.
It's just really, really hard.

I really appreciate your stories and your support. I just started with a therapist the other day and thank the Lord, when I told her I had Lyme disease, she said "well depression and anxiety are neurological symptoms of Lyme disease, so as we work together, make sure you're still working closely with your Lyme doctor!" I was so relieved when she said that.
It just feels like this is another first step of ANOTHER long journey. I'm so glad I have you guys!

Garfield...thank you for the advice....I'm looking up that supplement right now!!