Hello all. I have not been here is some time. I'm sorry to see many of the same folks still here (though glad you're all getting such great support!).

I've been seeing the same LLMD for three years, and have been on abx for 2.5 years. I've been on many: augmentin, penicillin, cipro, levaquin, cefzil, doxy, IV rocephin (6 months) and ketek for the past 8. I've also been on artemesia for the past 4 months, though whether I have babs is unclear.

I have had no improvement, and in fact am much worse off than I was three years ago.

I just saw a new LLMD who is a naturopath. He wants me off of almost all meds (abx, artemesia, plaquenil), at least for a while so that my immune system can regulate itself. He will then assess whether I have babs, and treat it, as he thinks I've had very heavy lyme treatment and babs should have been eradicated first if it is present.

I love my current LLMD, but feel like a fresh perspective is necessary after all this time without improvement. Switching is a huge decision. So is going off abx. The new LLMD was recommended by several other area lyme patients, knows Dr. Bs guidelines, etc.

I asked whether going off abx was risky as I'd stop controlling the lyme. He said, "you don't actually seem to be controlling it now." Good point?

Is going of all abx risky, in your opinion? Has anyone taken a break in order to change directions?

Thanks for any ideas!

gmcnj