Yep, it's a conundrum.
Many decide based on how treatments make them feel. Like ME/CFS, in many ways it's a battle to simply manage symptom severity. Not according to mainstream Lyme, of course, but ultimately for many diagnosed with a TBD the proof rests in what works.
Sometimes a short course of abx cures the problem. Other times, it does not. Some people find a sustained combo of abx that - for them - hold the worst symptoms at bay. This is a very individual disease.
You also need to consider persister cells.
If you want more data that will help you feel more confident with a Lyme diagnosis, I would consider a WB. But even that is full of issues that relate back to strain/species sensitivity, immune system snafu's...it's a mess.
We all wish it were simple.
Many decide based on how treatments make them feel. Like ME/CFS, in many ways it's a battle to simply manage symptom severity. Not according to mainstream Lyme, of course, but ultimately for many diagnosed with a TBD the proof rests in what works.
Sometimes a short course of abx cures the problem. Other times, it does not. Some people find a sustained combo of abx that - for them - hold the worst symptoms at bay. This is a very individual disease.
You also need to consider persister cells.
If you want more data that will help you feel more confident with a Lyme diagnosis, I would consider a WB. But even that is full of issues that relate back to strain/species sensitivity, immune system snafu's...it's a mess.
We all wish it were simple.