But I dont put much thought into that.

I suppose one danger is an overload of your body's natural filtering systems: kidney, liver, & by extension bladder. Long-term diarhhea. Systemic yeast infections are lousy and common; they're the result of the abx also killing off the "good" bacteria your body uses to fight normal internal infections like yeast that are normally held in check.

I was asking my doc about the concept of building resistance to antibiotics via long-term use so that they're not effective for when you get seriously sick with something and need them.
He looked at me and said: "But right now you're seriously sick with something - Lyme. What else are you waiting for?" Good point!

After 3 years on abx I can tell you that I'm sooooo much better with my Lyme.

The bad side effects have been yeast. Although I hear others complain about losing their gallbladder from the overload of toxins, I guess.

You can significantly reduce these chances by religiously taking your acidophilus and reducing your carb intake. Also, take that milk thistle!

It's all been worth it to me.

Well so far in the three years I've been on meds, nothing too icky has happened. I haven't sprouted an extra head or apendage, altho I could use a couple extra hands with three kids.

Seriously tho, I do think the benefits outweigh any of the risks. Certainly yeasty beasties are something to contend with. And of course if one is allergic/sensitive to abx, then you have another whole host of issues. But otherwise, I think too much hype is out there about how dangerous lt abx are. I do know that I haven't gotten worse and it's the meds that are helping to keep things at bay. And I will get better....

The yeast/gut issues are usually managed and a better option than serious organ damage, pain and death from Lyme, in my opinion.

I didn't hesitate putting my 15 year old on long term abx. His health had gone down hill for three years. He was an exhausted hurting child. Now he is on the road to wellness.

The abx seems to have little effect on his gut. He takes probiotics, but only avoids sugar and carbs some of the time.

Taking Milk Thistle is supposed to help your liver stay healthy.