Focus on the Co-Infections
Excerpted from the New York Times: (08/11/2013)
Over the last few months the news media has begun covering what many doctors already knew: there are two newly discovered pathogens transmitted by ticks that endanger our health. One, Borrelia miyamotoi, is a strain of bacteria that resembles the organism that causes Lyme disease. It causes relapsing fevers as well as a Lyme-like illness, complete with fatigue, joint and muscle pain, headaches and severe neurological symptoms. There is no widely available blood test for this bacterium, and it is transmitted by the same ticks that carry Lyme.
The other pathogen, a virus known as Powassan encephalitis, can be transmitted in as little as 15 minutes, and may be deadly in up to 30 percent of cases. Again, it is transmitted by the same tick that carries Lyme disease.
These pathogens join a rapidly expanding list of other bacteria, viruses and parasites that are transmitted by tick bites, including ehrlichia, anaplasma and babesia (a malaria-like parasite that creates day and night sweats and chills). There is also bartonella (cat scratch disease), mycoplasma, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Q fever, typhus, and tularemia.
The existence of these co-infections — so-called because they are often transmitted along with Lyme disease — explain why some people with Lyme remain chronically ill even after treatment: while the Lyme is identified and treated, these other infections are not. In addition, testing for co-infections is often unreliable, as it is for Lyme disease, so co-infections often go undiagnosed.
They were not adequately accounted for in four major scientific trials that attempted to explain why Lyme symptoms persist even after antibiotic treatment. The trial conclusions — that antibiotics are not effective in eliminating chronic Lyme disease — are not surprising given that the antibiotics tested do not address all of the infecting organisms now frequently found in ticks.
Lyme Handbook 
What do you think of Stephen Buhner’s suggested remedies?
Dara,
I am not overly familiar with his philosophy for treating Lyme other than he believes in strengthening the person’s immune system through herbal remedies. I have witnessed a number of practioners having success treating Lyme similarly. Obviously, every person responds differently, so where some have considerable success, others not so much.
I would add that blood circulation is key for your immune system to heal properly, so exercising and/or deep-tissue massages would be recommended to encourage blood flow.
Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.
Rob