We had horrible rains from the recent tropical storm and those who showed up were soaked.
Many of us, I estimate about 100, waited right in front of the building for an hour under umbrellas, raincoats, whatever we could find.
It was also very windy and many were soaked for awhile once we got in.
My update isn't very comprehensive as I was only able to get in to see it during the last 2 hours or so.
The hearing room was fairly small and once the witnesses and media got in, only 12 members of the public were allowed to watch.
Some of us were put in conference rooms but there was no audio or video. Those who came in and out during breaks gave us brief updates.
Today the entire prosecution case was presented. An ID doc from Statesville, NC who initially complained about Dr. J was one of the witnesses. Also, the husband of the patient who died from a Morphene overdose.
I got in in the beginning of the defense testimony.
First, a patient treated by Dr. J testified. He did a good job, focusing on his good recovery under Dr. J's care.
Second witness was Dr. J himself and we were only 1/2 way through his testimony when the day ended.
First off, they did all the usual things, spending at least 1/2 hour with Dr. J focusing on his background, achievements, education, work history, and achievements in the HIV/AIDS arena.
His attorney started focusing in on how he became interested in Lyme, and he indicated that he started seeing more and more cases, and became very interested in it, doing all the reading he could.
He plainly stated that the literature on tick-borne diseases was outdated and at least 15 years old.
He also noted very little research in the field. He discussed CDC surveilence guidelines verses a clinical diagnosis, and discussed the outdated, inaccurate tests.
He also extensively discussed the spirocetes themselves, how they morphed into the cyst forms, etc, and change to protect themselves from antibiotics.
That was the end for today,and Dr. J will pick up where he left off tomorrow morn at 8:30 AM.
I really hope to get in tomorrow and if I do, will provide another update.
Posted by AP (Member # 8430) on :
Thanks so much for the update... I've been chewing on my IV tubing waiting to here some news. I guess it could be a good thing that the prosecution didn't have much to present....
Now go get yourself a cup of sugar0free hot cocoa.... Posted by lymemomtooo (Member # 5396) on :
Thanks Connie..I had hoped that someone would offer a report..
Shame that more people can not get in..But those that did represent the hundreds of us that could not come..Hope the media realizes that.
And hope they notice the drowned rats waiting..It should speak volumes to the support for the Dr.
Posted by cbb (Member # 788) on :
So glad to have a report on the first day of the hearing. Will continue to pray that the Med Board sees how much Dr J has done to help his Lyme patients.
Posted by robi (Member # 5547) on :
It was great to be there and like at other lyme gatherings, I heard many moving stories. It is beyond me that this can go in in the face of so many who are suffering. I was told the NC Medical Board have never seen as many members of the public show up for a hearing as they did today.
The highlight of my day was having ice cream at dinner with TinCup .......... that in and of itself was worth the 200 mile drive.
robi
Posted by ConnieMc (Member # 191) on :
The doctors on the medical board were hard to read, but they did ask some rather weird questions.
For example, the patient witness seemed well versed on Lyme in general and was very intelligent. One of the members of the medical board asked him if he was a MD. In a sarcastic manner, I'd say. He replied no, but clarified that he had to reseach his illness as noone would help him. Amen to that.
Glad he was able to make that point. The problem here is that we have had to search out answers for ourselves as no doctors would help us. Wonder why the docs who all misdiagnosed us aren't up there in front of the medical board.
Posted by lymemomtooo (Member # 5396) on :
Hey Robi, please give TC and Mel a hug from those of us that could not get there for the ice cream..
And try to stay dry so none of you get sicker..
Posted by newdurham77 (Member # 7815) on :
how soon after the hearing will they reach a decision?
dr. J. is a GREAT doc who saved me from months and months of basicly being laughed at by docs at Duke.
Posted by Carol B (Member # 9110) on :
Hey Robi- was it Fried Ice Cream with TC like we had in Conn.? I was afraid when the waitress told us the coating on the ice cream was crushed pretzels, TC was going to squirt mustard all over it. That's all she ate on the train up to Ct.- pretzels and mustard! Glad to get the reports-have been checking all day. Thanks Mucho, Carol in MD.
Posted by jarjar (Member # 8847) on :
Thanks for the update our prayers will be with him. Now I understand why my LLMD doesn't get involved with more then natural things for pain and tell patients to go to a pain clinic for major pain problems.
They already are asking for potential trouble by treating lyme but to have a patient die from morphine draws so much more trouble.
Jar
Posted by shazdancer (Member # 1436) on :
Thanks for the information, Connie.
Here's the AP story on the first day, we will probably be seeing this, or versions of it, in NC newspapers in the morning:
Note the end of the article, where it says the patient statistics for NC were changed when it was determined that some of the numbers came from Jemsek. How much you want to bet it is because of Igenex testing? I think it's time for Igenex to sue and regain their good name.
Take care, prayers continuing, Shaz
Posted by seibertneurolyme (Member # 6416) on :
Thanks for the update Connie. Rather surprised that the prosecution lasted less than one day.
Shaz,
Pretty sure it is the CDC that says IGeneX positive tests do not count.
Bea Seibert
Posted by seibertneurolyme (Member # 6416) on :
in General, Nancy, Florida, posted 2 links to news artiles; 2nd is very in-depth on th order of Connie's.
Neither one had an area where we could reply to it. ********************* change of subject briefly
FYI, in general, I sent another email to LARRY KING LIVE asking for 2 back to back LYME/TICK disease programs w/Dr. B., Dr. Fallon is head of the 1st CHRONIC LYME RESEARCH CENTER, and our own, Pat Smith.
I encourage others to go to general & send your comments to have a program to LKL link I showed. ******************************
now back to feedback on Connie/1st day reviews from those attending the hearting.
One of the articles said the board would decide by the end of TODAY...2nd day.
Posted by valymemom (Member # 7076) on :
So many good people at the hearing yesterday! Tincup, Melanie & Robi are no longer just computer voices. One hundred rain soaked folks dried off in the cold lobby and waited.... disappointed that only 16 could listen to the testimony, yes, but very united in purpose & voice.
Such solidarity! I hope (both) that there are numbers there (next week) for Dr. J and that he receives donations.
Posted by lou (Member # 81) on :
So, what do those patients who think they were treated for the wrong disease believe they have instead? What does that know-it-all doctor who reviewed his cases say those people have? Just looking at records apparently trumps interviews with patients? And nothing here about failures of tests to diagnose.
Amazing how slanted these things can be.
That state epidemiologist has been quoted before giving misinformation. He should be fired as he is certainly not qualified nor capable of helping the citizens of his state. If he was giving accurate info and warning state docs, maybe those patients would have been diagnosed at an early stage and not needed extensive, expensive, and hazardous treatment.
That sarcastic question from the panel shows that this is nothing more than a kangaroo court. I want to see the medical board's position on cancer doctors who lose patients. Are their licenses revoked because the treatment didn't work? NO.
Posted by TerryK (Member # 8552) on :
"Patsy Ingram said when Jemsek diagnosed her with Lyme, she didn't question it. She said the drugs he treated her with completely immobilized her to the point that she could not get out of bed. She is now off the drugs and said she's feeling like herself again for the first time in years, with much regret."
Hmmmm...She was sick when she went to him, was treated with abx that made her sicker, is now off abx and feels like herself again for the first time in years??
Sounds like a typical treatment course for someone who has lyme disease and was appropriately treated for it. However it does seem that she will likely relapse since it sounds like she didn't stay on abx until her symptoms resolved. Did she do no research into her own illness?
On another point, if Dr. J. is in trouble for not informing the patient that there are 2 standards of care then why aren't the ID doctor's also in trouble for not doing the same? Harm is done when they don't since patients that are told that they don't have lyme because they are not CDC positive are then left to develop a horrible chronic illness. http://www.ilads.org/insurance.html
I think I read California requires that patients be told about both standards but it might be NY, not sure about that.
Wish I could be there. Thanks to those of you who are going and representing all of us here who can't go. I pray for a good outcome for Dr. J. If he loses his license, or is restricted from treating lyme patients, it will cause ripples and affect a lot more than just one State. Terry
Posted by valymemom (Member # 7076) on :
lymescience just posted a Thursday story stating that Dr. Fallon was first to testify this morning for Dr. Jemsek. Maybe at the end of the day we will have good news!
Posted by FightFireWithWater (Member # 5781) on :
Imagine if cancer patients gave up their treatment because it made them feel worse temporarily! Maybe we should let oncologists know about this argument?
I am absolutely livid at the thought of sick people being left to stand out in the rain.
Thank you for being there! I do hope that all of you are eating well, getting enough sleep, and taking your vitamins/"Airborne"/ or whatever you find helps you fend off colds. Maybe the sense of common purpose will help your immune systems. I surely hope so.
Posted by 5dana8 (Member # 7935) on :
I am too sick this week to go
but I am praying hard and so worried I can't see straight.
has anyone heard anything?
Posted by seibertneurolyme (Member # 6416) on :
Day 2 -- latest news coverage 4:43pm All the expert testimony.
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