This is topic "Diagnosis X" a new TV program on tonight in forum Medical Questions at LymeNet Flash.


To visit this topic, use this URL:
https://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/ultimatebb.php/topic/1/58187

---

Posted by tickitout (Member # 6982) on :
 
Previously there were postings on a tv program "Mystery ER" dealing with lyme.

I just watched a new program on TLC on channel 28 called "Diagnosis X" which the final diagnosis was Lyme. It was interesting and will be on again tonight at 1:00 am EST for you late birds. The name of this particular show is "Shattered". There is another story line on at the same time.

Just thought I would spread the word.

Enjoy...
 

---

Posted by Doomer (Member # 11013) on :
 
Thanks for the info, just set it up to record.
 

---

Posted by Al (Member # 9420) on :
 
TLC , is channel 26 not 28
In Connecticut, Charter service
 

---

Posted by tickitout (Member # 6982) on :
 
Sorry Al and to all those who have a different TLC channel. I forgot it is not the same in different states and different companies.
 

---

Posted by Munch (Member # 11323) on :
 
I just finished watching the show. The patient was misdiagnosed with MS and given Solu-Medrol (a steroid) and interferon.

After she got worse, she was told she had syphillis. Her husband was tested but didn't have a positive test for syphillis. Another rabbit hole.

A young intern gets one more chance to come up with a correct diagnosis after botching the first two attempts or he's off the case. His theory is the patient's immune system was blunted with the steroids.

He orders a very expensive "BAT" or "BAC" test for the actual bacteria not the antibody response to the bacteria.

He keeps calling it "Lyme's" not Lyme disease. I would think they'd at least refer it to borreliosis. Of course she will be magically cured with a few weeks of Abx and get on with her life. Ya-ta-da-da Hollywood!
 

---

Posted by adamm (Member # 11910) on :
 
Wait...is this test he orders , like, actually reliable or something?
 

---

Posted by 6t5frlane (Member # 8628) on :
 
I watches also. What in the world is a BAC or BAt test/ I heard him say it but I've never heard of it. He said it looked for the actyal Bacteria not the anti bodies. ?????????
 

---

Posted by SouthernCO (Member # 11167) on :
 
Wow, I watched the show but gave up when the testing showed syphilis. Sorry I gave up to watch baseball.

A previous show was also very informative as to how the Lyme bacteria might infect the spine. A patient with an infected boil walked into an ER then was completely paralyzed within a short time. Long story short, the bacteria invaded through degenerating structures of the spine (probably disks?) then attacked nerves within the spinal canal.

When I told drs. for the past 13 yrs that I thought I had an infection inside the spine, I was told with stifled laughter that anything I had was only in my head. What a shame when the boob tube is smarter than a neurosurgeon.

Thanks for letting us know about this episode.
 

---

Posted by TerryK (Member # 8552) on :
 
I could not sleep last night and while channel surfing I happen to find this program. Very annoying that the doctor couldn't get the name right and kept calling it "lymes". They also made it seem like lyme was rare - an unlikely diagnosis. No surprise I suppose since that is sort of the premise of the show.

As the doctors were discussing the case, they seemed to think that the standard tests are extremely accurate and that it was very unusual that the immune system would be blunted. According to the storyline, this doctor was really thinking out of the box when he ordered the expensive test since the other tests were negative. In this case *only* because of steroids.

The doctor did say that a very small percentage of patients need follow-up, leaving the audience with the old easily treated, easily cured mantra but at least room for the possibility that more treatment might be needed.

I think this is the same doctor that was involved in the other lyme case. Maybe we should write to him - if he is real - and set the record straight.

Terry
 

---

Posted by lymeinhell (Member # 4622) on :
 
I happened to catch the show (not knowing it was about Lyme) and bet my husband $200 that's what she had when she said her neck hurt. Of course, he was asleep by the time the dx was made..

Try as I may, am unable to find a contact us link on TLC's page for the show. I wanted to shoot myself every time I heard the word LYME'S...
 

---

Posted by SouthernCO (Member # 11167) on :
 
If I'm not mistaken, wasn't the spinal tap negative for Lyme? If so, it fits the 80% miss factor for Lyme in spinal taps which I have read about here.

Makes me feel so secure when my PCP wants me to see a mainstream neurologist and to get a spinal tap to confirm Lyme. When I asked what the treatment would be if I was positive, I received another blank stare.
 

---

Posted by AP (Member # 8430) on :
 
I love that show. It seems that every episode, they 'rule out' a TBD.
 

---

Posted by cantgiveupyet (Member # 8165) on :
 
Is the BAT test that was mentioned the same as a PCR?

I liked the show because the dr kept trying and they didnt give up and didnt diagnose her with anxiety after MS was ruled out!!
 

---

Posted by BorreliaBrain (Member # 7603) on :
 
It's Lyme!! Lyme!!! not Lyme's... hearing someone say Lyme's drives me crazy out of all proportion to the crime...

Anyway, I'm trying not to focus on the negative. At least the show portrayed a diagnosis of Lyme, without tick bite or erythema migrans, and even negative blood tests... that's good, really. Isn't it?

It puts the ideas out there. I was glad to see this one... I have it recorded.

But, it's LYME, for Pete's sake.
 

---

Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
 
thx for the post! i read it, ran out to check my tv guide and it was on in next 45 minutes; so i programmed vcr, and wathced it after getting off here.

good and bad; julie, i too kept saying LYME.
 

---

Posted by MommaK (Member # 10376) on :
 
I saw the show also. Usually I only have to deal with one "lymes" or so and I can gently educate the unknowing person. This was annoying to hear a doctor repeatedly say "lymes".

I think this show must be written by writters and the doctors are actors. I would like to contact the writters or show producers to thank them for the story line, but inform and educate them! Anybody find the contact info, please pass it on.

Maybe it's because of Pres Bush, but I have seen an increase in lyme stories lately. Awareness is good.

Keep on Keeping On,
MommaK
 

---

Posted by MamaWolf (Member # 10578) on :
 

quote:

---

If you have a question or comment related to television programming or an Internet feature at Discovery.com, please contact our Viewer Relations staff.

---