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» LymeNet Flash » Questions and Discussion » Medical Questions » TEXAS MOBILIZING TO PROTECT LLMD'S: Discussion thread (Page 1)

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Author Topic: TEXAS MOBILIZING TO PROTECT LLMD'S: Discussion thread
tickedntx
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Please see the "Call to Action" post for Texas here:

http://flash.lymenet.org/scripts/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=041440&p=1#000000

To make it easy for people to find this important information and updates, it has been closed to discussion.

Please use this thread for discussion.

If you have ideas which you prefer to submit privately, please send them to BOTH of the following email addresses:

[email protected]
[email protected]

Suzanne Shaps
J. David Kocurek

[ 02. March 2006, 12:12 AM: Message edited by: tickedntx ]

--------------------
Suzanne Shaps
STAND UP FOR LYME Texas (www.standupforlyme.org)
(Please email all correspondence related to protecting Texas LLMDs to [email protected] with copy to [email protected])

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tequeslady
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What brought this on? I read somewhere that a Nurse Practitioner in Austin was moving to CA. Is this G.S.? Was she harassed or something?
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James H
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Texas is well on its way to completely eradicating reported Lyme Disease at its source... Doctors. Ticks don't report Lyme Disease, Doctors do. No Doctors, no reports.

Harrassed is an understatement!

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geniveve
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well all i can say, is quack, quack, quack........
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tickedntx
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Just a reminder not to discuss specifics of the situation of any medical professional in open forum, even if the full name is not used.

--------------------
Suzanne Shaps
STAND UP FOR LYME Texas (www.standupforlyme.org)
(Please email all correspondence related to protecting Texas LLMDs to [email protected] with copy to [email protected])

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bettyg
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Suzanne, just emailed you both with my info from an out-of-stater!
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SForsgren
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Hmm... There is a well-known lyme doc in Houston and Dr. C in Fort Worth. So, there are still some there that are in active practice from what I understand. I am not suggesting that they have not been attacked, but they are still a resource for people in that state.

--------------------
Be well,
Scott

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Lymetoo
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As per the link above....QUESTION...Why do we need to tell them WHO is treating us. Doesn't that put the LLMD we are seeing in peril also, even if in another state?

--------------------
--Lymetutu--
Opinions, not medical advice!

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Andie333
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James,

Thanks to your post above, I just had this image of ticks sitting in waiting rooms, filling out next-of-kin and previous illness forms...

Must be the mood I'm in, but I'm always grateful for the smile.
Andie

sorry to be momentarily off-topic...this particular topic scares the h*&l out of me.


[Razz]

[ 19. February 2006, 04:49 PM: Message edited by: Andie333 ]

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Annie M in SWTX
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Yes, this crap is happening everywhere. It's not just TX, look at the attack on Dr J in NC. A pathetic attempt to discredit him, I think. It also smelled like a "set up" if you read any of the news stories.

I also feel squeamish about filling out that form and "ratting out" MY llmd. I've been getting treatment for the last 2.5 years and without it I might have lost my mind ... not to mention my job, health insuarance, house, car, and probably my dogs and I would be living under a bridge somewhere - starving.

I like the idea of protecting our llmds, but this also stinks of a set up... to seek them out and finish them all off.

[tsk] No thank you!

AM

--------------------
Annie M in SWTX
Chronic Bb sufferer for 20+ years
 -
www.cafepress.com/lymegreen

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bettyg
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deleted .. bad email address ending in .comm vs. .com

[ 20. February 2006, 09:02 AM: Message edited by: bettyg ]

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DR. Wiseass
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Ticked --

Can you give us any assurances about HOW this information will be used?

Won't this just be for STATISTICAL purposes only? Our names & doc names won't be used publicly, right?

--------------------
DR. Wiseass
NOT a real doc - just a real wise  -
 -

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tickedntx
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Scott: >> Hmm... There is a well-known lyme doc in Houston and Dr. C in Fort Worth. So, there are still some there that are in active practice from what I understand. I am not suggesting that they have not been attacked, but they are still a resource for people in that state.

Yes, there are still doctors practicing in Texas, but if we do not act, then there won't be for long. We are now going to do in TX what has been done in CA and NY, and that is to gain protection for our doctors before we lose any more.

Dr. W: Yes, the information is being used for statistical compilation only. When we go to state legislators, we need to be able to give them an idea about how many people we are talking about. They are not going to do much to help, say, 5 people. Names of patients and doctors will NOT be used.

We are asking from which doctors people are receiving treatment to get a feel for how many doctors there are in TX who treat Lyme, and in which regions of the state they are practicing. Again, this information will be used only to compile statistics, numbers not names.

We might be able to use this information, for instance, to tell a lawmaker that while there are x number of patients in his district who have Lyme, there is no one there to treat them, probably because they do not want to risk their medical license, and these people need their help.

We might tell another lawmaker that there are y number of doctors in their district who are treating Lyme, and thus motivate him to take steps to protect them.

Annie M in SWTX: >> I like the idea of protecting our llmds, but this also stinks of a set up... to seek them out and finish them all off.

Please check my stats. I have been around this board for almost two years. This is not a setup. The only thing that stinks is what the TSBME is doing to our doctors.

David and I have assumed the risk of providing our full names at the end of our post to give us credibility.

Having said that, anyone who is not comfortable providing all of the detail requested is free not to do so. While we would prefer the additional information to help compile statistics, the minimum that we need in order for you to support this effort is your email address, whether you were infected in TX, if you are being treated, and if you are having to travel outside of Texas for your care.

All: I understand the reasons behind the questions and concerns, and hope that I have successfully addressed them.

Please, though, lets dispense with the paranoia in this thread. If you still have concerns about who I am, please contact Lou B. If you have questions about how information will be used, post them here, but 86 the inuendos and accusations.

This thread needs to be a constructive one.

--------------------
Suzanne Shaps
STAND UP FOR LYME Texas (www.standupforlyme.org)
(Please email all correspondence related to protecting Texas LLMDs to [email protected] with copy to [email protected])

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DR. Wiseass
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Thank you so much Suzanne & David for your efforts on OUR collective behalf.

It takes a lot of time, energy, and perserverance to begin a grassroots effort and I fully support it!

I have sent you my info.

And YES, paranoia will NOT be useful in this thread -- only counterproductive! Let's stay focused!

Hugs & [kiss]

--------------------
DR. Wiseass
NOT a real doc - just a real wise  -
 -

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SForsgren
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I think people should consider responding to this and simply not provide your doctor information if you are not comfortable. I have responded as I think this is critically important, but I have not disclosed any specific doctor details

--------------------
Be well,
Scott

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James H
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If you are concerned about 'ratting out' who your Dr. is to someone you communicate with every day here, just use the Dr's initial like we do in public.

It is not like there are enough LLMD's left that we don't know who they are by their initial.

By the way I just got an email from the NP in qestion. This is very legitimate. Please assist.

It is time to step up and help however you can, if you don't want to be reduced to taking medicines made for chickens and pigs.

Nobody is even asking for money this time.

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vitch
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One of the reasons this continues to happen is because the Lyme Disease patients have not ALL gotten behind their LLMDs. Some have but not ALL.

Do you want this thread to be passed on to other boards?

--------------------
[email protected]

www.lymediseaseassociation.org/Conflicts.doc

Worthless tests & labs, a dangerous vaccine, insurance companies refuse to pay, undertreatment the norm, all about money. MO.

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James H
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In my opinion a big problem is the response is almost always defensive, not offensive.

Somebody throws a knife, and they duck. Nobody ever pulls the knife out of the wall and throws it back at the perpetrator with intent to do harm and send a message to the other would be knife throwers.

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vitch
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James

They know how to throw knives and they get the government to do their dirty work. We don't know how to do either.

Please read James' post and tell us what we can do to go on the attack.

--------------------
[email protected]

www.lymediseaseassociation.org/Conflicts.doc

Worthless tests & labs, a dangerous vaccine, insurance companies refuse to pay, undertreatment the norm, all about money. MO.

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James H
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re: Throwing the knives back...

I was speaking about the strategy of associations like ILADS. As individuals we can do things that count, but taking on this enemy in an aggressive manner on our own is probably out of our league. For most of us. [Smile]

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tickedntx
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vitch: >> Please read James' post and tell us what we can do to go on the attack.

We are formulating strategy now. We know that everyone's energies are limited, so we want to have a coherent plan of attack when we start making specific requests to make best use of that energy.

Our email distribution list will consist of people who are emailing us since that will be the easiest way to keep in touch with everyone.

We will, though, post updates in the thread at the top of the page when appropriate.

What happens in each state will affect all states sooner or later, so we do want to keep the community at large informed.

Suzanne

--------------------
Suzanne Shaps
STAND UP FOR LYME Texas (www.standupforlyme.org)
(Please email all correspondence related to protecting Texas LLMDs to [email protected] with copy to [email protected])

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tickedntx
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SForsgren: >> I have responded as I think this is critically important, but I have not disclosed any specific doctor details

Actually, we don't really need to know who you are seeing if you do not live in Texas since our statistics in this regard will be specific to Texas.

Texas patients who are concerned can provide initials (or not) and city/town for their docs.

If you are in Texas and traveling out-of-state to see a doctor and do not want to give his/her name, tell us how many miles you must travel.

[ 20. February 2006, 01:37 AM: Message edited by: tickedntx ]

--------------------
Suzanne Shaps
STAND UP FOR LYME Texas (www.standupforlyme.org)
(Please email all correspondence related to protecting Texas LLMDs to [email protected] with copy to [email protected])

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5dana8
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hey tickedntx

If we are not from TX should we still respond?
And how will this information help TX?

--------------------
5dana8

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tickedntx
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5dana8: >> If we are not from TX should we still respond?

Yes, please, if you are willing to support our efforts when the time comes to contact Texas state officials, as was done for NY.

5dana8: >> And how will this information help TX?

I assume that your concern is with revealing doctor info since the other questions don't pertain to people who do not live in Texas.

Information about doctors is really only needed for people living in Texas.

All: The information which we requested will tell us where people live, how far they are traveling for medical care, if they were infected in TX (important since the official position is that there is no Lyme in Texas), and if they know anyone who will be able to provide us with access to state officials and the media.

From the messages which we receive, we will create a distribution list to disseminate requests to write letters, to make phone calls, to provide updates, and to request additional information which will be used for compiling statistics to present to state officials.

--------------------
Suzanne Shaps
STAND UP FOR LYME Texas (www.standupforlyme.org)
(Please email all correspondence related to protecting Texas LLMDs to [email protected] with copy to [email protected])

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5dana8
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Ok- thanks tickedntx

--------------------
5dana8

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bettyg
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Suzanne or David,

Did either of you receive the info I sent this afternoon? One came back which I posted above. Thank you.

Bettyg

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tickedntx
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Hi Betty:

I did not receive anything from you. Can you resend to us?

[email protected]
[email protected]

Try copy/pasting the addresses to make sure you get them right.

I'll be looking for your message and will reply to it when it arrives so you will know I got it.

Thank you for your persistence.

Suzanne

--------------------
Suzanne Shaps
STAND UP FOR LYME Texas (www.standupforlyme.org)
(Please email all correspondence related to protecting Texas LLMDs to [email protected] with copy to [email protected])

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tequeslady
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There is only one "m" in com, you have 2.


quote:
Originally posted by bettyg:
This was in my in-box! Guess neither of them is going to go thru from me thru yahoo mail!

:
Sorry, I couldn't find any host named gmail.comm. (#5.1.2)


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bettyg
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quote:
Originally posted by tequeslady:
[QB] There is only one "m" in com, you have 2.

Thank you for your observation as to what the compuer said.

However, Suzanne I just tried again, and BOTH times I copied/pasted the 2 addys you showed above! Can't figure out how the .comm occured since I didn't type it, and it's NOT in your original post above.

Gosh, I hate it when the pc is smarter than we are! [loco]
Bettyg

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tequeslady
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Betty, I was just trying to help you. Sorry if that irritated you.

quote:
Originally posted by bettyg:
quote:
Originally posted by tequeslady:
[QB] There is only one "m" in com, you have 2.

Thank you for your observation as to what the compuer said.

However, Suzanne I just tried again, and BOTH times I copied/pasted the 2 addys you showed above! Can't figure out how the .comm occured since I didn't type it, and it's NOT in your original post above.

Gosh, I hate it when the pc is smarter than we are! [loco]
Bettyg



[ 20. February 2006, 09:59 AM: Message edited by: tequeslady ]

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tickedntx
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Hey Betty:

Got 'em both! Just sent you an acknowledgement reply. Thank you also for your great suggestions.

Suzanne

--------------------
Suzanne Shaps
STAND UP FOR LYME Texas (www.standupforlyme.org)
(Please email all correspondence related to protecting Texas LLMDs to [email protected] with copy to [email protected])

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groovy2
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Hi All

What Suzanne is doing is a
Very Important to each and
everyone of US --

It is Very Much in your
Self Intrest to fill out
the info requested ---

I know Suzanne and she is
a Women who takes control
of the situation --
and gets things done --

Suzanne has done Many things
in her time here to
Help Everyone of US -
that many of you dont
know about --

I have Zero concern that
My (Our) info would be used in
a careless way --- Jay ----

Ps- my info is on the way --

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tickedntx
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tequeslady: From my read of her post, Betty is not irritated. She is trying to figure out how she misspelled my email address, and then she's laughing at herself.

--------------------
Suzanne Shaps
STAND UP FOR LYME Texas (www.standupforlyme.org)
(Please email all correspondence related to protecting Texas LLMDs to [email protected] with copy to [email protected])

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tickedntx
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Hi Jay:

I very much appreciate your support and vote of confidence.

I absolutely understand why people are concerned, and appreciate the opportunity to address those concerns through discussion here.

We have been hearing from a number of people, but if we are to be successful in our effort, it will take many more, especially Texans.

Suzanne

[ 20. February 2006, 03:03 PM: Message edited by: tickedntx ]

--------------------
Suzanne Shaps
STAND UP FOR LYME Texas (www.standupforlyme.org)
(Please email all correspondence related to protecting Texas LLMDs to [email protected] with copy to [email protected])

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Linda LD
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My doc is under attack too--it looks almost planned...it all hit the fan at once.
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sactko
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up
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bettyg
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quote:
Originally posted by tickedntx:

tequeslady: From my read of her post, Betty is not irritated. She is trying to figure out how she misspelled my email address, and then she's laughing at herself.

Suzanne, you are correct! T, I wasn't irritated at you. I always try to learn from my mistakes so I don't repeat them & couldn't figure this out since I copied/pasted and not typd email addys. Peace ok!

Bettyg

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kmr57
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I wanted to preface my post by saying that I understand the concerns of some expressed in protecting themselves, their families, and their practitioners from scrutiny. It is indeed a dangerous time for those willing to treat Lyme patients and those in need of treatment.

We cannot, however, hide and hope not to be found or our practitioners rooted out. We must change policy so that all Lyme patients can recieve the treatment that they desire and need. We must assure practitioners that their practices--their livelihoods will not be threatened.

I would strongly encourage all Texans (and those elsewhere who were infected in Texas) to submit as much information as they can without putting their practitioners at risk. Statistics are absolutely needed in order to present a convincing and realistic picture of the difficulties Texas Lyme patients and practitioners are facing, and the extent of disease here.

Yes, there are a couple other known practitioners to see in Texas. They cannot accept all the patients that will be left behind, as each practitioner is rooted out, and forced to quit seeing Lyme patients or moving to other areas they can safely practice. How long will they be willing to treat Lyme patients when they see the repercussions that their colleagues face?

This won't stop with Texas---it will affect all, I am afraid, no matter your location. Fortunately we do have a few states who have gone before us. We each must be prepared to fight for patient/practitioner rights to treat in our own state.

There must be those willing to pave the way, and take on this grueling task (as Suzanne and David are doing) and it will make for better outcomes when they begin knocking at your doctor's door, and digging through his/her patient charts, and dragging them before boards.

As far as Suzanne, I have known her online and in real life for a number of years. We see the same practitioner. Suzanne is and has been very proactive and a great support to the community. She has started four online message boards to disseminate information and support (that I know of), and I am fortunate to be a moderator on one that she helped found. She is a very capable, devoted, individual, and has the convictions to see this job through. She enters into every endeavor with unmatched determination.

I can think of very few who in the face of such a huge task, I would like to have going to bat for my family and I. Between David and Suzanne, I feel my children, their grandparents, my husband, and my grandchildren and I, have found those who will work hard and effectively on this endeavor.

BTW, I have four generations of Texans in my family, a total of six, suffering from Late-stage Lyme, Co-Infections, and Morgellon's, all infected and being treated in Texas. Another, my grandson, presented less than a year ago with a classic bullseye rash and received an immediate appointment and was treated.

We chronic Lymies in my family will be having our last appointment in Texas this week. The proverbial rug has been pulled out from under my family's feet.

Thank goodness there are those, who are willing to tackle such seemingly insurmountable challenges. David---Suzanne---hats off to you each of you for your willingness, in spite of being ill yourself, to undertake such!

Karen M. Rather, disabled Lyme patient,
and on behalf of my ill children, Laney and Tiffani, my grandson, Caleb, his great grandparents Jackie and Herb, and my dear husband, Jay, all infected on a ranch in a state where countless doctors told us "there is NO Lyme in Texas", and would not test, nor treat. (All patients subsequently positive on Western Blot when we found someone who cared, was knowledgeable, and willing to test and treat.)

There are names and real people behind Lyme Disease---whole families and individuals in need of treatment, and frankly I have nothing to lose by hiding in fear anymore, being found allows me the freedom to strive for change, to be an advocate with a face and a voice.

Mods: please leave names intact.

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tickedntx
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Karen has written very eloquently, and very courageously, about a very important point.

We Lymies hide. We often don't tell our family, friends, neighbors, friends, employers, even some of our doctors that we have Lyme disease for fear of repurcussions.

Many of our doctors hide. Not all, there are a few very brave souls out there whose publications are plastered all over the internet, or who are active in ILADS, or otherwise make it known that they treat us. These are the courageous ones who are willing to place their medical licenses on the line to help us.

Then there are doctors who will treat Lyme for existing patients but don't want anyone to know. (And, really, can you blame them?)

And, of course, there is the vast majority who won't even see us.

It's time for all of us to come out of the Lyme closet and be seen, heard, and counted. Stand up, stand out, and tell your story. To everyone who will listen, and even some who won't.

It's a cliche but it's true: If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem. And if you are not part of the solution, you will have no right to complain if you wake up one morning and there are no doctors left in the state to treat you.

We are in this position of losing one of our primary Lyme practitioners because of our own complacency. In our own defense, we were lulled into a false sense of security because we thought that Sen. Harris had our backs. We don't yet know why he has not been there for us since 2001, but it doesn't matter. We need to get him back, and to get the rest of our legislators and other state officials on board.

TEXANS AND PEOPLE WITH FRIENDS IN TEXAS: Please ask everyone you know (and ask them to ask everyone that they know, and so on and so on and so on) if they have connections to any state officials, including the governor, senators, state representatives, the Attorney General, members of the TSBME, state health officials, the media...

Then please let us know. We need to get the attention of people in a position to effect change.

And for those who have not responded to our "Texas Mobilizing" post at the top of this forum, please do so. Now.

[ 21. February 2006, 04:20 PM: Message edited by: tickedntx ]

--------------------
Suzanne Shaps
STAND UP FOR LYME Texas (www.standupforlyme.org)
(Please email all correspondence related to protecting Texas LLMDs to [email protected] with copy to [email protected])

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tickedntx
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up

--------------------
Suzanne Shaps
STAND UP FOR LYME Texas (www.standupforlyme.org)
(Please email all correspondence related to protecting Texas LLMDs to [email protected] with copy to [email protected])

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tequeslady
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Sure, Betty. Sorry. Sounds like I misunderstood. [Smile]


quote:
Originally posted by bettyg:
quote:
Originally posted by tickedntx:

tequeslady: From my read of her post, Betty is not irritated. She is trying to figure out how she misspelled my email address, and then she's laughing at herself.

Suzanne, you are correct! T, I wasn't irritated at you. I always try to learn from my mistakes so I don't repeat them & couldn't figure this out since I copied/pasted and not typd email addys. Peace ok!

Bettyg


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sizzled
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Up for Texas!
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tickedntx
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We've had 53 repiles from Texas so far. We need many more.

If you live in Texas and have not yet responded, please take a moment.

Instructrions are in the first post at the very top of this forum.

--------------------
Suzanne Shaps
STAND UP FOR LYME Texas (www.standupforlyme.org)
(Please email all correspondence related to protecting Texas LLMDs to [email protected] with copy to [email protected])

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James H
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The various Drs. in the state maybe could give you some approximate numbers for their practices withoug compromising any confidentiality... especially if they were assured that their numbers were just being added to a total for the state and would not be disclosed individually.

Maybe alot of people do not use computers or hang around on Lymenet.

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tickedntx
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Hi James:

Yes, we are trying to work that angle, too.

Thanks,
Suzanne

--------------------
Suzanne Shaps
STAND UP FOR LYME Texas (www.standupforlyme.org)
(Please email all correspondence related to protecting Texas LLMDs to [email protected] with copy to [email protected])

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tickedntx
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--------------------
Suzanne Shaps
STAND UP FOR LYME Texas (www.standupforlyme.org)
(Please email all correspondence related to protecting Texas LLMDs to [email protected] with copy to [email protected])

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tickedntx
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Suzanne Shaps
STAND UP FOR LYME Texas (www.standupforlyme.org)
(Please email all correspondence related to protecting Texas LLMDs to [email protected] with copy to [email protected])

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tickedntx
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Suzanne Shaps
STAND UP FOR LYME Texas (www.standupforlyme.org)
(Please email all correspondence related to protecting Texas LLMDs to [email protected] with copy to [email protected])

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FightFireWithWater
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So sorry to hear about this giant step backwards for Texans!

Unfortunately the crisis underlines the precarious situation all Lyme patients are in. At any moment your Dr. or State could become the focus of an atack for daring to admit there is a problem or trying to help.

Eventually the truth will surely prevail, but unless we work diligently, the lives and health of many patients and families will have been destroyed in the meantime.

"Do not go gently into that good night..." This generation matters too!

Consider carefully what role you want to play in this struggle, what will really be useful, and then go to it, one small step at a time perhaps, but prepared to dig in for the long haul.

--------------------
"Help Or Be Helpless" Please visit "Activism" board daily. See the threads regarding the IDSA Guidelines crisis and the threads about Dr. Charles Ray Jones and decide how best to help today!

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tickedntx
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--------------------
Suzanne Shaps
STAND UP FOR LYME Texas (www.standupforlyme.org)
(Please email all correspondence related to protecting Texas LLMDs to [email protected] with copy to [email protected])

Posts: 977 | From Austin, TX, USA | Registered: May 2004  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
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