posted
I was watching "House" tonight (medical show) and Lyme Disease came up. It was one of the options but the dr. kept repeating during discussion that it could not be lyme because a rash would have shown. I kept yelling at the tv. I am one who did not have a rash and it makes me mad that this ignorance is still out there. after 6 months of being off meds, i have just relapsed. i travel 5 hours to see a dr. and just got in tonight. Amy Tan is an author who has been fighting lyme as well. it takes someone who is someone to help us out. i received a post card from her wishing me luck but nothing else. i would love to know how to contact Fox and tell them about their error in that episode.
angry and upset about relapse
Posts: 10 | From Jonesboro, GA 30236 | Registered: Apr 2005
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posted
I only saw the show for like 2 seconds or so but was surprised to hear the doctor say 'Anything that can be transmitted thru blood can be transmitted thru sex'
posted
I really just had to chuckle at it, you know. Not only did he say that the rash would have shown multiple times, but insisted that the husband would have noticed, or even remembered given that it was 'late stage lyme' he was referring to. Oh geez...
Posts: 160 | From Frederick, Maryland | Registered: Nov 2004
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posted
That's one of my favorite shows. If I remember correctly, that is the second episode that Lyme is mentioned as a possibility. Even though the facts are a bit off, at least the disease is getting some mention.
------------------ -Mike
Posts: 96 | From Atwater, Ca | Registered: Nov 2004
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posted
up
Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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valymemom
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7076
posted
I watch that usually...but missed that one.
Joan of Arcadia, a favorite show of ours, was upsetting when they explained away her conversations with God.....as lyme......
I actually thought the scripts might delve into the disease.....but they didn't.
It would be great if House actually had an episode about a patient who has lyme.
Posts: 1240 | From Centreville,VA | Registered: Mar 2005
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once bitten
Unregistered
posted
actually it sounds pretty realistic. Maybe one of the writers had that experience...haven't we all? but it sounds like they did miss a good chance to bring up the fact that most dont get lyme rash. ER did a good show with it last year. a mention of it but it was intense. so its IN Hollywood and as soon as it makes it to the big screen...in shows etc...I would give them praise for even mentioning it.
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ping
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6974
posted
quote:Originally posted by treepatrol: Yep saw it crap! No rash' real cutting edge medical show huh??
[b]Not[/B]
I agree with you, treepat! that's all we need is more misinformation. And that horrendous Joan of Arcadia episode... Where will this mess stop?
[This message has been edited by ping (edited 07 April 2005).]
Posts: 1302 | From Back in TX again | Registered: Mar 2005
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I saw that episode. I am with you and it upset me when Dr. House said that it couldn't be Lyme cause there wasn't any rash but it wasn't his fault. He was just reading his script.
Good idea to get in touch with Fox and correct the writers.
I will be more that glad to contact Fox. I already had Fox from my area interview my husband and myself. It was a very good interview.
Good luck with your treatment.
Take care.
Maria
Posts: 164 | From Rising Sun, MD, USA | Registered: Apr 2004
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Aniek
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Member # 5374
posted
I've mentioned before that I would be nervous is a show like House actually had a patient with Lyme. Because the patients seem to always recover ten minutes after the correct diagnosis.
Posts: 4711 | From Washington, DC | Registered: Mar 2004
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Aniek
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5374
posted
My letter is below:
I am writing in reference to a recent episode of "House" during which Lyme Disease was mentioned as a potential cause of a patient's condition.
I would like to start by thanking the show for recognizing Lyme Disease. However, there was a mistaken reference in the episode that it is important to correct. The episode mentioned Lyme could not be a cause, because the patient did not have a typical rash. According to the CDC, only 80% of Lyme patients ever have the typical rash. Other studies estimate that as few as 40% of people with Lyme ever notice having a rash.
Lyme is a debilitating illness that has impacted millions of Americans. Many patients, such as myself, go years without diagnosis because of the misconceptions of the illness. Misconceptions are both in the public and within the medical community. Many of us have searched years for a doctor like Dr. House, who is willing to think outside of the box and consider causes even when the typical symptoms to do not exist.
I understand the role of a television series is to entertain, but there is also a resposibility not to spread misconceptions. I ask that you please forward this message to the writers and producers of "House." I have also included links to two websites that I recommend consulting prior to future episodes dealing with Lyme. http://www.ilads.org/ http://library.lymenet.org/domino/file.nsf
Posts: 4711 | From Washington, DC | Registered: Mar 2004
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posted
i am definately going to write the network. i am grateful that it was mentioned, just inaccurate. we may be getting more recognition. that would be nice.
Posts: 10 | From Jonesboro, GA 30236 | Registered: Apr 2005
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