I am a chronic lyme disease patient and I am looking for a little help with an attempt I'm making to gain public awareness and scrutiny for Lyme's current status in the medical community. I have been a usability engineer and mechanical/architectural designer, but at this time I am using my current decent health to try and get a proper debate going on the TV show 'The Doctors'. With input from the right people, I believe the producers of this show can, and will, do a Lyme debate justice, which I hope will assist others in their efforts on behalf of Lyme suffers.
On the show's message boards, in the feedback section, I have made a request for the show to host a lyme debate, fortunately or unfortunately its the only request of its kind.
My goal is to get get the attention of 'The Doctor's' producers with a concentrated, semi-organized voice in one place. But this idea needs help in the form of supporting posts.
If you read the post, please feel free to correct me any where I am wrong, make suggestions for improving my request and offer other suggested experts for the debate panel.
If you support the call for a debate, please add a post on the doctor's site saying anything, even if you are skeptical!
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
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I'm not sure they will be interested or that the format would allow the time needed. And - they really botched a recent chance at this. They had a mere mention when they could have done much more.
The performers who are on "The Doctors" do not want to alienate their colleagues. By telling the truth about lyme, this will happen. If you notice, too, most TV stations have many ads for your local hospitals. They control a lot of the content on programs and will not likely want a program about lyme.
Moving it away from commercial sponsorships and short time constraints, I would love to see PBS FRONTLINE do a full hour feature on this, or even a couple of programs.
I think FRONTLINE is the only group who could devote the time and who has the required intelligence to investigate this and also host a panel discussion.
They did an excellent job with this these series recently:
One on the heart and another on health care around the world. I have link in my file but really have to put my head down now.
you can go to PBS' website and link to FRONTLINE to see more about their work.
posted
I hear and understand your skepticism. I am aware of the odds and logistics. However, I'm not going to roll over so easily.
Lyme is invisible to those who don't have it - the invisibility is part of what is fueling the lyme controversy. Let's not write the Drs off as uncaring SOBs just yet - if they help, it will be a very powerful resource.
I am used to big projects, I am going to take this one to the ropes - so I could use the support despite your skepticism.
I agree Frontline would be a good place to focus on. But with lyme, I have to do one thing at once - and right now this is my limit.
I hope you'll add some supporting posts to the call for a lyme debate, despite the odds... You won't decrease the odds by posting!
If skeptism is all you got post that on the request!!! Every little bit helps!
Posts: 45 | From VT | Registered: Jun 2009
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
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I'm not really sure LLMDs would want to take part in a debate. A panel discussion sounds less like a fight.
This event may be exactly what you have in mind. It may be video taped, I hope:
Topic: IDSA announces presenters and order of presentation
The Infectious Diseases Society of America has selected presenters to speak before its Lyme disease guidelines review panel on July 30. (This is part of the guidelines review process mandated by the IDSA's settlement with the Attorney General of Connecticut.)
posted
Good topic. I love & respect Frontline for many reasons...they are incredible.
I watched UOS recently with a friend that is a doctor, and I picked up so much more information than the last time I watched it.
That said, what could Frontline do that Under Our Skin has not? Maybe a lot, I am just wondering what stones are unturned that would help the Lyme patient community? What are the top 2 or 3 issues that could be amplified?
-------------------- My biofilm film: www.whyamistillsick.com 2004 Mycoplasma Pneumonia 2006 Positive after 2 years of hell 2006-08 Marshall Protocol. Killed many bug species 2009 - Beating candida, doing better Lahey Clinic in Mass: what a racquet! Posts: 830 | From Mass. | Registered: Aug 2006
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"I'm not sure they will be interested or that the format would allow the time needed. And - they really botched a recent chance at this. They had a mere mention when they could have done much more.
The performers who are on "The Doctors" do not want to alienate their colleagues. By telling the truth about lyme, this will happen. If you notice, too, most TV stations have many ads for your local hospitals. They control a lot of the content on programs and will not likely want a program about lyme.
.... Moving it away from commercial sponsorships and short time constraints, I would love to see PBS FRONTLINE do a full hour feature on this, or even a couple of programs."
Ping, I really like your comment:
"Oz will never do it either and we emailed the daylights out of him and Oprah."
These kind of well communicated comments really help non-lymies understand our frustration.
I really hope you put these comments on the Drs site, despite your low expectations.
Every little bit helps - if we don't make noise we don't exist.
I'm not asking you to get your hopes up, just asking for support for the effort - I'll do the rest.
If the link doesn't work, it is: www.thedoctorstv.com > Community > Message Boards > Feedback > "We need a debate on LYME!"
Posts: 45 | From VT | Registered: Jun 2009
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ping
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6974
posted
That said, what could Frontline do that Under Our Skin has not? Maybe a lot,
Frontline is a nationally syndicated show on public television. UOS is at this time relegated to theatre release.
ping "We are more than containers for Lyme"
-------------------- ping "We are more than containers for Lyme" Posts: 1302 | From Back in TX again | Registered: Mar 2005
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I don't need more info, like a show Frontline would give me,(well I'm sure I could use it, but...) the world of non-lymies needs more info.
To me, Oz and Oprah HAVE an excuse not to do the lyme thing - its beyond their scope. Now, of course they could do a show if they really wanted to, but I'm focusing on the Drs because they have no such argument.
The Drs show can be argued as entrainment, it can be argued as educational.
But as a show advertising itself being about important medical issues, it can NOT be argued a show on lyme is out of their scope. This is where I am hoping to gain a foot hold.
Frontline would be great - I'm sure they would do a great job - but not really the audience I'm targeting.
I really hope you all put your comments on the Drs site. I would like the opportunity include this very discussion on the Drs site reiterating the Drs don't have a "its beyond our scope" excuse....
Every little bit helps - if we don't make noise we don't exist.
If the link doesn't work, it is: www.thedoctorstv.com > Community > Message Boards > Feedback > "We need a debate on LYME!"
Posts: 45 | From VT | Registered: Jun 2009
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posted
Has anyone delivered a copy of UOS to Frontline yet? I'd be happy to hand deliver it...I may even know a few people that work there.
-------------------- My biofilm film: www.whyamistillsick.com 2004 Mycoplasma Pneumonia 2006 Positive after 2 years of hell 2006-08 Marshall Protocol. Killed many bug species 2009 - Beating candida, doing better Lahey Clinic in Mass: what a racquet! Posts: 830 | From Mass. | Registered: Aug 2006
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
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Cooter,
I did not reply to that thread. But I do recall suggesting that your energy and enthusiasm would be appreciated by the activism people at the LDA. Working through an established organization has a lot of advantages.
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oh . . . I see. I suggested that the meeting of presenters will be a bit of a debate. Maybe there is someway you can work with the LDA on that . . . or attend it, etc.
I have to say I am disappointed, in my view, posting a supporting post can only help and requires minimal involvement. Others share this view. http://underourskin.com/blog/?p=191
But, of course, do what you think is right.
"But I do recall suggesting that your energy and enthusiasm would be appreciated by the activism people at the LDA. Working through an established organization has a lot of advantages."
Agreed. I have not gotten a response from them. I'm not trying to work with out them or around them, its just that now is a busy time for them. The Jul 30th re-hearing and fielding suggestions for it is taking up a lot of their attention.
I am trying to support their efforts by a choosing a minimal involvement, one-time contribution from those who want more balanced exposure for lyme disease. That way it can't interfere with any efforts by the LDA, CALDA and others, only support them.
Posts: 45 | From VT | Registered: Jun 2009
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bettyg
Unregistered
posted
cooter, 1 of repliers to your drs. thread joined here tonight .... melissa....
frankly cooter,
i think if you are going for a debate, drs. shown is not the venue for it:
larry king live ? dr. phil dr. oz 20/20 ...
greta van ....
people who have a 1 hr. TALK SHOW with 1 guest only.
drs. show is too split up with 4 - 10 people being covered for this & that.
not to shoot down your idea; but it's not feasible to have it THERE with their short 5 min. segments.
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If the link doesn't work, it is: www.thedoctorstv.com > Community > Message Boards > Feedback > "We need a debate on LYME!"
Posts: 45 | From VT | Registered: Jun 2009
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posted
Well we are doing good!!! 17 different voices giving their opinion on the Doctor's coverage of Lyme. And we are often above threads about marijuana and Dr. Travis Stork (who has been called Dr. Sexy). So Lyme is holding it's own and then some against sex and drugs; any one got any ideas on de-throning rock and roll.....
If you haven't added your voice yet, here's a recap:
The Drs' is a mainstream media outlet with 4 doctors as the show's hosts, so their voices carry weight - so what they say good or bad, helpful or harmful, will affect other Lyme efforts. They have covered Lyme twice, total coverage time less than a minute. Once with a CDC rep, 'Why Does This Hurt'. Second wasn't really coverage, '5 Summer Illnesses' they had Perry Fields on the show www.beatlymedisease.com but didn't once ask or talk to her about Lyme. A search for Lyme on their home page will reveal the shows coverage and responses.... www.thedoctorstv.com
If the link doesn't work, it is: www.thedoctorstv.com > Community > Message Boards > Feedback > "We need a debate on LYME!"
Posts: 45 | From VT | Registered: Jun 2009
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posted
27 voices and counting!!! Great job everyone!!
7 days to the IDSA re-hearing.
Posts: 45 | From VT | Registered: Jun 2009
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bettyg
Unregistered
posted
cooter, looks like you took on a few more voices of your own! they write like you do and they run all paragraphs together as ONE making it hard to read .... lol
i've stopped reading there; TOO SWAMPED HERE doing what i do daily!
plus getting ready for my own under our skin showing 8-1-09 and lots to do, get flyers printed, and posted around town, etc.
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Thanks for your help. Don't run yourself down - might want to slow down - what you said before I took the wrong way the first time I read it. Maybe it's just my eyes - but none the less, just a little friendly feedback.
"cooter, looks like you took on a few more voices of your own! they write like you do and they run all paragraphs together as ONE making it hard to read .... lol"
Relax on this effort - I think we are good here for now - I will hollar if I need help.
Good luck with your other efforts.... and wish us well with this one... Congrats on the showing of Under Our Skin!
If the link doesn't work, it is: www.thedoctorstv.com > Community > Message Boards > Feedback > "We need a debate on LYME!"
Posts: 45 | From VT | Registered: Jun 2009
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