The below is a PrimeTime Live news story on ME/CFS from 1996. It covers the history of the original outbreaks in the U.S., as well as the complete lack of a response from the CDC. It is a must-see.
I think what struck me most about the segment was the fact that, though the story aired 14 years ago, virtually nothing has changed since that time. For decades now, the CDC has continuously belittled and essentially ignored this very serious and widespread disease. Meanwhile, millions of those stricken with ME/CFS have continued to suffer and watch their lives slip away, and millions more worldwide have become newly diagnosed. Nearly 30 years since the original outbreak, there are still no viable treatments, very little funding, and a serious lack of answers. How far would we be now in research and treatment had the Centers for Disease Control simply done their job at the onset?
Primetime from Barborka on Vimeo.
You can also see the segment on youtube by clicking the link below:
The CDC and CFS
On a more personal note, it's been a rough month for me with another frustrating crash, and all the subsequent disappointments that coincide with any setback. Things seem a tiny bit better in the last few days, though, and that gives me some hope. Fingers crossed some positive changes are coming soon!
Sending you lots of love!!
ReplyDeleteI hope things start to look up for you soon. I am so sick of the way CFS is being treated by the government, medical systems, and general public.
Some days it can be too much to handle.
I hope you get a break soon - you deserve it times 100!! xo
Annie
Yes, I can't believe that people with M.E./CFS have been treated they way they have (and often still are). It just boggles my mind. One step forward, two steps back it seems.
ReplyDeleteLately I've found myself avoiding reading anything that has certain names attached including CDC...avoidance is my tactic as of late. I just don't have the energy to deal with the frustration that results.
I'm so sorry you've been so crashed, I hope you feel better soon. I'll be thinking of you and hoping!!!!
Thanks for the information you have shared here....it is sad, isn't it and frustrating....Sorry to hear you have had a tough month. Lifting you up in prayer...
ReplyDeleteSo disturbing. I wonder if Dr. Snyderman would be interested in covering this story again, with all the recent developments...
ReplyDeleteThank you Laurel. I am going to post these to my youtube channel. I need to create one just for cfs/me.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you are improving a little and hope that the improvement continues in the days ahead.
Again, thank you for taking the time to do this post!
I'm amazed every time I watch something like that. I can't imagine your anger. Even though Jessie is more or less without symptoms now, I feel that she has the virus and is in remission. I hope and pray it never comes back but it's always looking over my shoulder. I pray that they FINALLY develop treatment for those suffering.
ReplyDeleteGreat post as usual!
Sorry to hear about your recent crash Laurel. I hope you are still feeling better and better with each passing day!
ReplyDeleteMany healing hugs, Lisa :)
I hope today is a better day for you!
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting the video; it was a really interesting watch.
It's such a shame that we have to live with such an invisible condtion and governments won't put money/effort/time into proper research!