Author Archives: Jennie Spotila

Convergence

Posted on October 10, 2013 by Jennie Spotila

In the last two weeks, position statements on the IOM and ME/CFS case definitions have been outnumbered only by rumors and allegations. I’ve had trouble keeping up and I am immersed in this issue. I can’t imagine how challenging it … Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy | Tagged , , , , , , , | 45 Comments

Training Wheels

Posted on October 8, 2013 by Jennie Spotila

When the news about the IOM contract first broke on August 27th, I was at my training for FDA Patient Representatives. Here is my much delayed write-up of that training. Every year, the FDA Patient Representative Program holds an in-person … Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy | Tagged , , , , , , | 18 Comments

19

Posted on October 6, 2013 by Jennie Spotila

Nineteen years ago today, I woke up with a sore throat. I ignored it, as I usually did with pain or illness. I was 26 years old, a “superstar” at my law firm (according to a performance review). I don’t … Continue reading →

Posted in Occupying | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 24 Comments

The Statement of Work

Posted on September 30, 2013 by Jennie Spotila

I have obtained a copy of the Statement of Work (SOW) for the Institute of Medicine study on clinical diagnostic criteria for ME/CFS. I am making that document available to you in its entirety through this link. I am also … Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy, Commentary | Tagged , , , , , | 52 Comments

Trust

Posted on September 26, 2013 by Jennie Spotila

Can you trust someone if you think they don’t respect you? There is an abundance of mistrust and disrespect among all participants in the ME/CFS landscape. I think it’s important to talk about because these attitudes have a significant impact … Continue reading →

Posted in Commentary | Tagged , , , , , , , | 31 Comments

The Experts

Posted on September 24, 2013 by Jennie Spotila

Developments came fast and furious last night. First, the CFIDS Association announced that it would not oppose the IOM contract, but would actively call for the IOM to choose a panel that matches the CFS Advisory Committee recommendation from October … Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy, Research | Tagged , , , , , , , | 31 Comments

Contract Signed

Posted on September 23, 2013 by Jennie Spotila

This message was sent out via the CFS Advisory Committee listserv this evening: We are pleased to announce that the Institute of Medicine (IOM) will begin conducting a study on Diagnostic Criteria for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome this month.  This … Continue reading →

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Lips Are Sealed

Posted on September 21, 2013 by Jennie Spotila

Whatever happened to that investigation we requested after the last CFS Advisory Committee meeting? Good question. You may recall that at the May 2013 CFSAC meeting, voting member Eileen Holderman alleged that she and two other members had been intimidated … Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy | Tagged , , , , , , | 12 Comments

Pedal to the Metal

Posted on September 20, 2013 by Jennie Spotila

I feel like an engine that has been gunning too long. I’m revving revving revving and I can smell something burning and a gear is about to blow. The rest of my life is being neglected. I haven’t been able … Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy, Occupying | Tagged , , , , , , | 5 Comments

To The Healthies

Posted on September 19, 2013 by Jennie Spotila

We need all the help we can get right now! HHS is bound and determined to sign the IOM contract by September 30th. Advocates are working like mad to stop it. So in addition to sending my own emails to … Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments