Author Archives: Jennie Spotila

The Fine Print

Posted on July 5, 2012 by Jennie Spotila

Earlier this month, I told the CFS Advisory Committee to keep track and keep asking about how DHHS was responding to its recommendations. I discussed four recommendations in detail, including: Regarding your recommendation that HHS engage the expertise of the … Continue reading →

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Can’t Drive 95

Posted on July 2, 2012 by Jennie Spotila

Almost as soon as I had decided to raise the limit on my heart rate monitor to 105 beats per minute, my physical therapy team smacked that idea down. They told me that one week with the monitor was not … Continue reading →

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CFSAC Profile: Dr. Adrian Casillas

Posted on June 26, 2012 by Jennie Spotila

The first in a series of profiles of the new members of the CFS Advisory Committee. Four new members were recently appointed to the CFS Advisory Committee.  In previous years, members such as Drs. Jason, Klimas and Snell were well-known … Continue reading →

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Joint Request for Action

Posted on June 22, 2012 by Jennie Spotila

I joined in this effort by advocacy groups and individuals to secure a meaningful response to CFS from the Department of Health and Human Services. This letter was sent to Secretary Sibelius and others on June 5th. The coalition of … Continue reading →

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CFSAC Testimony of Matthew Lazell-Fairman

Posted on June 21, 2012 by Jennie Spotila

Matthew Lazell-Fairman delivered these comments to the CFS Advisory Committee at its June 14, 2012 meeting. He has kindly given me permission to publish them here. To those responsible for health policy on ME/CFS, I need you to listen and … Continue reading →

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CFSAC Takeaways

Posted on June 18, 2012 by Jennie Spotila

I won’t attempt a comprehensive writeup of the recent CFS Advisory Committee meeting. This meeting was one of the most thoroughly covered: on Twitter (#CFSAC), real-time reports from Phoenix Rising, and a writeup by Tina Tidmore. Instead, I offer comments … Continue reading →

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XMRumorsV

Posted on June 15, 2012 by Jennie Spotila

Rumors about the Lipkin study are flying fast and furious these days. We’ve been hearing for months that the study results would be made public this year, but “news” of specific dates has kicked things into a frenzy. In April, … Continue reading →

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“Keep Track. Keep Asking.”

Posted on June 14, 2012 by Jennie Spotila

This is the public comment I delivered by telephone to the CFS Advisory Committee today. Thank you to Cort Johnson for representing me at the speaker’s table, since I am too ill to be with you in person. I am … Continue reading →

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CFSAC Comments from Dr. Lily Chu

Posted on June 13, 2012 by Jennie Spotila

Dr. Lily Chu submitted these written comments to the CFS Advisory Committee for its June 2012 meeting. She has kindly given me permission to publish them here. Dear Sirs and Mesdames, Thank you for this opportunity to address official and … Continue reading →

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Watch This!

Posted on June 11, 2012 by Jennie Spotila

There is something very simple, and very important, that you can do: Watch the CFS Advisory Committee meeting on June 13th and 14th. Why does it matter? In 2009, the CFSAC began videocasting its meetings. Viewership for the meetings was … Continue reading →

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