Category Archives: Commentary

Which Disease Is HHS Studying?

Posted on November 27, 2013 by Jennie Spotila

I am very pleased to share space today with Mary Dimmock. She has written this guest post about which disease HHS has asked IOM to define. Her conclusion will probably increase any concerns you have about the IOM study. Mary … Continue reading →

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Nothing to See Here

Posted on November 25, 2013 by Jennie Spotila

After more than four months, Assistant Secretary Dr. Howard Koh has finally responded to our request for an investigation into the allegations that Dr. Nancy Lee attempted to intimidate at least two voting members of the CFS Advisory Committee. His … Continue reading →

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FAQchecking

Posted on November 18, 2013 by Jennie Spotila

So We Had Some Questions . . . For the last few weeks, there’s been a rumor that HHS might actually respond to questions about the Institute of Medicine study. PANDORA urged HHS to address specific questions about the contract … Continue reading →

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Quizzical

Posted on November 12, 2013 by Jennie Spotila

Update November 13, 2013: I have received a response from the CFIDS Association and have updated this post accordingly. Full comment from the Association below. My thanks to Carol Head, CEO of the CFIDS Association for her swift response to … Continue reading →

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Go Big or Go Home

Posted on October 31, 2013 by Jennie Spotila

This is Jen Brea after a 12 hour photo shoot for her film, Canary In A Coal Mine. I chose this picture of Jen because I’ve felt that way too. Every ME/CFS patients has felt this way: unable to stand, … Continue reading →

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Exhibit A

Posted on October 17, 2013 by Jennie Spotila

I’ve been very critical of HHS and how they have handled communications and engagement with the ME/CFS patient community, and the fiasco surrounding the Institute of Medicine study is a sinkhole of terrible engagement. But if HHS and/or the IOM … Continue reading →

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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 →

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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 →

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Cut Back or Cut Out?

Posted on September 16, 2013 by Jennie Spotila

Last week, the CFS Advisory Committee announced via its email listserv that the fall meeting will be held on November 12th and 13th. Advocates were shocked to learn that the meeting will be held from 12pm to 5pm each of … Continue reading →

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If You Want Our Support

Posted on September 3, 2013 by Jennie Spotila

A week ago, ME/CFS patients found out about HHS’s plan to sole source a contract to the Institute of Medicine to create a consensus case definition for our disease when the sole source notice was published. Today, the CFS Advisory … Continue reading →

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