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Re: "New Trial of Constipation Predominant IBS Treatment Now Recruiting at 69 Centers in U.S. and Canada"

Why is 65 the magical cutoff age for people doing drug trials? Except for Fibro and some arthritis, I am in good health for my age (74). Goodness knows, aren't we the ones needing most of this stuff? - D

Note: In line with your comment, see the survey we're running this week to provide sorely needed data on the experiences of ME/CFS patients in different age groups. It will provide the basis for an article by author Dorothy Wall and Dr. Lily Chu, MD, PhD, which they will submit to such large-circulation publications as the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) magazine.

Chemical Sensitivity Possibilities

Regarding chemical sensitivities, I am especially sensitive to material dyes and sizing compounds. I cannot wear new clothing prior to washing even though I stick to white or light colors. Newsprint is my most difficult chemical sensitivity. I sneeze, itch, and my eyes water. I have been tested twice for allergies and was not sensitive to the test chemicals. I hope that this helps someone. – Fred

A Source of Info on Financial Resources

I have had chronic Lyme disease for 38 years this Christmas - after 34 years of being misdiagnosed with Fibro/CFS, etc. I want to make your members aware of an outstanding list [of financial resources that could be helpful for anyone], compiled by Lyme Disease Network (Lyme Net) member Melanie Reber from information contributed by countless other members.

The list is titled “Methods of Coping with Financial Burdens” http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/Forum1/HTML/035162.html

Topics include:

The above gives you an idea of what you will find in there. Happy hunting! – Betty G, Iowa

Short-Term Disability Problems & Resources

I don't know where to turn. I'm getting more ill by the week. My insurance company won't approve my short-term disability claim. They just keep saying they need more information. My so-called CFS specialist thinks I should be back to work, that the symptoms I am displaying aren't CFIDS related. If I'm up for any length of time, more than an hour, I get flu-like symptoms, become weak, cold, and dizzy. I have to go to bed – sometimes for days. My husband has seen it with his own eyes. He's taking me to see her next week and telling her what he sees and that she better figure out what is wrong, fast, because I am on the boarder of losing my job and my health insurance.

I just don't know what to do or where to go, except to a lawyer. – N

Note: A good resource for information about disability issues is Mary Schweitzer’s Disability Benefits Information website: http://www.cfids-me.org/disinissues The site also provides a “Disinissues Good Lawyer List”: http://www.cfids-me.org/disinissues/lawyers.html#states

And if you decide it’s time to find a new doctor, see the letter in this week’s Q&A Session for some good-doctor list resources.