PBS Discussions

Rx for Survival · Moderator Joined: 07 Oct 2005 Posts: 17

Do you have any comments about the Rx for Survival television series and Web site? In this forum we invite you to discuss your responses with us and with each other.

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AlexDix · Joined: 01 Nov 2005 Posts: 1 Location: Columbia, MD

I am watching this show on TV and I started crying. My mother almost died from MRSA. She went into septic shock and was in a coma for more than 2 weeks. She came out of the coma but she is still fighting it seems everyday. I am beginning to wonder if she will be fighting these infections for the rest of her life. It started with pressure sores then she got a urinary tract infection. UTI sounds so innocent and simple and the next thing I knew it had turned into an almost endless cycle of antibiotics alot of them intravenous. I am beginning to wonder if the antibiotics are doing any good at all.

mlynbroyles1 · Joined: 02 Nov 2005 Posts: 2 Location: TN

I was watching this show and was wondering what the name of that experimental drug that Ryan had for his MRSA infection? I did not catch the name but I know it started with a T! My sister has been batteling a staph infection she got at a hospital in Nashville about 3 years ago when she had knee replacement surgery. She is still batteling the infection and the antibotic they are giving her is the strongest one they have for it but it makes her very sick and is killing her kidneys!!
Does anyonre remember?

Thanks!

Martha

KidneyBoy · Joined: 02 Nov 2005 Posts: 3 Location: Enumclaw, Washington

Martha

The drug is called "Tigecycline". It was given to me via IV on a daily basis for around 3 months. It was in the late testing phases when it was administered (which was January). I know they were seeking approval for it from the FDA at the time, however, I have no idea if it has gotten approval or not.

One of the side effects that I experienced on it was nausea, as well as just not being interested in eating. The first few weeks I was pretty much in bed most of the day.

As far as how it reacts to Renal function (kidneys) I honestly do not know. My kidneys failed long before I had this resistant bacteria. In fact, I received the resistant bacteria BECAUSE I was trying something called PD dialysis.

Anyway, have your sister's Infectious Diseases DR look up this drug. I hope and pray that it works for your sister.

Take it easy
Ryan

Marikay · Joined: 02 Nov 2005 Posts: 1

Hi Ryan,
I just watched the show...you were great! You can be very proud to contribute to this wonderful show. I was wondering if you know the name of the bacteria you had that was resistant.
Thanks, Marikay

KidneyBoy · Joined: 02 Nov 2005 Posts: 3 Location: Enumclaw, Washington

John C · Joined: 02 Nov 2005 Posts: 2

I was able to see the series last night and found it to be a wonderfully produced and educational program. I am a pharmacist who practices predominantly with the homeless and indigent urban population in NYC and have seen first hand the impact of both good and not so good public health initiatives. It is critical that the public recognize the tremendous impact that public health has on all of us. I was incredibly impressed with the program and look forward to seeing the remaining portions of the series. Great job!!

John

researchbugs · Joined: 02 Nov 2005 Posts: 1

I want to know why there is a dearth of oversight for recombinant DNA research-- Regardless of the funding!

It is concerning that a company is able to create antibiotic resistance E.coli, in their "product development research" which would not be allowed by any federally supported research.

So they create something that has great potential for good (as shown in the show) but also great potential for causing harm (think bioterrorism with 'germ' warfare) should it be misappropriated or some accidental mishap causing release to an environment in which it may thrive.

Human subject research has laws, Animal research has laws, but there are no "safety" laws for this type of research? Is it time to give this thought again, since this has not been debated since the 70's and 80's?

LC · Joined: 02 Nov 2005 Posts: 3

Hello, My husband, infant daughter and I had MRSA http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/hip/Aresist/mrsa.htm. I had while 7 months pregnant if you could believe that. They started with the skin sores - not sure how or when we caught it. The medications that worked for our family were Clindamycin, Keflex Puvule and "swabbing" of the nose with bactroban (not recommended for pregnant/nursing women). It is becoming an epidemic in Southern California and we are aware from experience, how many doctors are uneducated about this disease and how many patients are un-diagnosed. We have educated ourselves (via books and the internet) and along with the doctors "experiment" with what is out there. I had to go on the internet to find what I could and could not take. When I gave birth to my daughter, I asked if they were going to put me in a private room and give me preventable medications due to my c-section (possible re-infection - thru open wound) after 20 minutes, they said "oh okay" and I had all the nurses asking me about MRSA as if I was a Professor. That is just plain wrong. The United Kingdom has a big outbreak and their Government is doing allot more than ours to prevent this awful disease.

LC · Joined: 02 Nov 2005 Posts: 3

For the record, My 2nd daughter whom I gave birth to via c-section has not been diagnosed with MRSA and did not contract MRSA in the womb.

LC · Joined: 02 Nov 2005 Posts: 3

FYI -MRSA Info:

S.D.-based GeneOhm Sciences has fast test for resistant bacteria MRSA http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20050909/news_1b9geneohm.html

Other interesting articles and websites:
http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20050712/news_1m12staph.html
http://www.mrsasupport.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/index.htm
http://tahilla.typepad.com/mrsawatch/mrsa_and_children/index.html
http://www.pets-mrsa.com/
http://www.innovations-report.com/html/reports/medicine_health/report-24405.html
http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/dailybreeze/access/819105811.html?dids=819105811:819105811&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Apr+7%2C+2005&author=Lee+Peterson+DAILY+BREEZE&pub=Daily+Breeze&desc=Local+researchers+find+bug+causing+flesh-eating+disease
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/11/01/mrsa_yoghurt/

mlynbroyles1 · Joined: 02 Nov 2005 Posts: 2 Location: TN

Ryan, Thank you so much for the information!
I placed my hand on my TV last night when you were on and asked God to watch over you and never let you go through anything like that again.

Continue being the strong young man you are!

Regards,
Martha

KidneyBoy · Joined: 02 Nov 2005 Posts: 3 Location: Enumclaw, Washington

HowardRoarke · Joined: 02 Nov 2005 Posts: 3

Those looking for an inexpensive homegrown cure for the symptoms of AIDS can leverage US patent 5,204,101. Abstract: A method and composition for treating Acquired Immunodeficiency Virus infections with a composition formulated from dried powders of Phytolacca americana, Rumex acetosella and Rutacea liminonia. The resulting composition acts as an anti-viral agent.

(See link http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=/netahtml/srchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=5,204,101.WKU.&OS=PN/5,204,101&RS=PN/5,204,101 )

In a nutshell, to eliminate the world's dependence on a pharmaceutical/political solution all one has to do is:
1.) send seeds to countries where AIDS medicine is too expensive or non-existent.
2.) have the recipients grow the 3 plants
3.) have the recipients process the 3 plants
4.) have the recipients distribute the AIDS symptom cure pills made from the plants.

The 3 plants are: LEMON, POKE BERRY & SHEEP SORREL
The patent info tells hows to process them. It's really easy! You dry out the plants, and then you grind them up really fine (individually) and then you mix them by weight, 1/3 each into a container. Mix well and turn into pills. A pill press is good. Gelatin capsules are fine, too, if you can' afford a pill press.

This beautiful solution allows any country to be independent of world AIDS politics and the pharmaceutical industries.

To get started, acquire packets of seeds (LEMON, POKE BERRY & SHEEP SORREL) and mail them along with a copy of the US Patent 5,204,101 to the health ministers and notable health workers in countries afflicted. Do it in a mass way. Keep the seed packets small so that can be mailed cheaply and easily.

All the recipients have to do is plant, grow, process and distribute the resulting pills and they can eliminate the symptoms of AIDS in their country. It's that simple.

Like Johnny Appleseed, you can help by making up the seed kits and along with a copy of the patent (which explains everything, even the drying process), send them to every trustworthy health official you know about.

If a simple cure for AIDS symptoms is important to you, also send the URL link above (http://discussions.pbs.org/viewtopic.pbs?t=40800 ) to everyone you know who is of like mind. People who refuse to let others suffer unnecessarily should be the target of your e-mail campaign. Send an e-mail to Holt Productions and ask them to include interviews with the inventors of the patent and with farmers in AIDS-stricken countries, growing the 3 plants. Get creative and get the word out. You are pivotal to the process of disseminating this simple cure to the symptoms of AIDS!

If you know Angelie Jolie and/or Brad Pitt, send them this URL (http://discussions.pbs.org/viewtopic.pbs?t=40800 ). They are thankfully making a difference in world AIDS awareness. Help them help the world by telling them about a solution that poor people can grow for themselves. Once Jolie and Pitt get behind the sending seeds drive, it's just a matter of time for the recipients to grow the plants and these people will be solving their own AIDS health problems.

Get going! And when you get a chance, nominate the inventors for a Nobel Peace Prize!!!

The inventors are:
Stubblefield; Thomas W.
(1723 Eagle Dr., Hixson, TN 37343); and
Cothran; Betty J. (1309 Swope Dr., Chattanooga, TN 37412)

Indivduals always make the difference. Be an outstanding one! Get those seed kits sent ASAP!

Howard Roarke

C-Loudenboomer · Joined: 24 Oct 2005 Posts: 1781

But what are the required growing conditions for these? Lemon isn't winterhardy, and sorrel of any variety requires somewhat acidic and moist soil. Pigeonberry (poke) isn't so picky but it doesn't grow in semi-arid/arid climates. One requires more than just seeds to grow things successfully.
_________________
I'm still an impossible person.

Jjsummer6 · Joined: 01 Nov 2005 Posts: 3 Location: DE

Comment:
Yes! it was very informative. I work in Public health and would like a copy of all 6 sessions for orienting new employees as well as for highlighting significant historical events. We have come "A LONG WAY" in this journey of protecting peoples health and the public doesnt know it or is not aware that it happens, sort of taking it all for granted, esp in this Country.
Do you take a Purchase order?
Not sure how else a govt agency could buy otherwise.
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Thank you JLS

Rx for Survival · Moderator Joined: 07 Oct 2005 Posts: 17

Hello,

The series will be available on DVD and VHS on December 19th. You can purchase it now, along with the companion book, at the WGBH Online shop.
http://shop.wgbh.org/

Thank you for your question,
The Rx for Survival Production Team

Jjsummer6 · Joined: 01 Nov 2005 Posts: 3 Location: DE

PBS:
I know the RX For Survival is available on line. My question was:
WILL YOU ACCEPT A PURCHASE ORDER FROM A GOVT AGENCY?

PLEASE ANSWER>
js
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Thank you JLS

Rx for Survival · Moderator Joined: 07 Oct 2005 Posts: 17

Hello,

The WGBH store can answer your question. Please visit their site via the link above. If you don't find your answer directly on the site, you can reach someone directly via the 800 number listed.

Thank you,
The Rx Production Team

John C · Joined: 02 Nov 2005 Posts: 2

I urge caution in recommending this specific plant based "cure for AIDS symptoms". Although I am all for treating HIV/AIDS effectively and at low cost, the quality of the medications used in the management of HIV/AIDS must not be compromised. The web link provided on this plant treatment did not provide any detailed clinical trials of this product and it's efficacy published in peer-reviewed medical literature. Additionally, the side effect profile of this plant combination is not revealed...remember all natural does not mean no side effects! Clinical trials are the standard practice of how we learn the proper treatment of conditions from asthma to HIV. The focus of our efforts in helping the HIV infected who reside in poor countries should not be to provide them with unproven, cheap medications/herbal products for the sake of giving them something...this just continues the mindset that poor people/contries can receive substandard medical care. Instead I would recommend that people who are interested in helping these people/contries talk to their government representatives to enforce improvements in drug policy to assist those abroad in need.

C-Loudenboomer · Joined: 24 Oct 2005 Posts: 1781

Excellent caution! Pigeonberry (pokeberry) has a berry that is poisonous--but so are belladonna and nightshade (angel's trumpet) and yet traditional natural medicine used those for their narcotic content. The size of the dose counts, and there'd best be at least THAT level of minimum guidance.
_________________
I'm still an impossible person.