Been listening since 6:15 california time.
Also having probs with it cutting out - don't have enough broadband i guess on my laptop.
But have taken about 6 pgs. badly written notes.
When rep from cdc (NOT Reeves) was asked about Reeves media response to xmrv news last week said "responding to his response I can't respond (he REALLY said that!)...and that Reeves is not involved with XMRV - XMRV has been moved (from CFS lab) to the Retrovirus Lab - and questions should be directed to that lab in future.
Peterson commenting on Reeves critisism of the study ie "the population not being well characterized"...said "publishing of XMRV in SCIENCE should speak for itself"
One Dr. said one of his (cfs) patients was about to donate blood (as her civic duty) - he said emphatecally no - stronger than just a "caution". So, NO blood donations.
Also heard that cdc will be using Georgia and Wichita cohorts to duplicate study - much dissention about this from speakers.
Heard words like "eerily frightening" used but can't remember the context.
Heard Annette Whittemores 5 min speech (which Wanda Jones wasn't going to allow -as it didn't follow rules (had to be on waiting list to speak even tho others offered her their speaking time!).
Pretty exciting! James Oleske took command from wanda Jones - took responsibility for any out of order and GAVE Whittemore the 5 min. on the spot.!
She said (to paraphase)"all of you (with cfs) have the attention of the world today.....xmrv is the piece of the puzzle that can't be ignored.
Today ends the debate....cfs WAS NOT and NEVER WAS a psychiatric illness!"
And something about this possibly needing a call for a Congressional Hearing to discuss the past "roadblocks" that have existed. And something about the attempt to keep people from getting treatment.
Re: testing she said everyone has the right to know in order to stop the progression of this disease and get treatment.
Whittemore asked for everyone to write Congressmen, senators, pres., vp and dedicated her talk to alison hunter (suicide) and to jerry crum.
Also lots of info re: legal implications of transmission from transfusions. Two very large lawsuits underway re this - post-transfusion XMRV.
Also, Dr. Coffin gave seat of his pants talk (just invited 24 hrs. ago) very scientific - very interesting (he has worked nearly 40 yrs. with retroviruses exclusively)...but far too complicated for me to write and listen!
Important!!!!! He said "he was HORRIFIED when he discovered yesterday a lab offering xmrv tests (N.C.?)..and said if anyone is listening right now , strongly urged them not to use do this - called it a very bad idea.
He also called wpi paper as good as it gets.
These were my "notes" until the first break. sorry so disjointed had a choice between listening and listening and writing! I have 3-4 pages discussing the connection to xmrv/cfs/ebv/cmv etc. (you know lab stuff) - but I don't know if I'll ever be able to sort it out!
will try again and be back later. also, I urge everyone interested to watch for either transcripts or on demand post meeting viewing in a few days from NIH site. SO MUCH INFO BEING DISCUSSED!!! Hope others here did better job of listening/reporting! But I'm so glad I could hear some of this stuff for myself - firsthand!
jackie