Well
Well, I am surprised by your comments. He was on such a good roll until the word "exercise". I thought at the time... Oh my, the discussion board people will be mad at that. If only he hadn't said that last line.
From a healthy person's perspective (or someone who isn't in the CFS loop, even if they have CFS) the word "exercise" has a different connotation than going to the mail box. It would have been better if he had used the term of "do some body movement".
I do appreciate that he understands the challenge. But in fact, if it is that hard for Gina to go to the mailbox, as she seemed to say, then all of us in the loop know she shouldn't. Too bad Oz didn't understand that. If she had said, "It's hard," the more ideal response would have been. "Then at least stretch, even if you have to do it while in the bed, even if it is only for three minutes. Do what you can, but don't do too much."
I also laughed when he said that. You could see the look on Gina's face. "Are you kidding me? exercise?"
I also noticed Dr. Donnica nodding her head in agreement. (was she agreeing with Gina or Oz?)
Mercy, you made a good point that the fact that Gina responded to "go to the mailbox" with "It's hard," something most people take for granted, then the message may be, "Hey, this really is debilitating for some people." And if so, that is a good message. And, Oz did say, "I know." (although obviously he really doesn't, he did try to show understanding) He didn't say, "Well, then the problem is you aren't doing enough. The more exercise you do, the easier it will be. You need to build your stamina." And that would have been the wrong message. So we can be thankful.
One thing I noticed too is that he was asking about triggers. And evidently, the answer was edited out. Or Donnica didn't answer because he also asked many other questions in the same moment, like three questions at once. So she answered the others but not the trigger one. (no doubt, Mikovitz told him the answer.) But from a public perspective, that was not as important as the other parts they did include. From a scientist and patient perspective, that would be important.
I thought they did a good job of cramming info in the time they had. And it was presented in a compelling way.
Donnica was very good at slipping in the little details, such as (and men) in her answers. I could tell she had prepared for each possible question he would ask. And she had phrases prepared so she took advantage of each opportunity to answer his question, while sneaking in the details that the interviewer may not think is important, but truly is. Job well done, again, Donnica. You are obviously media savvy.
uhhh, was there supposed to be a mention of CFIDS Association? OUCH!
I think we should help Oz understand that the word exercise might not be the best word, giving the wrong impression. In fact, I would have rather he said stretching or body movement in small time increments. And, the point is, he just said it is likely a virus that you live with, your body must fight every day. Would you advise a person who is fighting off viruses, say the flu, exercise? No. You would advise them rest.
I thought it very ironic that Donnica mentioned increase intake of salt (again, in the stuff she was saying fast to get it all in). And right afterward they had a segment on a man eating too much salt.
I just love irony.
I also thought Gina had a great story to tell. I also thought she looked sick. You could look at her and tell something wasn't right. In fact, my first guess just from appearance is that she looked like she had been in a car accident and had plastic surgery. I think this was good. Her response was slow and thoughtful. But it looked to me like she was having trouble processing his questions. I don't know how bad her cognitive problems are, but in the brief time she spoke and her looks and slow response, my guess is she is having trouble in that area. Maybe that is one of the reasons Oz was compassionate. When you ask someone a question that is simple and they have to think, and you see the struggle in their face, you become patient. It's one of the things that makes you realize... hey, this person really is sick.
Tina