Why Am I Still Sick?

Why Am I Still Sick? is a thought-provoking 2012 documentary written and directed by Richard Longland that explores an often overlooked controversial question linked to the medical industry - why do people stay ill despite numerous medical interventions and the consistent evolution of modern medicine?

The movie chronicles the personal journey of Longland himself, taking the audience on a deep dive into the confusing, complex, and sometimes confounding world of medicine. For many, this will hit close to home as it amplifies personal struggles faced by patients worldwide. Moreover, the film doesn't only offer a personal perspective. It involves investigating the broader scope of the healthcare system, opening a dialogue about the discrepancies between patient experiences and the standard treatment approach.

Richard Longland, a Lyme disease patient for more than seven years, grapples with the agonizing realization that despite medical advances, his health situation remains unchanged. Driven by unyielding determination and the search for relief, he embarks on a meticulous investigative journey to explore why, inspite of cutting-edge scientific advancements and multiple medical consultations, his condition, like many others, remains unaltered.

Why Am I Still Sick? lays the foundation of its narrative through Longland's personal battles and extends to encompass the struggles of several other faces and voices who share similar stories. Through these intertwining narratives, the movie showcases the shared experiences of ongoing suffering, the frustration of unanswered questions, and the courage to continue the fight for better health.

One of the significant targets of Longland's investigation is the Lyme disease diagnostic and treatment guidelines established by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA). Lyme disease, a vector-borne illness caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, is characterized by a wide range of clinical presentations, making it a challenging illness to diagnose and treat. The movie probes the medical, scientific, and political controversy surrounding Lyme disease, illuminating the differences between various stakeholders and offering a vivid portrayal of the medical profession's internal conflicts.

While holding a strategic investigation into the IDSA's guidelines, Longland also engages in interviews with reputable medical doctors, researchers, and healthcare activists. These conversations unfold to reveal a disturbing pattern of marginalizing chronic illnesses, that the medical industry demonstrates a worrying lack of attention to certain diseases, Lyme disease being one of them. This lack of attention leads to inadequate research funding, misdiagnoses, ineffective treatments, and ultimately, a population of patients left battling with their chronic illness with no satisfactory medical help.

The movie isn't a one-sided argument, however. While it comes from the perspective of an unsatisfied patient, it also provides a platform for the voice of healthcare professionals following standard medical protocols. By doing so, Longland brings to light the inherent complications in the healthcare system, making Why Am I Still Sick? a compelling exploration of the many challenges faced by not just patients, but also healthcare providers in a system that often falls short.

Despite the underdog role that Longland plays in the movie, the documentary does not position itself as an outright antagonist to the medical community. Rather, it seeks to instigate a dialogue between patients, doctors, policymakers and the public about the ticking time bomb that is chronic illness management. It does not propose a solution, but emphasizes the need for one – a need for better diagnostic tools, effective treatment regimens, improved patient care, and deeper research.

Richard Longland manages to strike a balance in his storytelling approach in Why Am I Still Sick?. This documentary does an excellent job of being relatable for those who have, or know someone who has, felt abandoned or dismissed by a healthcare system meant to support them. It presents a cohesive narrative that is not only informative and thought-provoking but also deeply touching and personal.

Overall, Why Am I Still Sick? is a powerful documentary, a call to action and an emotional exploration of the frustrating journey millions of chronically ill patients endure. It goes beyond the personal story of Longland to offer a critical examination of the medical world, inviting viewers to question and engage in discussion. For anyone interested in medicine, health policy, or personal narratives of struggle and perseverance, this movie is a must-see.