embarassing illnesses

[imajenarry]

just seen a trailer for a teenager special of this show. i just don't get it - why do people go on this programme. could you think of anything worse??

[sara3]

I can only assume they're bribed with free and immediate treatment.

I'll never forget the woman with piles.. turned out she had an STI, anal warts... mortifying!!

[Ice.Maiden]

Presumably these people have "embarrassing" illnesses? Suppose it holds a morbid fascination for some.

[Buenchico]

One of the obvious reasons for going on the show is that the participants receive expert diagnosis from specialists and the opportunity to try out various treatments, to either cure the illness or at least to alleviate the symptoms.

Additionally, some people who suffer from certain conditions would welcome a greater acceptance from society. They hope that fellow sufferers will gain confidence from watching the programme, and they hope that their own friends and acquaintances will gain a better understanding of their personal suffering through watching the programme.

The series certainly helps some people. Like many boys. I had acne as a teenager. However, I was one of the minority for whom it never seemed to fully clear up and I was still suffering intermittent facial skin problems 40 years later. It was only when I watched one of those programmes that I realised that my problem wasn't actually acne but folliculitis. Since then I've been able to find ways to improve my facial skin, by treating the real cause of the problem.

Chris

[Ice.Maiden]

That's very true Chris - but would you've gone onto a programme like that yourself?

[dot.hawkes]

I can think of something worse,

A world where there are no garth brooks cds on sale in any shops, or online.

garth brooks retiring for good rather than just a bit

You Tube banning all licensed garth brooks inclusion....................oh they did that grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

[Buenchico]

Icey: My own problem isn't serious enough for me to be considered for the programme. However, if it was, I think that my answer would have to be 'Yes'. If I've had a sudden outbreak of spots on my face, I'm more hesitant about applying for jobs where I might be interviewed in the near future (simply because I believe that many employers are wrongly influenced by physical appearances). I'd welcome the chance to appear on a programme that would allow me to show the 'real person', rather than just the 'outward appearance'.

While I'm not trying to suggest that my problems are anywhere near as serious as those of Simon Weston (who suffered severe facial injuries in the Falklands conflict), I think that we may have the same basic philosophy. Mr Weston had the choice of hiding away from society or standing up to prejudice and challenging public attitudes to facial injuries. He chose the latter course and is widely (and rightly) applauded for doing so. Many of those who appear on the 'Embarrassing Illnesses' programme have similar philosophies. I fail to see why they should not be applauded in the same way that Simon Weston is.

Chris

[Ice.Maiden]

Simon Weston's an icon, and he has my utmost respect. Not only that, I'm happy to say that his wife saw through his appalling injuries, married him, and they now have a lovely family. True grit.

[Ethel]

Isn't the whole concept of the programme that the participants are too embarrassed to see their GP?

If it is, I have to wonder how they can go on tv.

[imajenarry]

exactly my thoughts ethel. some of these people have had problems they've been too embarassed to go and see their own GP about for years and years but then they go on national television for all too see?

[karmgirl]

yes don't get that either. Ver strange. Must be bribed I guess with free treatments. Why else?