The Real McCoy
@rippermd41.bsky.social
My life runs by the Murphy’s Law of illness: If something can go wrong, it will go wrong. Latest one is #MECFS but the laundry list is long. Live in New England
Pinned
The Real McCoy
@rippermd41.bsky.social
· Nov 10
New followers here’s an intro on me and what I post about:
I have #SevereMECFS and am housebound. (It sucks)
I have an MD, but don’t practice medicine. Other health problems took me out during residency. (Seriously, my life follows Murphy’s Law)
I have #SevereMECFS and am housebound. (It sucks)
I have an MD, but don’t practice medicine. Other health problems took me out during residency. (Seriously, my life follows Murphy’s Law)
In case you missed it Canada changed their citizenship laws recently.
If you have Canadian ancestry you may be eligible for citizenship by descent.
I need to look into it some more but this is amazing.
immigration.ca/claiming-can...
If you have Canadian ancestry you may be eligible for citizenship by descent.
I need to look into it some more but this is amazing.
immigration.ca/claiming-can...
Claiming Canadian Citizenship by Descent Under Canada’s New Citizenship Act Bill C-3 - Canada Immigration and Visa Information. Canadian Immigration Services and Free Online Evaluation.
Learn how Canada’s new Bill C-3 restores citizenship by descent, removes the first-generation limit, and allows multigenerational claims for those born abroad.
immigration.ca
December 23, 2025 at 3:28 AM
In case you missed it Canada changed their citizenship laws recently.
If you have Canadian ancestry you may be eligible for citizenship by descent.
I need to look into it some more but this is amazing.
immigration.ca/claiming-can...
If you have Canadian ancestry you may be eligible for citizenship by descent.
I need to look into it some more but this is amazing.
immigration.ca/claiming-can...
Reposted by The Real McCoy
March 31, 2020:
December 22, 2025 at 12:42 AM
March 31, 2020:
Reposted by The Real McCoy
Telehealth is vital for people with #LongCOVID. Don’t let it disappear
thesicktimes.org/2025/12/19/t...
This article explains why telehealth (remote/virtual healthcare) is needed by patients with Long Covid,ME/CFS, & other chronic illnesses & lists some advocacy actions for Canada & the US
#MEcfs
thesicktimes.org/2025/12/19/t...
This article explains why telehealth (remote/virtual healthcare) is needed by patients with Long Covid,ME/CFS, & other chronic illnesses & lists some advocacy actions for Canada & the US
#MEcfs
Telehealth is vital for people with Long COVID. Don’t let it disappear. - The Sick Times
Changes to telehealth policies are more than an inconvenience. For many of us, critical infrastructure is in jeopardy, and we urgently need government policy to protect it.
thesicktimes.org
December 21, 2025 at 10:37 PM
Telehealth is vital for people with #LongCOVID. Don’t let it disappear
thesicktimes.org/2025/12/19/t...
This article explains why telehealth (remote/virtual healthcare) is needed by patients with Long Covid,ME/CFS, & other chronic illnesses & lists some advocacy actions for Canada & the US
#MEcfs
thesicktimes.org/2025/12/19/t...
This article explains why telehealth (remote/virtual healthcare) is needed by patients with Long Covid,ME/CFS, & other chronic illnesses & lists some advocacy actions for Canada & the US
#MEcfs
Reposted by The Real McCoy
#NEISvoid Letterboxd squad: have you rated Unrest yet?
There’s some pretty frustrating ableism in the reviews that’s dragging the score down. I’d love to boost it to encourage other Letterboxd viewers to check it out!
There’s some pretty frustrating ableism in the reviews that’s dragging the score down. I’d love to boost it to encourage other Letterboxd viewers to check it out!
December 21, 2025 at 6:37 AM
#NEISvoid Letterboxd squad: have you rated Unrest yet?
There’s some pretty frustrating ableism in the reviews that’s dragging the score down. I’d love to boost it to encourage other Letterboxd viewers to check it out!
There’s some pretty frustrating ableism in the reviews that’s dragging the score down. I’d love to boost it to encourage other Letterboxd viewers to check it out!
Reposted by The Real McCoy
This hurts my heart because some parents would risk having a dead kid due to believing that's better than having an autistic kid.
(No, vaccines don't lead to people being autistic but that's why some people aren't get their kids vaccinated).
(No, vaccines don't lead to people being autistic but that's why some people aren't get their kids vaccinated).
BREAKING: RFKJr directs that the US instantly stop recommending all vaccinations for children. www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
Under RFK Jr., U.S. plans to stop recommending most vaccines, defer to doctors
The plan, which is not finalized, suggests children get fewer shots and shifts to a model telling parents to consult doctors to make their own vaccine choices.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 20, 2025 at 12:21 AM
This hurts my heart because some parents would risk having a dead kid due to believing that's better than having an autistic kid.
(No, vaccines don't lead to people being autistic but that's why some people aren't get their kids vaccinated).
(No, vaccines don't lead to people being autistic but that's why some people aren't get their kids vaccinated).
Reposted by The Real McCoy
Congratulations to everyone who wrote an op-ed about how he just wants americans to eat better
BREAKING: RFKJr directs that the US instantly stop recommending all vaccinations for children. www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
Under RFK Jr., U.S. plans to stop recommending most vaccines, defer to doctors
The plan, which is not finalized, suggests children get fewer shots and shifts to a model telling parents to consult doctors to make their own vaccine choices.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 19, 2025 at 11:56 PM
Congratulations to everyone who wrote an op-ed about how he just wants americans to eat better
Reposted by The Real McCoy
Unfortunately I am super not interested in leading it but “Civics for Long Covid” would be an immensely valuable teach-in.
December 19, 2025 at 8:42 PM
Unfortunately I am super not interested in leading it but “Civics for Long Covid” would be an immensely valuable teach-in.
Reposted by The Real McCoy
If any journalist wants to talk to a trans man with a PhD in Human Genomics who was trained in labs that studied the evolution of sex, I'm right here
Or just keep platforming Republicans who have a 5th grade understanding of biology so they get more trans people killed, sure 🤷🏻♂️
Or just keep platforming Republicans who have a 5th grade understanding of biology so they get more trans people killed, sure 🤷🏻♂️
December 18, 2025 at 5:27 PM
If any journalist wants to talk to a trans man with a PhD in Human Genomics who was trained in labs that studied the evolution of sex, I'm right here
Or just keep platforming Republicans who have a 5th grade understanding of biology so they get more trans people killed, sure 🤷🏻♂️
Or just keep platforming Republicans who have a 5th grade understanding of biology so they get more trans people killed, sure 🤷🏻♂️
Having #MECFS is a nightmare.
I am so angry about this.
But I can’t be angry because that emotional exertion could trigger post-exertional malaise (PEM).
And I can’t use any coping strategies like going for a run because they all require physical or cognitive exertion.
I am so angry about this.
But I can’t be angry because that emotional exertion could trigger post-exertional malaise (PEM).
And I can’t use any coping strategies like going for a run because they all require physical or cognitive exertion.
This is horrifying.
As a parent of a kid that falls under the trans umbrella, I honestly don’t know what to say right now.
This will kill kids.
This goes against good science.
The claims RFK Jr et al are making about gender affirming care are as real as “vaccines cause autism.”
As a parent of a kid that falls under the trans umbrella, I honestly don’t know what to say right now.
This will kill kids.
This goes against good science.
The claims RFK Jr et al are making about gender affirming care are as real as “vaccines cause autism.”
RFK Jr. is claiming that gender affirming care violates the Hippocratic oath to do no harm...
etc.
etc.
December 18, 2025 at 7:40 PM
Having #MECFS is a nightmare.
I am so angry about this.
But I can’t be angry because that emotional exertion could trigger post-exertional malaise (PEM).
And I can’t use any coping strategies like going for a run because they all require physical or cognitive exertion.
I am so angry about this.
But I can’t be angry because that emotional exertion could trigger post-exertional malaise (PEM).
And I can’t use any coping strategies like going for a run because they all require physical or cognitive exertion.
Reposted by The Real McCoy
Folks need to examine philosophically why it is that—in the span of just a couple of years—the leaders of the American Democratic, Canadian Liberal & British Labour Parties have all gone all in on assisred suicide (while making healthcsre harder to attain) www.cityandstateny.com/policy/2025/...
December 17, 2025 at 6:17 AM
Folks need to examine philosophically why it is that—in the span of just a couple of years—the leaders of the American Democratic, Canadian Liberal & British Labour Parties have all gone all in on assisred suicide (while making healthcsre harder to attain) www.cityandstateny.com/policy/2025/...
Reposted by The Real McCoy
Cis people really have no idea how it feels to watch a regime hold a press conference to admit, on camera, the pogrom against trans people they've been waging for 11 months is not only real, but they're going to double down on genocide and try to wipe out all the children first.
December 18, 2025 at 5:27 PM
Cis people really have no idea how it feels to watch a regime hold a press conference to admit, on camera, the pogrom against trans people they've been waging for 11 months is not only real, but they're going to double down on genocide and try to wipe out all the children first.
Reposted by The Real McCoy
Congratulations, those of you who decided to platform fringe voices and create a climate of fear and hate out of ignorance because those voices insisted a non-problem was a problem. They're now on an HHS stage trying to ruin children's lives. You will live with the harm you have done forever.
December 18, 2025 at 5:19 PM
Congratulations, those of you who decided to platform fringe voices and create a climate of fear and hate out of ignorance because those voices insisted a non-problem was a problem. They're now on an HHS stage trying to ruin children's lives. You will live with the harm you have done forever.
Reposted by The Real McCoy
“it’s reasonable to ask questions about trans girls in sports” was always intended to mainstream transphobia.
It’s absurd that people fell for it. Democrats are constantly letting oppressors set the terms of debate instead of just saying “no, fuck you.”
It’s absurd that people fell for it. Democrats are constantly letting oppressors set the terms of debate instead of just saying “no, fuck you.”
December 18, 2025 at 2:12 PM
“it’s reasonable to ask questions about trans girls in sports” was always intended to mainstream transphobia.
It’s absurd that people fell for it. Democrats are constantly letting oppressors set the terms of debate instead of just saying “no, fuck you.”
It’s absurd that people fell for it. Democrats are constantly letting oppressors set the terms of debate instead of just saying “no, fuck you.”
Reposted by The Real McCoy
for ppl filling out the survey, pls dont forget that its for people with ME. 💙 if you have LC, but not ME, this one isnt for you I am sad to say! But if you have LC AND ME, please do fill it out!
If you have ME/CFS (even without a formal diagnosis) & live in California, I would love if you could fill out & share this survey with your friends. I am trying to prepare for a few legislative meetings I have in January w/ some old colleagues.
Responses are anonymous!
cryptpad.fr/form/#/2/for...
Responses are anonymous!
cryptpad.fr/form/#/2/for...
Encrypted Form
CryptPad: end-to-end encrypted collaboration suite
cryptpad.fr
December 18, 2025 at 6:51 AM
for ppl filling out the survey, pls dont forget that its for people with ME. 💙 if you have LC, but not ME, this one isnt for you I am sad to say! But if you have LC AND ME, please do fill it out!
This is horrifying.
As a parent of a kid that falls under the trans umbrella, I honestly don’t know what to say right now.
This will kill kids.
This goes against good science.
The claims RFK Jr et al are making about gender affirming care are as real as “vaccines cause autism.”
As a parent of a kid that falls under the trans umbrella, I honestly don’t know what to say right now.
This will kill kids.
This goes against good science.
The claims RFK Jr et al are making about gender affirming care are as real as “vaccines cause autism.”
RFK Jr. is claiming that gender affirming care violates the Hippocratic oath to do no harm...
etc.
etc.
December 18, 2025 at 6:00 PM
This is horrifying.
As a parent of a kid that falls under the trans umbrella, I honestly don’t know what to say right now.
This will kill kids.
This goes against good science.
The claims RFK Jr et al are making about gender affirming care are as real as “vaccines cause autism.”
As a parent of a kid that falls under the trans umbrella, I honestly don’t know what to say right now.
This will kill kids.
This goes against good science.
The claims RFK Jr et al are making about gender affirming care are as real as “vaccines cause autism.”
Reposted by The Real McCoy
Anyone attempting any holiday baking? We have some great tips for those wanting to attempt to keep this holiday tradition - just modifying it as best you can for spoonies!
We share lots of helpful holiday tips here: https://ow.ly/8wVH50XLaCX
#pwME #Spoonie #MECFS #Holiday
We share lots of helpful holiday tips here: https://ow.ly/8wVH50XLaCX
#pwME #Spoonie #MECFS #Holiday
December 18, 2025 at 3:01 PM
Anyone attempting any holiday baking? We have some great tips for those wanting to attempt to keep this holiday tradition - just modifying it as best you can for spoonies!
We share lots of helpful holiday tips here: https://ow.ly/8wVH50XLaCX
#pwME #Spoonie #MECFS #Holiday
We share lots of helpful holiday tips here: https://ow.ly/8wVH50XLaCX
#pwME #Spoonie #MECFS #Holiday
Reposted by The Real McCoy
At today's talk, I touched on deception in activity management. Some-- often new to the field / to PEM-- will deceptively call their graded exercise program pacing.
Then, I stumbled across this from @sunsopeningband.bsky.social and it's actually worse. 🧪 🧵
bmjopen.bmj.com/content/15/1...
Then, I stumbled across this from @sunsopeningband.bsky.social and it's actually worse. 🧪 🧵
bmjopen.bmj.com/content/15/1...
Pursuing Reduction in Fatigue After COVID-19 via Exercise and Rehabilitation (PREFACER): a protocol for a randomised feasibility trial
Introduction Over 777 million COVID-19 infections have occurred globally, with data suggesting that 10%–20% of those infected develop Long COVID. Fatigue is one of the most common and disabling sympto...
bmjopen.bmj.com
December 17, 2025 at 8:01 PM
At today's talk, I touched on deception in activity management. Some-- often new to the field / to PEM-- will deceptively call their graded exercise program pacing.
Then, I stumbled across this from @sunsopeningband.bsky.social and it's actually worse. 🧪 🧵
bmjopen.bmj.com/content/15/1...
Then, I stumbled across this from @sunsopeningband.bsky.social and it's actually worse. 🧪 🧵
bmjopen.bmj.com/content/15/1...
Reposted by The Real McCoy
I agree with all this — sick leave is essential to a healthy society. While we’re working on that, though, we need to make it a general norm that if you MUST be around others while sick, you wear a mask (preferably a good one).
3/ Isolation is important but only works if people can afford it. Many people simply can’t stay home when sick. Without meaningful sick pay, asking people to isolate is unrealistic. Better financial support is essential to reduce transmission.
December 16, 2025 at 12:49 PM
I agree with all this — sick leave is essential to a healthy society. While we’re working on that, though, we need to make it a general norm that if you MUST be around others while sick, you wear a mask (preferably a good one).
Reposted by The Real McCoy
Every year on December 16, I think of my friend Cindy Siegel Shepler. She was a person with #mecfs and a chronic illness warrior. I miss her. Rest in power, Cindy. www.cnn.com/2020/06/07/h...
My friend chose an assisted death in Switzerland. Her dying wish was to tell you why | CNN
Cindy Siegel Shepler had several chronic disease diagnoses and lived with severe pain and fatigue for decades. In choosing legal assisted death, she hoped to provide an example for Americans about a d...
www.cnn.com
December 16, 2025 at 6:13 PM
Every year on December 16, I think of my friend Cindy Siegel Shepler. She was a person with #mecfs and a chronic illness warrior. I miss her. Rest in power, Cindy. www.cnn.com/2020/06/07/h...
Reposted by The Real McCoy
Call-out: I want to do a disability/chronic illness/health-centered data project next year. If anyone has ideas of something overlooked (could be state-based or national), please send me an email at jmetraux@motherjones.com
December 16, 2025 at 4:18 PM
Call-out: I want to do a disability/chronic illness/health-centered data project next year. If anyone has ideas of something overlooked (could be state-based or national), please send me an email at jmetraux@motherjones.com
Reposted by The Real McCoy
We are parents of a trans kid and our family takes this very, very personally. If you intentionally make life harder for our beloved daughter, it’s EXTREMELY hard to think of you as an ally, to say the least. @amyklobuchar.com - you still send us requests for money, while hurting our kid. Disgusted.
Here are the 28 Dem Senators who voted to advance the first federal ban on trans athletes & a federal definition of sex that would make trans & intersex people non-existent: Angela Alsobrooks (MD), Tammy Baldwin (WI), Richard Blumenthal (CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE), Chris Coons (DE), ->
By a vote of 76-23, S 1071 passes the motion to proceed to the motion to concur. Won't know who voted for this until the roll call is uploaded, but safe to say it passed with the support of at least 24 members of the Democratic caucus. (Rand Paul probably voted nay and Steve Daines has been absent).
December 16, 2025 at 2:33 PM
We are parents of a trans kid and our family takes this very, very personally. If you intentionally make life harder for our beloved daughter, it’s EXTREMELY hard to think of you as an ally, to say the least. @amyklobuchar.com - you still send us requests for money, while hurting our kid. Disgusted.
Reposted by The Real McCoy
#MEspine 💔
"Mr. Umurzokov chose Brown, his sisters said, because the financial aid package they offered would be the least burden on his parents...Mr. Johnson, 19, said his friend was intent on becoming a neurosurgeon to help children the way doctors once helped him."
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/15/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/15/u...
December 15, 2025 at 11:01 PM
#MEspine 💔
Reposted by The Real McCoy
Our Scientific Director, Jaime Seltzer @exceedhergrasp1.bsky.social, is giving a talk on Dec. 17 at 12 pm ET: Improving Quality of Life in ME/CFS & Infection-Associated Chronic Conditions. Register: us06web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
Available on a donate as you're able basis & 20% goes to #MEAction.
Available on a donate as you're able basis & 20% goes to #MEAction.
December 15, 2025 at 5:54 PM
Our Scientific Director, Jaime Seltzer @exceedhergrasp1.bsky.social, is giving a talk on Dec. 17 at 12 pm ET: Improving Quality of Life in ME/CFS & Infection-Associated Chronic Conditions. Register: us06web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
Available on a donate as you're able basis & 20% goes to #MEAction.
Available on a donate as you're able basis & 20% goes to #MEAction.