Diagnosis

I lack any critiques for this series, except perhaps that there are only seven episodes! I'm invested in these cases, and want to know how they end up; the stories are told in a beautifully real way although it allows you to view the intricacies and struggles in each situacion. Inspiring doctor as well, renewed my passion for my studies (healthcare, although a different field) with each episode that I viewed; truly a beautiful role model and such an excellent concept. Very well done.

What really shocked me was to see how disconnected science from real life is. Andrea Meredith, a research scientist who spent her entire career investigating this particular gene: "I study KCNMA1 gene...for 20 years....unbeknownst to me, there had been a group of patients on Facebook, that all carry mutations in KCNMA1.." This is really shocking. How narrow focused minds of scientists are that in the year 2019 it never crossed their minds to see if there are people with mutations. It would have taken just few clicks on keyboard.

Amazing series not only delving into the world of medicine and the raw emotions and struggles of the people inflicted with rare and unusual conditions. All the episodes were incredible but episodes 2 and 4 (dealing with young children), had me in tears. A must see on Netflix.

Some of the cases are fascinating, and the presentation is fine. There is some interesting human drama to observe in the way patients and family members behave through the process as well. I think my primary issue with the storytelling is just that they haven't allowed enough time to elapse to actually assess whether significant progress was made. That left almost all the cases with a feeling that nothing had really been resolved other than more tests to arrive at no firm diagnosis Given the alleged concept of the show, it doesn't seem like that should have been the case. Time is often the friend of a great documentary, and more time to follow up on some of the cases likely would have made this more interesting.

Fascinating, upsetting, encouraging. The poor people trying to find out what's wrong with themselves or their kids! It looks exhausting and overwhelming.

The crowd sourcing idea is great. Reaching out to the whole globe to get help. People are arguing; if it is not professional medical advice isn't that negligent? Well, sometimes it IS a Dr or med student replying, sometimes a member of the public, often thousands reply and offer suggestions. Who cares if they're professional if it's just a way of getting some more information and new options? The ideas that seem viable are followed up at hospitals to see if tests prove it one way or another and it has proven to be a life changer for some. Each episode could be 15 minutes shorter though as they do drag on a little.

What it does also show is how awful the health care system in USA is. People with extreme conditions that noone can diagnose being charged thousands for testing that proves nothing? I'm sorry but how far behind the times! Almost all first world countries have a free healthcare system for situations just like this and that's highlighted when one episode shows some testing done free in Italy. You can pay to go private but being low income doesn't exclude you from getting medical help in most countries. How sad to go bankrupt over medical bills when noone can help you! There are some lovely, helpful doctors but they're hamstrung by a flawed system.

However, the good outweighs the bad in this series. It shows strangers coming together from all round the world to help people who are feeling overwhelmed by their illness. A good use for the internet.