Dear Dr. Williams.
 
I just want to say that if I've been disrespectful in any way in my messages
to you about adrenal disease, I apologize.  Someone wrote to me today about
my posts to you that "several of (my) statements went far outside the bounds
of professional discourse." Though I disagree with some of what the person
wrote in the message, if I have written anything improper, I'm sorry.  In
truth, I have felt somewhat badly about our discussion, though I've tried to
be polite and truthful, and make it clear that I respect you very much and
don't doubt your abilities.
 
The person also said that I'd broken "rules" and "protocol" of internet
discussion, "especially when addressing credentialed and recognized
authorities." Other rules he said I'd broken: "1) Generally, it's a bad idea
to call into question or belittle the experience or value of another's
argument (as you managed to accomplish both).  You'll need to fortify your
argument on it's own merit.  2) Attempts at veiled or backhanded comments
are generally unproductive, distractive, and transparent.  3) The need to
temper your own statements with caution and limitation and dismiss any
emotional content that may cause you to invalidate an otherwise worthy
argument."
 
I go out of my way to try not to do these kinds of things, but if there's
been any appearance of this, it has not been my intent.  I can't discourse
with you, of course, at your medical level, but have tried to frame fair
opinions related directly and carefully to my experiences.  As I understand
it, this is in the spirit of the FML.  I can't help but feel emotional about
this disease, and feel that appropriate emotions have a place in internet
discourse.  Running my small adrenal/insulinoma list does get depressing
sometimes, but it seems needed.  And there are also wonderful surprises and
lives saved, thanks to dedicated vets such as you.
 
But, as I've said, if I've been untoward or hurt you or your relationship to
the FML in any way, I apologize.  You have been a very giving person in this
field, and done much.
 
I hope the channels of dialogue with me will be open in the future.
 
Also, I hope to find the time to seek out more factual data on the outcomes
and survival rates involved in surgical and chemical treatments of adrenal
disease.  (I welcome any input on this from anyone.) And I plan to frame my
comments about Lupron more carefully, such as indicating that it is a new
drug with no published outcomes.  And I will refer interested vets to the
vets dispensing it.
 
Still an appreciative admirer,
 
Lynn McIntosh
[Posted in FML issue 2215]