We learned that it is the most misunderstood and misdiagnosed disease of our time - "Chronic Lyme disease exists - treatments don't."

Like its genetic cousin, the "great imitator" syphilis, it mimics other illnesses, including chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, MS, ALS, Alzheimer's and autism. It can be trasmitted from mother to child in utero, and sexual transmission has not been ruled out.

Lyme physicians who successfully treat patients with "unproven" protocols are threatened with sanctions by state medical boards. Charles Ray Jones, MD, the leading Lyme-literate pediatrician in the United States, has treated more than 10,000 Lyme patients, 300 of who contracted Lyme in the womb and at least 35 who acquired the disease through breast milk. At age 79, Dr. Jones has been in legal proceeding for two years. The Connecticut Medical Board found him guilty of diagnosing Lyme and prescribing antibiotics over the phone.

Sen. John Marty, DFL-Roseville, and Rep. John Ward, DFL-Brainerd, have proposed legislation giving legal protection to doctors who prescribe longtime therapy for chronic Lyme disease. The only thing standing in the way of Minnesota doctors treating Lyme disease with this course of treatment is the State Board of Medical Practice.

Joining the opposition to the bill was the Minnesota Medical Association, representing the state's doctors. This confusion prevents proper treatment and covers up the fact that Lyme disease is not only epidemic, but pandemic.

Members of the Minnesota Medical Association have a professional responsibility to learn the facts.

I've watched the entire 105 minutes - eight times - and have purchased three DVDs to loan to friends who share my concerns. DVDs are available for $40.25 (includes a 30-page Discussion Guide) at Open Eye Pictures, (415) 332-3266. The Documentary "Under Our Skin" needs to be "on-the-table" in the health-care debate.

Bob Uppgaard,

Pequot Lakes