The Empathy Exams

Jamison begins this essay introducing Paul, Lenny, Dawn, Kendra, and Patricia, who have been affected by Morgellons disease. She explains the symptoms, which are variable except for one: “strange fibers emerging from underneath the skin” (27). The disease originated with Mary Leitao, who diagnosed her son with Morgellons disease when doctors could not find any explanation for her toddler’s sores or sensation of crawling bugs beneath his skin. Jamison notes there is a disconnect between medical diagnosis and patient perception, highlighting the fact that doctors disbelieve this condition while patients are insistent on its validity. She even notes the Center for Disease Control conducted an analysis that provided no conclusive results as to whether Morgellons is real or the result of a delusion.

Jamison arrives in Austin to attend the yearly conference hosted by the Charles E. Holman foundation, a Morgellons advocacy group. She notes there are designated speakers, but some people get up and share experiences between speakers. She overhears snippets of conversation regarding the disease, attempts at treatment and cures, and people asking each other how they are feeling. Jamison meets Patricia, Shirley, and Dawn, adding details to their lives and how it has been affected by their condition in short snapshots.