The Bleeding Edge

Sit back and prepare to be angry. The government has gone and done what we told those no good, pencil pushing, paper shuffling bureaucrats to do. That's right. They've cut costs, regulations, and in some cases even federal jobs. Say it's not so! Oh, but it is so. For 35 years I've had a ringside seat to the privatization of government. I've watched and may have even participated in this devolution of regulation and contracting out not only Federal jobs but actual Federal responsibilities. The Bleeding Edge is the story of the chickens coming home to roost.

When I see the well dressed, cleancut, all American Scott Whitaker, CEO Advanced Medical Technology Association sing the praises of the FDA's newly crowned Commissioner, Scott Gottlieb and refer to the FDA's regulatory function as "robust, thorough, and very effective." I actually see an extremely overpaid and overfunded lobbyist claiming victory over his natural foe: The FDA Regulator. This once feared and vigilant patient advocating watchdog is now no more than an industry lap dog. My mind's eye immediately serves up images of Ajit pai drinking out of his freakishly oversized Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Coffee Mug as he gleefully announces the end of the Internet consumer protection; a.k.a net neutrality Title II Utility regulations , December 14, 2017. I suppose the big difference is that Mr. Pai's subservience to the all mighty dollar will likely only kill new innovation from internet startup competitors. That's not the case with Whitaker and Gottlieb. It can be argued that their dollar driven, regulation slashing mission actually ensures medical device innovation. That innovation comes at a cost but hey, what's a little pain, suffering and death against a 300 billion dollar industry?

This 100 minute documentary packs each one of 'em with well produced and well edited dense content that is sure to hold your interest. So sit back on that sofa and prepare to not only get a little mad, but a lot informed.

Rated NH (No Hypochondriacs)

Very well done documentary about medical devices and the people that have had their lives ruined because of several very flawed devices. The FDA's reputation is on the line here and I think I will never be surprised again when the FDA messes up and okays a product for medical use that should never been approved. The loop hole they utilize to circumvent more study and more experiments should have been closed decades ago. Instead, more and more companies use the loopholes to get their product on the market when they never should have been. It all seems to lead back to greed. Big bucks to be had in this industry for sure.

I thought it was well written and easy to follow. But more importantly, I think the message about the medical devices is impressive because it educated about the many adverse reactions medical devices cause in human bodies in some or more than some people. I also was very interested in hearing the patients stories told by the actual patients and also where the people ended up. Very sad actually.

I can't remember being more shocked watching a documentary since Food Inc. The Bleeding Edge is deeply involving, showing struggles of real people instead of only bombarding viewers with dry facts. You could think that accidents may happen, but the idea that FDA and medical industry could willingly manipulate, cheat and lie to gain as much profit as possible is sickening - and yet it's a reality. Yes, you should research every medicine, every medical device you put in your body, every medical procedure you undergo. Nevertheless, not everyone does, not everyone would think to doubt their doctor's decision - in fact, most people would probably do what they were told. Films like this one are extremely important. Bayer is withdrawing Essure and hopefully they'll be more changes on the way.

I encourage everyone to watch this documentary! You will think twice before ever having a surgical procedure

Disturbing, shows the corruption of the medical industry which is very scary, can't believe it's happening in the world. If you're like me and always had little trust in doctors, this will make you hate them for sure