Not only did these patients share similar neurological symptoms, they also worked at the same pork processing plant.
Now, the class has evolved into more than that - a place where the patients can even share a laugh.
They visit what passes for a hospital, where three and four diseased patients share the same bed.
There are a number of websites that allow patients to submit and share their own case reports with other people.
In support groups, patients and families meet and share what they've been through.
Two patients share their stories about their decision to go under the knife.
Along with their symptoms, the patients also share a common family folklore.
The team also found that in one situation, 44 patients were sharing four toilets because others were not working.
Sometimes patients must share the blame for unnecessary surgery.
Doctors and their patients share the anxiety that goes with that process.