HARTFORD, Conn. -- Since it was first identified on the shoreline in the 1970s, Lyme disease has grown increasingly controversial.

One side claims the symptoms of the disease only last for about a month, while the other side says the pain and suffering can last much longer and that it should be treated with aggressive, long-term antibiotics.

An award-winning film about the debate features doctors and patients from Connecticut.

Tucker Ives, of Marlborough, said he still suffers from what he believes is chronic Lyme disease after contracting the disease seven years ago. He said he suffers from ongoing pain and fatigue.

"I was doing a lot of hiking down in the Lyme area of the state, so we like to think I may have gotten the authentic Lyme disease," he said. "One time my legs went out on me, I couldn't walk, I was in a wheelchair, my nerves were messed up."

Over the years, Ives said he's taken aggressive doses of antibiotics, but that type of treatment is looked down upon by some members of the medical community.

What has become a tug-of-war between patients and doctors is now depicted in a film. "Under Our Skin" is being show at Hartfords Real Artways Cinema.

The director traveled the country for three years, interviewing Lyme disease patients.

The documentary explains that some doctors, including Larry Zemel, head of rheumatology at Connecticut Children's Medical Center, believe Lyme disease is most often treated in four to six weeks and that if symptoms persist, it means the patient has something else.

"There is no evidence that long-term antibiotics help Lyme symptoms, antibiotics beyond four to six weeks," he said.

The film will play through next Thursday.