I think your point is quite accurate. I can't think of too many names more dismissive than Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Except maybe, The Yuppie Flu. Which, of course, they also gave us at one point.
The name most certainly is misleading for people.
The example you give of Muscular Dystrophy is a good one. You highlight the strange way in which this serious disease of ours is so often discounted and trivialized.
Or take Multiple Sclerosis. Some experts say that CFS and MS are both autoimmune. And some also say that there are many similarities between the two illnesses.
And yet, MS is considered a serious disease. And so often, CFS is not.
Historically, diseases where not much was known about them, have been negated by the medical community. There was a time when people with MS and diabetes, among other illnesses, were told that it was "all in their heads". If the research hadn't come up with anything, ... there must not be anything wrong.
In my view, CFS is running into that same myopic brick wall.
Thanks for your comments, Diane. As always, they are thoughtful, and on point.
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Hi Diane,
I think your point is quite accurate. I can't think of too many names more dismissive than Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Except maybe, The Yuppie Flu. Which, of course, they also gave us at one point.
The name most certainly is misleading for people.
The example you give of Muscular Dystrophy is a good one. You highlight the strange way in which this serious disease of ours is so often discounted and trivialized.
Or take Multiple Sclerosis. Some experts say that CFS and MS are both autoimmune. And some also say that there are many similarities between the two illnesses.
And yet, MS is considered a serious disease. And so often, CFS is not.
Historically, diseases where not much was known about them, have been negated by the medical community. There was a time when people with MS and diabetes, among other illnesses, were told that it was "all in their heads". If the research hadn't come up with anything, ... there must not be anything wrong.
In my view, CFS is running into that same myopic brick wall.
Thanks for your comments, Diane. As always, they are thoughtful, and on point.
January 16, 2010 - 2:47pmThis Comment
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