What is people's problem?

I don't know if that is grammatically correct or not, lol. Why do people have such a problem with the diagnosis of Fibromyalgia? There is a nurse in my church who says she doesn't like that diagnosis. That it is just something doctors say when they don't know what else it could be. I don't understand. You have a list of symptoms that pretty much everyone with this diagnosis has. The only thing it really responds to is XYZ treatment. Why do people care what it is called? Just because there isn't a blood test that says you have this syndrome does it make it any less real? In this person's case she isn't saying she doesn't believe there is an illness, but that she thinks that the name of the illness is an issue. Why do people have such a problem with Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia was looked on with suspicion at first with some in the medical profession. Since it is a condition that is not seen and can not be identified by a test, many will dismiss it as not real. For years, it as lumped in with Chronic Fatigue, both publicly imagined as a white woman, upper-middle-class condition. I also think the prevalence of people who state fibro as a reason for unemployment helps to drive the public perception as a 'fake' condition.

We know it is not a phantom, and that it is horribly debilitating.

I also do not think the TV ads for medications have helped much.

It is frustrating. My son has Tourette Syndrome. There is no particular blood test that I am aware of that says "It's Tourette's". The diagnosis comes from the symptoms. My daughter has migraines. As far as I am aware migraines are diagnosed by symptoms.
If you take 100 people who have widespread pain and start looking at their other symptoms, let's say for the sake of argument that 90% of them also have severe fatigue, muscle aches, tingly feelings throughout their bodies, foggy brain, etc., and no blood tests point out a specific disease or disorder, what does it matter what it is called? Call it Heebee Jeebee Syndrome for all I care. There is a definite problem that has a certain amount of the same symptoms in a majority of the people tested. Why are people so negative and up in arms that it is called Fibromyalgia?
I know I am preaching to the choir. I know that I am new to this. I know that Fibromyalgia is recognized as a valid health issue now more than any other time in history. So I am blessed in that way. I am just blessed with a PCP, Rheumatologist, and a Chiropractor who all believe in this syndrome, and they are looking for the best way to provide appropriate treatment for me so I can maintain life to the fullest.

Not to be rude to your friend, but it doesn't really matter if she likes the name or not. The medical profession has named it fibromyalgia. That is what it is called. If she had it, she wouldn't care what it was called; she would just want relief.

I am sorry for the miscommunication. I have Fibromyalgia. I shared my diagnosis with a friend from church who is s nurse. I thought she would be supportive. Instead she let me know she disagreed with a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia, that in her opinion it was a cop out diagnosis given when doctors don't know what else it may be.

Asdf, yes, you do have a choice to believe the diagnosis or not to believe it but that doesn't stop this illnesses from happening to you. Some people get the diagnosis and don't believe it and search their lives away trying to find what they do have. If this is your choice, go for it. No one is stopping anyone from making choices. We just try to give the best advice given our experiences with this illness.

Sherrine

asdf-- Why so confrontational? I understand you feel strongly about this, and that's terrific. I am glad you feel your regimen is helpful for your pain. But, getting angry at others who chose a different route is not useful. If you have research that is legitimate, then please post a link so we can all check it out.

We are all adults, and should treat one another with respect, even if we disagree with them. Sherrine is a moderator here, and filled with knowledge about this condition, after battling it for years. Everyone is welcome to share, as I posted to you before. The moderators help keep peace, and vet the comments for accuracy. You can disagree with the source and the research, and you are able to make your own treatment decisions. But please refrain from attacking others.

Be well.

Asdf, I'm glad you are feeling better but, if I recall correctly, you haven't been diagnosed with Fibro. You just think you have it.

Yes we do need sodium in our bodies but limited sodium. What you are doing could be very dangerous to you. It can dehydrate you, cause imbalances in your electrolites which can affect your heart rhythm and even cause death.

When people have pain they sometimes try anything for relief but I'm worried that you are hurting yourself. Did you read the link I posted for you in my last response to you?

If you were ever stranded in the middle of the ocean, you are told to NEVER drink the sea water. It will kill you!

Here is another link to further explain the problems you can encounter if you continue doing this.

www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/dietarysodium.html

Please try drinking only fresh, unsalted water. You might find that you get the same results and it's healthy for you.

Lastly, please calm down. You are an adult and you can do whatever you want to do with your health. No one here can stop you. We can only give advice. The advice I have given you is backed up with links from the National Institutes of Health. I'm just trying to help you. You will have to stop lashing out at members and me. We don't do that in this forum. I will start editing your posts because that is against forum rules.

I'm glad you are feeling better.

Peanut, I'm so sorry your thread was hijacked but I do think your question was answered. If not, feel free to start another thread. I'm locking this thread now so it doesn't cause problems. Thanks for your understanding.

Sherrine