-------------------- Dxd ALS 3/2010 Dxd cllinical Lyme 4/2010 Positive for Protomyxzoa but absolutely nothing else in Igenex Posts: 417 | From central ct | Registered: Apr 2010
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- It's nice to see any support group form. I don't "do" Facebook but would ask that you consider NOT using the term "lymies" - it can really have a negative emotional impact on many with have lyme but don't want to be called a "lymie".
It's a power-packed word that can cause sorrow. Some feel it can be demeaning (especially if picked up by doctors) - or somehow denote being part of a club they never wanted to join.
No one with cancer would be called "Cancies" and I think when nicknames are given to those with serious illness, it is never a good thing as it does not give respect to the seriousness of the condition.
It's just a consideration for those with lyme who face severe discrimination from friends, families, most doctors and the media.
"Those with lyme" or "people who have lyme" seems to work when I try to avoid calling anyone a victim, a sufferer, or even patient.
We are, after all - first and foremost - people (who just happen to deal with lyme). -
[ 12-21-2011, 02:55 AM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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posted
Gary, I tried to send you a message on FB with no luck. I guess I would just have to email? You gave your email and my FB won't send a "message" to email.
-------------------- One day at a time Posts: 409 | From TX | Registered: Mar 2004
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Lymies? That term came up elsewhere to day and brought this all up for me again. Copying my post from that other thread:
A word about "lymies" -- I just feel the need to say that not all of us who are faced with lyme want to be called "lymies" - I really hate that term, nearly violently.
I also think it undermines the integrity of a person with lyme in the eyes of others.
Those with cancer would never be called cute nicknames such as "Cancies" -
I literally recoil when I see that term as a nickname for myself. I want nothing to do with any nickname for this dreadful situation.
Others see it as a term of endearment and I know that's how you use it.
I'm not wanting to clobber you over the use of that term but though maybe you just have never heard that some (not just myself) do recoil from it as it carries great sadness.
Now I'll just skip away from the computer . . . la. . . la . . . la . . . la. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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posted
Keebler, sorry it offends you. It doens't offend many of us and has become a common term in the Lyme community.
I saw it as a term of belonging. As being part of a group who shared something with me.
I considered myself to OWN Lyme Disease. It never owned me. I owned it and called myself a Lymie.
-------------------- sixgoofykids.blogspot.com Posts: 13449 | From Ohio | Registered: Feb 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Six,
Endearing terms can mean something very different to us here than to the outside world. The journey through lyme can create some strong bonds and really is a badge of courage.
Still, the term can set us up as a target. I've seen the term "Lymies" used by IDSA doctors as an insult. Why give them that arrow?
[Of course, I've also seen them turn the word "advocate" into an insult.]
That "Lymie" rhymes with "Blimey" a Brit slang word for annoyance, can also add to the annoyance factor those who would call us that as an insult are all to pleased to adopt.
Lots of people grew up being called sing-song nick names that ended in an "ie". It can just hits a nerve.
No one with Alzheimer's would want to be called an "Alzie" I'm sure.
Just food for thought as we present to the world (through every web post) those affected by illness.
Is that what we what the IDSA to call us? Not me. I don't want my family or friends or doctor calling me that. Even endearingly so, it just seems so open for misinterpretation and even abuse. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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