I can't exactly remember why we are talking about changing the name of TM -
does TM stand for something else? Sorry, I forgot....memory loss since my
TM onset...
These are my feelings: I would actually dislike the name being changed at
all. For one, when I say TM to my family and friends or to others I am
telling about my disorder, I dont' want to have to tell them, 'well, it
used to be TM, but now its TMS or DTM'. Also, if the name changes now, then
all the new people looking for TM in books or internet, just might wonder
if this TMS is actually what they have, they might think TM and TMS are two
different things. A note would have to be put near every reference to TM
that the name has since been changed. Also, would the medical profession
(neuro's) change their name for it too? It all just seems a little strange
to me to be changing the name after so many years of being TM. On another
note, personally I dont like the 'syndrome' word, as I feel it refers more
to the mental profession and disorders - I guess like downs syndrome etc.
(personal opinion). It would just seem strange to have a dog for 10 years
named 'Buddy' and then decide that the name just doesn't describe him well
enough so I change his name to 'Frisky With 2 White Feet'.
Anyway, those are my feelings on the subject. Just thought I'd let them
out. :)
SandyK
----------
> From: Aurore <aurore(AT)erols.com>
> To: Linda922 <Linda922(AT)aol.com>; jones(AT)tdl.com
> Cc: tmic-list(AT)eskimo.com
> Subject: Re: TM, the term
> Date: Thursday, March 19, 1998 5:01 PM
>
>
>
> If the folks weren't coming to Washington to lobby, the whole thing would
> never have come up. Unfortunately, though, DC is the land of the
> abbreviation--MS, IRS, INS, GAO, GOP, etc. There are initials flying
> everywhere. We will be abbreviated, so it becomes a question of choosing
> ourselves rather than being stuck with initials that bring us the wrong
kind
> of attention.
>
> If it applied to everyone, DTM would work, but not everyone has
> demyelination. No one should be left out.
>
> Aurore
>
> >Just my 2 cents, but IMHO, the words *Transverse Myelitis* should be
used
> and
> >that's it. The more it's read, the more it's said, it will sink in.
> >
> >I know if I talk about it to anyone, I always say "transverse myelitis."
I
> >only use TM on this list and when writing to friends that know me and
what
> it
> >is and what I've been thru. I never *say* TM.
> >
> >Linda
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >In a message dated 3/19/98 11:44:53 AM, aurore(AT)erols.com writes:
> >
> >>So what would you use instead of syndrome? As hard as it is to explain
> >>our
> >>
> >>individual cases of TM, think how complicated it is to explain all of
our
> >>
> >>cases and why NONE of us had identical onset, identical effects, or
> >>
> >>identical recoveries. The neurologists will leave no doubt that this
is
> >>a
> >>
> >>physical problem and not a thought up illness, if that's what you're
> worried
> >>
> >>about. TM/transcendental meditation has a larger presence in D.C.
because
> >>
> >>it and organizations like it lobby for stuff, too. If we use ATM, we
> leave
> >>
> >>out too many people, me included, who had different onsets from yours.
> >>
> >>Besides, I don't want to be equated with an unfeeling machine--it's
very
> >>
> >>important that these folks on Capital Hill understand our human
suffering
> >>
> >>and not make a joke about us being cash dispensers (very far from the
> truth
> >>
> >>for those of us unable to work). We need money for research and often
> just
> >>
> >>to survive; we don't have all the money we need like an ATM.
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>Aurore
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>>Hello:
> >>
> >>>I'm not quite sure 'syndrome' would be a wise choice. Syndrome sounds
to
> >>
> >>>wishy-washy, like a mental condition. For instance people that are or
> >>
> >>>believe themselves to be chemically intolerant. They too use the
> >>
> >>>syndrome sometimes in describing there, whatever?
> >>
> >>>
> >>
> >>>In d but a few had ever heard of it. And none have ever mentioned
> >>
> >>>Transcendental Meditation. On the other hand if I mention atm and I am
> >>
> >>>atm, they almost always mention a cash machine.
> >>
> >>>For what it's worth TM works just fine. .
> >>
> >>>
> >>
> >>>Best regards; Davej
> >>
> >
> >