a disease or an illness?

[Koalajane]

I notice that quite a few people say that PMR is a disease.

I see it as an illness not a disease,

What do others think?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Have a look at this -

sadarpsych.com/illness-vs-d...

So woukd agree from that it’s an illness, but this is a question in related posts -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[Koalajane in reply to DorsetLady]

thank you for this

[piglette]

PMR is part of a group of illnesses called auto-immune diseases.

[Koalajane]

oh that is more confusing now as I would have said auto immune illnesses

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Koalajane]

Most introductions of PMR and GCA do describe them as diseases……so take your pick!

[Koalajane in reply to DorsetLady]

sounds like it can be either!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Koalajane]

Wharever, a blooming nuisance 😉

[Kendrew]

This might help....or not!😂

Definitions

[Koalajane in reply to Kendrew]

errrrr!

[Kendrew in reply to Koalajane]

😂😂😂

[Bridge31 in reply to Kendrew]

We are unique then. We have a disease until it stops then we have had an illness. 🤷‍♀️🙃🙄

[Kendrew in reply to Bridge31]

Haha! The mysteries and wonders of life!😂

[Flivoless in reply to Kendrew]

Ah, so it's an illness disease then.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I have the same link as DL

sadarpsych.com/illness-vs-d....

and we know there is no cure for PMR or other autoimmune conditions.

But I suspect that for many it is a case of semantics and they don't make the differentiation between the meanings but I could also throw in the concept of PMR being a syndrome - the set of symptoms with varying underlying causes.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to PMRpro]

🤔🤣😂

[Wallysma in reply to PMRpro]

well I have lots of names for it....but nothing I can share here!

[herdysheep in reply to Wallysma]

my thoughts too

[pata63]

I think of PMR as a collection of symptoms in search of a proper explanation.

[Daffodilia]

I call it a condition

[MrsPractical in reply to Daffodilia]

Me too. Easiest way to explain to friends and family.

[Bachfugue in reply to Daffodilia]

Me too. An auto immune condition - has a more neutral feel to it.

[Daffodilia]

I call it a condition

[Meggsy in reply to Daffodilia]

Me too!

[Judyliz]

I think of it as a condition.

In my head for some reason it seems less threatening and difficult than an illness or disease but in reality it is a frightful nuisance and the rest....

[Bcol]

There seem to be a number of thoughts about this if you Google it, this seems to be fairly typical

Difference between Illness and Disease

The terms “illness” and “disease” are often used interchangeably, but there is a distinct difference between the two. Illness is a general term that refers to any type of physical or mental condition that causes discomfort or distress. Disease, on the other hand, is a specific type of illness that is caused by an underlying medical condition. Whereas illness can be cured, the disease is chronic and cannot be completely cured, though it can often be controlled with treatment. Because of this, the disease is more serious than illness and typically requires ongoing medical care. Whether someone is suffering from an illness or a disease, it is important to seek professional help if the condition is causing significant impairment or distress.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is important to understand the difference between an illness and a disease. The disease is a pathological process that affects one or more organs in the body while illness refers to physical or psychological symptoms that may occur as a result of the disease. While both are serious, diseases can often be treated and cured while illnesses are more difficult to manage.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Bcol]

Whichever way you look at it, it’s a conundrum! 🤔

[Bcol in reply to DorsetLady]

Can't disagree with that.

[calibriel]

Disease suggests infection to me, and illness something that can be cured. I describe it as a condition, that can be controlled (if you’re lucky)

[Highlandtiger in reply to calibriel]

I settled on condition too for similar reasons. Not sure if it’s accurate or not but it works for me.

[anutycrixp]

ilth not health

[Nominem]

I am not sure of the answer. I tend to think of auto immune diseases and I understand pmr and gca come with in this category. If prednisolone is currently keeping it suppressed then it is possible to appear outwardly reasonably well. But it is still there in the background and things can change. It lies on the boundaries of both definitions. Sometimes if I refer to it in conversation I describe it as a medical ondition

[Sharitone]

I think you can reasonable take your pick, though 'illness' does suggest that you actually feel ill. I don't like 'disease' simply because, to me, it sounds rather manky, and I don't want to be a 'diseased person'🥴

[Hildalew]

I take refuge in calling it a 'condition'.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I like the description "autoimmune disorder" - my immune system is disordered ... I also call it deranged but don't think people would get derangement ...

[Hidden]

I don’t have to think about it as my condition is referred to as a Disease - Stills Disease which is AI so could this mean AI conditions are diseases not illnesses ........?

[anonmnor]

Can somebody please explain the contradiction in the post by “Bcol” about 10 replies up where that person states in the “Difference” section that “…disease is chronic and cannot be completely cured” and then later in the “Conclusion” section in that same post states that “…diseases can often be treated and cured”.

This post has only increased rather than decreased my confusion, and people seem to use whichever term causes them less anxiety regardless of which is the more correct term to use based upon the actual medical definition.

Thank you.

[Koalajane in reply to anonmnor]

I use illness

[Grammy80]

.....a rose by any other name is still a rose. xo💞