http://www.differencebetween.net/science/health/difference-between-syndrome-and-disease/
So it seems that a syndrome is an indication of something else not being normal or healthy, or in my case pointing to Psoriatic Arthritis, as this is considered a disease. Then there is the 'Phenomenon' of Raynaud's. If alone it is a disease, if with a disease it is a phenomenon!
Does it make more sense now?
I've always remembered it by "Syndrome is a collection of Symptoms"
I think you are right. Seems it is a collection of symptoms, that they have yet to consider a disease, yet it seems to be the first one diagnosed. I have tried to find info answering the question if it is considered a 'gateway to autoimmune' but nothing has popped up yet!
I understand what Raynaud's is, because I have it, but have yet to find a satisfactory medical definition to 'phenomenon', any of our nurses like to help me out? Please?
I have aPhd in medical science and a BSc in biology an open mind and the ability to research and analytically read other research so feel reasonably qualified to comment and be critical of the medical profession. My GP agrees and has said "rhematologists know very little but spend all of they time trying to split auto immune diseases into ever more numerous categories but have no tools to treat them and little research into their causes" He is a highly intelligent well educated man and excellent doctor.
Syndrome means "we don't know but it's too complicated for us to work out" It is a term used to describe multiple symptoms which vary considerably between people but it doesn't fit the neat tick box method of defining disease created by "modern" western medicine. It is sadly used all to often to mean "it's not that serious nothing we can do but it won't kill you"
Phenomenon means nothing it an old fashioned term meaning something we see but don't know what causes it.
Actually Raynauds is a disease, allegedly may be primary or secondary, but it is not known what causes it other than it is assumed that vaso spasticity is the mechanism but what triggers the "incorrect " response is unknown.
Sound familiar?
The use of these terms should be deprecated as they trivialise very serious malfunctions of the body and have an organic if as yet unidentified cause.
Before microscopes we didn't know about bacteria and before electron microscopes we didn't know about viruses and many "diseases" were attributed to bad air, bad blood - use leeches, bad water or even evil spirits. There's no difference now and then, until knowledge progresses or medics have open minds then we will always face this - remember Lorenzo's oil!
I have met the 2 so called top Sjogren's specialists in the UK both rheumatologists and they don't know what they are doing, are completely out of date with research have closed minds and dismiss any ideas or new thoughts but have no suggestions as to causes or what happens as the disease progresses and even refuse to accept that neurological damage, cystitis, depression, panic attacks, postural hypotension, urethritis, arthralgia etc .. are caused by or even symptomatic of Sjogren's. The term "quack" springs to mind however they are very highly paid. I was told by one "you don't have Sjogren's you are sero negative and according to our international definitions you only have 3 out of 4 tick boxes so cannot have it - you have sicca syndrome, but even if you did have Sjogren's there's no treatment I can give - bye"
My wife has witnessed all of these conversations.
I don't see the point of fretting about terms other than they are used by the medical profession to trivialise illnesses they don't understand and hide their ignorance.
Dementia and Alzheimers aren't called sydromes or phenomena but no one knows what causes them however they are spending hundreds of millions of pounds researching them and even had a politician led international conference in UK about coming together globally to find a cure but spend nothing (in the UK and from what I can see in the USA) on Sjogrens research.
Assybish...wow! Thank you for sharing!! It amazes and sickens me that the medical community doesn't take this more seriously. You're right...Sjogren's seems to be a second-rate "disease" compared to these others that have more media attention. Somehow, awareness needs to be made a top priority so we aren't at the mercy of these ding-dong medical professionals.
assybish, we are most fortunate to have you to go to for such head-scratchers! Seems they need some long overdue updating to take place within the medical community! I have read somewhere in all of this info that they are in the process of reclassifying these diseases, so we'll see what happens!
I feel very fortunate to have finally found a man I consider to be a good Rheumatologist, who can make a diagnosis without labs, who diagnosed me without having the Psoriasis of Psoriatic Arthritis. He also teaches clinical labs at Univ level, so he has experience in both areas.
He is the kindest, most well mannered Physician I have ever met, there is no inflated ego, every question is answered, every concern is addressed, it bothers him not to take off your shoes and socks to examine you, no disgust is shown at our twisted, gnarled bodies, he even puts those shoes and socks back on for you, and he makes sure every patient gets the meds they need even if they don't have insurance or money for them! He reviews my MRIs at every visit, so that he can properly and accurately care for me. I truly hit the jackpot with him, as I have run the gambit with the ones who should have been an embarrassment to any profession. People travel for hours to see him, and it is no wonder to me! So sorry that you have encountered many to the contrary! How frustrated you must be!
I always have a list to go over with him, but explanation of such terms never make the final cut, I thank you for all you contribute here to us! I'm more than glad that you have such a good GP, I am fortunate to have one of those as well. he has an extensive background in pathology, which is always a plus! I have such high regard for these two men, it is difficult for me to go to any other Doctor and feel I am being taken care of!
Hi SK, do you think maybe you or anyone else can share - or maybe start a new discussion - or how to find a good GP and Rheumatologist. I was diagnosed with pSS in January and it is exhausting to try and search out someone who seems to really care and also really understand the disease. Thank you!!
SK said:
assybish, we are most fortunate to have you to go to for such head-scratchers! Seems they need some long overdue updating to take place within the medical community! I have read somewhere in all of this info that they are in the process of reclassifying these diseases, so we'll see what happens!
I feel very fortunate to have finally found a man I consider to be a good Rheumatologist, who can make a diagnosis without labs, who diagnosed me without having the Psoriasis of Psoriatic Arthritis. He also teaches clinical labs at Univ level, so he has experience in both areas.
He is the kindest, most well mannered Physician I have ever met, there is no inflated ego, every question is answered, every concern is addressed, it bothers him not to take off your shoes and socks to examine you, no disgust is shown at our twisted, gnarled bodies, he even puts those shoes and socks back on for you, and he makes sure every patient gets the meds they need even if they don't have insurance or money for them! He reviews my MRIs at every visit, so that he can properly and accurately care for me. I truly hit the jackpot with him, as I have run the gambit with the ones who should have been an embarrassment to any profession. People travel for hours to see him, and it is no wonder to me! So sorry that you have encountered many to the contrary! How frustrated you must be!
I always have a list to go over with him, but explanation of such terms never make the final cut, I thank you for all you contribute here to us! I'm more than glad that you have such a good GP, I am fortunate to have one of those as well. he has an extensive background in pathology, which is always a plus! I have such high regard for these two men, it is difficult for me to go to any other Doctor and feel I am being taken care of!
Thanks for your kind words SK
for info - the doctor you quote here is no longer listed sadly
http://www.vahealthprovider.com/results_generalinfo.asp?license_no=0101048872
I am delighted that you have found such good medics I know of several but none are the auto immune field sadly
That is my fault as he is no longer practicing in VA, but in WV.
Thanks for that SK - maybe they will be of help to Casey?
I hope so as having an understanding and empathetic medic is really helpful - just a pity the ones I know aren't in this field.
I'll keep looking but fear self help and mediction is the way to go.