Yuppie Flu

[AndyPandy]

So tonight I was out and about at a function and having a conversation with someone who I had previously thought of as intelligent and well informed.

He referred to ME as Yuppie Flu.

I was shocked. And angry. And disgusted.

I immediately called him on it and asked him never to call it that again. I explained the seriousness of the condition and the devastating effects it had had on me and my life and the shocking reality for the long term bedridden.

I left the event in my wheelchair some time later.

His ill informed flippancy from a position of good health has shocked me tonight. But he at least looked embarrassed when I challenged him and maybe he’ll think twice before he uses that language again.

I’m sick of our suffering being trivialised.
And I’m angry.

 

[jesse's mom]

I hear you.

 

[Shoshana]

I am glad you were up to speaking out, on it, @AndyPandy
Thank you, from all of us!

That was always a bizarre, misleading, and cruel "nickname" for people's sufferings.
And we'd like to see it retired totally for good, by now!

I am also glad you were able to go to the event.

 

[toyfoof]

@AndyPandy
I second @Shoshana’s thank you from us.

It’s devastating to have these misconceptions still floating around out there, but each person who sees and hears us is a small victory. I’m so sorry you were faced with this and super impressed with how you responded.

 

[jesse's mom]

Last year a young Dr told me he knew I experience pain differently than most people. He actually said I have 'princess and the pea syndrome'. I rolled my eyes at him.

Usually it is a Dr rolling their eyes at me.

Glad you stood up for us!

 

[Gingergrrl]

I immediately called him on it and asked him never to call it that again. I explained the seriousness of the condition and the devastating effects it had had on me and my life and the shocking reality for the long term bedridden.

His ill informed flippancy from a position of good health has shocked me tonight. But he at least looked embarrassed when I challenged him and maybe he’ll think twice before he uses that language again.

Good for you, Andy, and I am very impressed! You are fearless, articulate, and handled that with dignity and grace. He will definitely think twice before using such ignorant and hurtful language again. You ROCK

 

[andyguitar]

I remember Yuppie Flu when it was in the news years ago. Knew 2 people who had it. The diagnosis was given to them by their Doctor. Their symptoms were not at all like me/cfs. Suprising that it is still used these days.