What’s In A Name?

Many of us make the best laid plans for our lives only to be uprooted by surprises and turns - both good and bad. Each time something happens “outside” of our plan, a new element of uncertainty comes into the mix, and with uncertainty generally comes some distress and discomfort. We want to know the answer to “what will happen now?”, but that isn’t always readily available. When it comes to new health challenges, the swirling and rabbit holes that can occur thanks to our previous knowledge, stories from others and, perhaps the most prolific offender, Dr. Google; can spin our perception of uncertainty out of control. Having a diagnosis can be a double edged sword; on one hand it can put people in a box which may hold limited expectations for the future, while on the other, it can provide relief from the swirling by offering some form of “certainty and explanation of symptoms. Over my years of working with patients, I have found that, in general, having a tangible name for what someone is experiencing provides them more relief than not knowing - even if it isn’t good news. Rather than swirling, they can now focus their research and attention in one direction, providing a sense of control over something that may have occurred due to variables outside of their control. Guided research (with a diagnosis) is much more effective and less swirl-inducing than the blind, symptom based research - making Dr. Google not quite so dangerous and anxiety inducing. 

While the certainty involved is perhaps little more than perceived certainty, it does nonetheless offer some relief. I say perceived certainty because even with the best educated guess of what our future holds, it still only arrives one day at a time. There are so many variables and puzzle pieces that can come and go from our lives and alter our course. Certainly with lots of room for flexibility could be the best way to go. 

This leads us to the other side of the “diagnosis sword”. Just because you have read about someone else’s experience with the illness or condition, doesn’t mean that your journey will look the same. Use the “name”, aka the diagnosis, to help direct your efforts and focus, but also try to avoid putting yourself in the “limiting box”. Searching only for certainty but forgetting the flexibility component won’t serve you as well. Go ahead and learn about the limitations that may come your way, but also seek ways to manage them, delay them or perhaps or even dodge them. Be sure to not let the diagnosis define and limit who you are. Stay creative as you find what’s best for you on your journey and participate in wellness strategies that work best for you, not anyone else. Having clarity on your diagnosis can either be limiting or empowering - what’s in the name is up to you.