Chronic Disease

If you’re dealing with a chronic illness or disease, it can be overwhelming. However, there are ways to put yourself in the best position for a healthy life through planning ahead and self-education. Here are some tips to overcoming the barriers of managing your chronic affliction.

Understanding Why

Firstly, it’s important to understand why you’re feeling the way you are. Strengthening your foundation of knowledge about your disease will make your treatment decisions easier and help pave a clearer path toward what is next for you. Increased knowledge will also increase your confidence about how your case is being handled.

Your doctors and nurses are the first people you should turn to for answers. Their recommendations for additional professionals to contact or resources to explore will carry significant weight and be backed by experience treating patients in your position.

Building Your Support System

Having a support network is important in every person’s life. That importance is amplified when you’re dealing with a chronic disease or illness. When you’re going through an adjustment to your lifestyle, talk to your family about it, and see if someone will join you on your journey. Whether it means exercising more, eating better, or starting a new daily schedule, doing it with someone else will make it all feel more manageable. 

You’ll build a strong relationship with your doctors and nurses, but it’s worth reaching out to experts in specific fields. For example, if you need to change your diet, think about talking to a dietitian or nutritionist. Confiding in or bouncing ideas off of someone who has gone through a similar experience can also be immensely helpful.

If you don’t have a built-in support network, don’t be afraid to search online and reach out to local groups who can help you navigate your experience. It will be worth it.

Staying on Top of How You Feel

Take careful note of how you’re feeling. Nobody knows how you feel besides you! Listen to your body and make observations about how it’s changing. For example, if you notice you are gaining or losing weight at a rapid rate, that’s something to mention to your doctor. Note any soreness or trouble breathing you experience. Any mood swings or extremely low moments should also be monitored and shared with a medical professional.

While your day-to-day feelings may seem like a lower tier priority in the scope of your chronic illness, they could spiral into more serious problems if they aren’t addressed.

Have A Plan In Place

While we will always have hope for a favorable outcome, it’s important to have a plan in place if the diagnosis of a chronic disease or condition carries the potential of death. Make a plan for what kind of care you would like in the event of physical degradation and share your ideas and wishes with those closest to you. If an emergency situation develops, matters will be much easier and less stressful if your loved ones have a clear idea of how to proceed with your care.

Schedule Your Appointment With Richfield Medical Group

We’re here to help you navigate your chronic condition. For more information on managing a chronic illness for yourself or a loved one, and for help developing the right treatment plan for you, consult the experts at Richfield Medical Group. Schedule your appointment today through our website.