If you have been diagnosed with a serious health condition, you may not know what to do next. These simple tips will help you work out how you can deal with your health and live the healthiest and happiest life that you can.
Focus On Your Healthcare Team
After being diagnosed with serious health conditions, it is difficult to know where to turn. If your illness has multiple different symptoms then you may find that you see a number of different practitioners, all of whom specialise in different areas of the body. However, you may find that sometimes communication between all members of your healthcare team isn’t amazing – things fall through the cracks through no fault of anyone – so try to keep notes so that you can stay up to date on what’s happening to you and what your treatment is. Try to trust your doctors as much as possible – they didn’t go to med school for nothing, after all – but equally, second opinions are always a good idea so that you can find out what other people’s views on your condition are.
Take Control Of Your Health
It’s important that you take control of your own health. Researching is key to staying as healthy as possible – with a little googling you may be able to find forums and online support groups full of people who are going through the same issues that you are, and who can provide tips and support. They may be able to recommend drugs, for example, that you could mention to your doctor. When it comes to drugs, do your research – for instance, drugs like hydroxyurea may treat ovarian cancer or sickle cell anemia, but researching side effects will mean that you’re pre-warned before they happen. That means you can plan your time wisely so that you can rest when you may feel sick.
Talk To Your Friends And Family
It’s a good idea to get your friends and family involved if you are suffering from a health condition. You may not want any comments on what treatments you are or aren’t choosing to undertake, and if that’s so, make sure you state your preferences clearly. But you will need moral support from those who love you. No matter how sick you may feel, a visit from a friend will brighten your spirits, even if you just sit on the couch together and watch a funny movie. Make sure that your friends and family are aware of what’s going on so that they will understand if you’re out of contact for a few days and so you can make arrangements to spend time together that won’t be too taxing for you.
Consider Your Mental Health
Finally, it’s important to consider your mental health. If you are living with chronic illness or pain, you may find that your mental health is suffering – and a lot of things that help, like exercise, may not be an option. Make sure that you talk to a therapist so you can work out coping strategies that help.
Living with a serious health condition may be tough, but these tips will help you get through it the best way possible.
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