Chapter 7: Learning to Live well with a chronic illness

Illness is the night side of life - Sontag

In some ways, living with chronic illness is very much like being trapped in a maze - youre never quite certain what lies ahead of you; so, its easy to lose your perspective. You wander the same path over and over again - totally lost and bewildered. You appear to be alone with no one to show you the way out. There are many questions, but few answers. Which is the most effective treatment ? Who are the best doctors ? What options can be utilized so that the way out can be found ? You need to find your own path, and confronting your illness is a process that must be worked through . This process takes time and effort. If you live with a chronic condition, how you view the path youre on and decide to manage your day-to-day situations can greatly affect your quality of your life.

Acute vs. chronic

On the other hand, a chronic illness often begins gradually and may have several causes. Also, rarely is a chronic illness cured, and it usually persists for an indefinite period of time. Diabetes, heart disease and arthritis are examples of chronic illness.

Many factors can affect the course of a chronic illness, including heredity, lifestyle (e.g., stress, diet, exercise) and even environment. As a result, its difficult to predict how you may feel from one day to another.

Restoring a sense of control

Many factors can affect the course of a chronic illness, including heredity, lifestyle (e.g., stress, diet, exercise) and even environment. As a result, its difficult to predict how you may feel from one day to another.

Another useful information tool both for you and your doctor is a medical diary. In this diary, keep track of your visits to the doctor, noting down meticulously when and why. In addition, maintain a list of treatments undertaken, along with the following details: side effects; copies of your test results; and a record of symptoms, their severity and possible triggers. This diary will not only serve as a useful record of your illness, but will also provide your doctor with valuable diagnostic clues, which may help him to tailoring your treatment appropriately. Many people also find that the very act of recording their feelings and emotions in a different section of the diary can be therapeutic as well, as it allows them to ventilate your feelings!

Attitude by itself cannot cure a chronic illness, but cultivating a positive outlook and learning self-management techniques can make it much easier to live with. No matter what the ailment, confidence and determination will help you to maximize your health.

Other precautions or adjustments include the following :

Taking medications regularly : Follow your doctors instructions carefully on how and when to take your medications. Stay in close contact with your doctor, especially when you start taking a new medicine, so that you can let him know how your symptoms are affected and what side effects you experience.

Eating properly : Depending on your illness, you may need to avoid some types of food and incorporate others in your diet. In addition, consult your doctor about determining a healthful weight and ways to achieve that objective.

Exercising regularly : Appropriate exercise, as prescribed by your doctor, is a vital tool in managing chronic illness. Regular exercise can improve your strength and energy levels, as well as self-confidence. Such activity can also play a role in lessening the anxiety and depression, which is often associated with a chronic illness.

Emotional ups and downs

Living with chronic illness can give rise to a roller-coaster of emotions. There are several ways in which you can help even out the ups and downs:

• Maintain normal daily activities as best as you can.
• Stay in touch with friends and family.
• Continue to pursue the hobbies you enjoy without overexerting yourself.

At times, you may need more "tools" to deal with these negative emotions. Professionals, such as psychotherapists or psychologists, can help you put things in perspective. They can also teach you coping skills, including relaxation techniques, that may be helpful. Sometimes, a support group is the best answer. Again. your doctor is the ideal person to suggest the best course in your specific case.

Living with someone whos chronically ill

Nowadays, with longer life expectancy, chances are greater than ever that you will need to help in caring for someone whos chronically ill. Remember that chronic illness affects whole families as well as the patient, especially if the illness is terminal. Family members may find themselves in unfamiliar or undesired roles, and providing 24-hour nursing care can prove to be a major burden. They can become isolated from social networks as they struggle to care for a sick loved one. Stress can break down close relationships, and a patients inability to take care of himself often causes guilt, shame or irritation.

• Accept the reality that the chronic illness may not go away.
• Focus on the signs of well-being - such as activities and the persons feelings rather than on just physical health.
• Be readily available and listen, emphasizing positive changes. IGet involved together in productive, fun-filled activities to distract the patient from the illness.
• Encourage independence while maintaining as "normal" a family life as possible.
• Take care of yourself, and seek help when needed. Look for organizations that offer support for caregivers.

If you are a victim of a chronic illness, theres no denying the fact that it affects your life adversely. But how much you allow it to determine the quality of your life depends, to some extent, on the way you choose to live one day to the next. Its true that a chronic illness does not go away, but you can learn to cope with it and lead satisfying and a happy life!