Alex What happens when someone is diagnosed with a chronic disease?
Too often we put ourselves behind our jobs, our family, loved ones or friends who we see as being more in need of our thoughts, time and efforts than ourselves. Having a chronic disease forces you to rethink those priorities. You need sleep, movement and nourishment above and beyond anything or anyone else in your life.
Can a person be diagnosed with autoimmune disease?
Maybe you’ve suffered all your life with asthma, high blood pressure, arthritis, thyroid issues, sinus issues, gut issues, migraines, back pain, chronic fatigue, depression or anxiety. I’m writing to say I know how you feel. I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease ten years ago.
Where can I find community for my illness?
Find a group of people who understand what you are going through. They may be close friends or family members you can reach out to, a local community group that meets regularly to discuss their illness, or even just a group who meets to discuss books, meditate or play cards. There are also wonderful online communities.
How often do doctors run late to see patients?
One specialist ran a minimum of two hours late every time I saw him. I would take half a day off work to see him for ten minutes. Another never glanced up from his computer screen to look me in the eye.
When did I find out I have terminal illness?
I am dying. Unless I get hit by a truck, I know how I will probably die. And it won’t be pretty. On February 22, 2016, I was diagnosed with a terminal illness called Multiple Systems Atrophy (MSA). It is a fatal, progressive brain disorder that affects the neurological body functions such as swallowing, digestion, and blood pressure.
What kind of illness can disrupt your life?
A serious health problem can disrupt all aspects of your life, whether it’s a chronic or life-threatening illness, such as cancer, or a major health event such as a stroke, heart attack, or debilitating injury.
What’s the most surprising thing about a cancer diagnosis?
Sometimes the most surprising thing about a cancer diagnosis is how the patient handles it. They may show unbelievable strength you never knew they had, or be more vulnerable than you knew.
Who to lean on after a serious illness?
After a serious diagnosis or health event, who you choose to confide in, lean on, and the amount of information you elect to share about your medical situation are always very personal decisions. But trying to tough it out alone will only deny those who care about you the chance to offer support.