Receiving a diagnosis of any kind of chronic illness isn’t pleasant. No matter what kind of symptoms you’re dealing with, a chronic disease is certainly a life-changer. However, there are some things you can do to make life easier for yourself. To fight against your chronic disease, try one or more of these five suggestions.
1. Research
When you’re diagnosed with a new condition, it’s likely that you’ll want to know all about it. Your doctor will probably give you some information, but most people don’t take in as much as they’d like to after a diagnosis.
When you have the time, do some research online. You’ll be able to find out about other people’s experiences, what treatments are likely to work for you in the fight against chronic disease. You can even look at innovative studies for new treatments.
For example, see if gene editing technologies and life-saving therapeutics are ones to consider. For your research, get started at Poseida today. The more you know about your condition, the easier it will be for you to determine how best to manage it.
2. To fight chronic disease, take the reigns
Your doctor isn’t solely responsible for your health. When it comes to how to fight the condition, you need to take most of the responsibility.
For example, a diabetic that binges on sugar when they’re aware that they shouldn’t isn’t doing anything to improve their health. Your doctor will be able to prescribe you medicines that can help your condition, but most of the time, they aren’t allowed to make other suggestions.
You could try keeping a food diary and write down details of how you feel after eating certain foods. It will help you to narrow down the foods that are good and bad for you.
3. Lifestyle changes
One of the biggest struggles that people with chronic illness face is changing the habits of a lifetime. Many chronic diseases are worsened by bad habits, like smoking, drinking, poor diet, or lack of exercise.
It isn’t easy to make changes but when it comes to your health, it’s worth it. If your doctor recommends giving up smoking or eating less fatty foods and including more exercise, you won’t be helping yourself if you ignore the advice.
4. Fight chronic disease by sharing the burden
It’s important to tell your family and friends what you’re going through and how it makes you feel. If no-one knows that you’re struggling, they won’t know that you need help.
When you share the burden, you lessen it. You release emotions in a healthy way and can gain the comfort of a loved one, whether it is a hug or caring words from them.
The stress of dealing with a chronic condition alone can impact your chances of dealing with it well. Having someone to take over everyday chores when you find it difficult to muster the strength will be a big help.
5. Don’t let it get you down
This statement is certainly easier to say than do. But it still needs to be said. People with chronic conditions are at greater risk of developing depression and anxiety, whether they are young people or older.
If you feel that your disease is severely affecting your mood, it’s important you seek help. Treatment could be anything, from simply adjusting your medication to counseling sessions. The more you’re able to talk about your condition, the more people can do to help you through it.
What are some other ways to fight chronic disease?
As always, another well written and informative post. Thanks for sharing. Live healthy.
informative, interesting and inspiring. Thank you.
Great to hear!
Thank you thank you Christy. Life style changes have been a literal God – send for me in terms of keeping my condition under control. But I also agree sharing the burden with family and friends shouldn’t be overlooked. :)
I’m glad you’re finding ways that work for you. I recognize everyone responds differently and has different preferences.. do take care :)
Thank you!!
Wishing you all the best!
Good advice, thanks for sharing your information
May good health be with you
Helpful and superb article
Wishing you all the best!
Spot on again my friend. I won’t even begin to go into how I saved my own life and my husband’s over by doing my own research and confronting doctors. It’s always best to do research on any ailments and consult with your doctor being armed with information. :)xo
Great that you educated yourself and I’m relieved that you were successful in the strategies taken, Debby xx
Thanks Christy. <3 :)
<3 <3
This advice is very helpful and just in time.
Ohhhh… do take care xx
Fantastic advice, it really puts the person in the driving seat so to speak, which is so important in empowering us to take control of what we can so that we can help ourselves.
Caz :)
Thank you for speaking to the subject of empowerment Caz :)
Christy, I love your ability to reach so many people. Every post is so different from the one before in terms of what you are covering but they are all under the banner of helping. So impressed xxxxxx
Rebecca (Clanmother) recently said it’s about creating a fuller life and I think she summed it up perfectly!! Thank you, Shey xx Or shall I call you beautiful actress :)
Knowledge is power!
Cheers to lifelong learning, Jo!
A great article which helps bring the problem of suffering with chronic disease out in the open, thanks!
It’s so cool that we can learn from one another’s blogs! I found your Lady Godiva post so interesting!
I’m not there, yet, but I take these tips seriously!
And I take your friendship seriously! Still thinking about you finding that whole new art creation xx
Again, Christy, a post full of solid advice. As a Type II diabetic for 22 years, you’d think I’d have this all down pat by now. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak…
We all do have our internal monsters we go up against.. I’m far from perfect, myself.. but then again who wants to be perfect? Let’s just try our best to be healthy :)
Amen, Christy, Amen!
Wonderful advice Christy – depression can be all consuming and sharing (if you can) helps alleviate that burden. It’s so much more painful when it affects children, that is always so sad to see. Thank you for your insights!
Hi Joan, I know sharing when you are depressed is easier said than done.. but hopefully just saying this bit of info helps someone xx
Great advice 👍
Waving :)
Such an important article! I was especially glad to read about “Taking the Reigns.” It’s a lot easier to just expect treatment and not do the research on your own. There’s so much one can learn about managing chronic diseases. You’re right; diet plays a major role. Certain foods can have healing effects while eating other foods can be detrimental. Rock on, Christy! xo
I really do think it is up to us to be the driving force and have eyes fully open in our health journeys. Thanks Rose xx
Since I have an orphan’s disease, I’ve cut out my charitable contributions to other events and funneled everything toward research in my area.
It sounds like a way to maximize your contributions. You’re making a difference xx
How do you find so much empathy in yourself? Really nice post. ☺❤
<3 Swati :)
❤❤☺☺
Many folks have a problem with sharing their troubles with people as to not be a burden but I think we all have a calling to help our brothers and sisters deal with things like chronic illness and alike.
Yes, exactly! Like with your latest post about connecting with others when needed rather than always being independent.
Très bon Article Christy.
Je t’embrasse
Tony, ton ami de France
Waving at you in France from here in Canada, Tony :)
Big one kisses to my small favorite Canadian !!!
Great article, Christy. This also applies to the mothers of children suffering from chronic illnesses.
You’re so right xx