How to Move Forward After a Chronic Condition Diagnosis
The CDC reports that chronic disease affects six in 10 American adults, with four in 10 having two or more chronic conditions. It’s often shocking to receive a diagnosis of a chronic condition. Take these steps to handle your diagnosis.
Familiarize Yourself With the Condition
Your doctor will give you basic information about your condition, but research the disease to learn more. Explore treatment options, including ways others with the condition relieve chronic pain and other symptoms. Keep a list of questions to ask your doctor.
Build a Care Team
Specialists often handle chronic conditions. If you have heart disease, you’ll likely see a cardiologist. You might see an endocrinologist if you’re diagnosed with type 1 diabetes or a nutritionist for type 2 diabetes. An arthritis diagnosis might lead you to a rheumatologist. A care team lets you tackle the condition with a holistic approach. Consider other care team members to help.
Hire Help
Many conditions reduce mobility over time. Hiring help ensures things still get done. Hiring a maid service averages between $40 and $80 per hour per cleaner, according to HomeAdvisor. You can also employ landscapers, home health assistants, and other care providers to make your life easier. The Phoenix Dial-a-Ride is an option for seniors and those with disabilities who need transportation.
Determine Living Arrangements
Consider the progression of the condition and determine if your current living arrangements are compatible with it. Your condition could deteriorate with chronic pain or mobility issues. Moving into an accessible home makes it easier for you to manage your condition. If you can no longer drive or will need public transportation, look for a home near Valley Metro Rail stations or bus stops.
Buying a new home now before your condition gets worse makes the move easier. Consider mortgage options, including conventional, FHA, and VA loans. A mortgage calculator gives you an estimate of payments and interest rates today to help you choose your price range.
Handle Finances
Chronic conditions can put a strain on finances with increased doctors’ appointments, medication, therapy, in-home care, and home modifications. Contact your insurance company to determine your coverage, and explore supplement plans and assistance programs that can help with expenses. Hospitals and clinics often have financial departments that can assist with medical bills.
Reduce Stress
Stress-relieving practices can help you manage the additional stress you face with a chronic condition. Exercise that’s deemed safe by your doctor, including breathing exercises, yoga, and guided meditation are examples. If you experience depression symptoms after your diagnosis, talk to your care provider immediately.
Practice Self-Care
Self-care can help you deal with stress, but it also keeps you as healthy as possible. Your health should be your focus, even if you have a chronic condition. Exercising, sleeping well, and handling other self-care can help you manage the chronic condition and foster well-being.
Find Support
A support system helps you handle your diagnosis. A local or online support group for others with the condition gives you a spot where you can share your experiences with people who understand. Neighbors or friends who can drive you to appointments are also helpful.
Manage Your New Condition
Visit the conditions page from the International Pain Foundation to learn more about your newly diagnosed condition.
Author: April Meyers
Publisher: International Pain Foundation, iPain Blog
