How to deal with chronic illness

There is no one way to deal with the surprise of being diagnosed with a chronic illness, but there are things one can do in order to survive/heal. Chronic illness affects us in many ways. It affects us personally, but our attitude is something we can control. It affects our friends and family, but their unwarranted and unconditional help either physical or financial, can make all the difference to the patient. It affects one's life expectations in that often times a termination notice is given. This is a frightening thought, but it is not set in stone. This is the time when one seeks help from other hospitals, researches the illness and reaches out for comfort from those in a similar situation. This is when knowledge becomes power. This is not the time to give up.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Resources such as the internet to find the exact care that fits your illness.
• Friends and family to support you unconditionally.
• A journal to keep track or your illness, your doctor appointments and your progress.
• A benefit held for your financial stressors.
• An attitude: Prepare for the worst, but expect the best possible outcome.
• Alternative routes that can be implemented into your treatment, such as antioxidant boosters, and the willingness to try anything (that has been properly researched).
• Faith in any higher power you feel will help you lighten your load.

1. Upon receiving a diagnosis of chronic illness, immediately check your insurance policies. If you do not have one, then you must go to your Social Security office and apply for SSD. You must also sign up at your hospital for welfare services provided for those who are not insured.
2. Without insurance you need to take a look at all of your assets, including cash on hand. In this instance there is little recourse for those who become a "ward" of the system. You and your spouses assets will be in jeopardy and you need an attorney to help you sort this out. Further, you need to make sure your Will is in order. While these steps may seem extreme, they are necessary in order to protect what you own and what will be left to your spouse. In this case you are preparing for the worst possible outcome, but this does not mean you are anticipating it.
3. Once your finances and insurance is clearly noted, it is time to start researching your illness. Find the best University Hospital in the nation that specifically deals with your illness (whether it be cancer or liver failure). Make phone calls and shop for an avant guard surgeon or doctor who is willing to do everything to save you. Knowledge is power.
4. With knowledge in your hands, your ability to make treatment decisions is enhanced. Now you must get a planner, a journal and begin to set up appointments with doctors and lawyers. Get on the internet and join a community of people who are going through what you are. You are very liable to find out information that no one else has here.
5. Now is the time to move forward. The attitude is prepare for the worst, but expect the best possible outcome. Work with friends and family to get assistance of any kind that might be available to you, including grants and/or even a benefit to make money to cover your expenses, which will add up quickly.
6. Learn to think that you will survive no matter what the odds. Remember 40% of all statistics are wrong. Your ability to turn the "what if" statements over to a higher power, or write them out on a website for feedback, will save you from expecting the worst. Remember that thoughts can determin your reality.
7. Make use of every resource possible regarding healing. There are alternative methods that you can incorporate into your daily regime, such as drinking things high in antioxidants, consulting a healer, getting acupuncture, getting massages or simply setting up a healing diet plan. Read everything you can get your hands on and get ready to change your life plans to begin the journey of healing.

Tips & Warnings

• What you believe will happen can affect what happens.
• Do not self prescribe any alternative treatments without consultation with doctor or sound medical proof that such treatment will not hurt you.