Americans seem to do everything in a big way. Regrettably, that applies not just to positive endeavors, but also to worrisome trends like our rate of chronic disease.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), currently six in ten American adults have at least one chronic ailment, and chronic conditions such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes are our nation’s leading cause of death and disability.
Broadly defined as any illness that lasts approximately a year or longer and requires ongoing medical intervention, chronic illness is often— though certainly not always—linked to unhealthy lifestyle habits/choices such as poor diet, smoking, physical inactivity, and excessive alcohol consumption. Chronic diseases also tend to have an increasing impact on the individual’s quality of life and ability to perform activities of daily living such as dressing, bathing, and toileting, and in many cases, family members are called upon to provide care as their loved one’s disease progresses.
When it comes to chronic illness, one could argue that an ounce of prevention is priceless. However, individuals who are already diagnosed with a chronic illness—or those who are right on the cusp, e.g. people with prediabetes or higher-than-normal blood pressure—can still be proactive in managing their illness and maximizing their quality of life. This proactive approach should begin in the doctor ’s office at the time of diagnosis by asking several pertinent questions that will help you better understand your disease and its treatment. These key questions include (but aren’t limited to) the following:
How does the disease typically progress and what symptoms will it cause?
No two patients experience the same disease in precisely the same manner, but most chronic conditions can be expected to follow a somewhat predictable course. Knowing where you are in the disease process and what physical, emotional, and/ or cognitive changes to expect in the near future as well as in later stages will empower you to better anticipate and manage symptoms as well as prompt a visit to your doctor to reassess your treatment plan at the first sign of the condition worsening.
What will my treatment plan look like?
The most effective management of any chronic disease is achieved when patients completely understand, actively participate in, and fully comply with their doctor’s prescribed treatment regimen. That includes taking all medications exactly as prescribed—i.e., taking the full course, taking the proper dose, taking them consistently, heeding any drug- or food-interaction warnings, and adhering to any other directions for their proper use.
It’s also important to inquire about the potential side effects associated with the medications and therapies your doctor prescribes. If any medication gives you pause because it’s known to cause unpleasant side effects, he or she might be able to recommend an alternative that is more easily tolerated and just as effective.
What lifestyle changes can I make to help manage the disease?
Again, many of the chronic ailments people suffer from, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, can be closely linked to the lifestyle choices they make. Medications may play an important part in treating these conditions, but the most effective management approach to chronic disease often includes making healthier lifestyle choices—eating better, exercising more, quitting smoking, moderating alcohol consumption, etc.—in addition to taking meds.
How can I monitor my condition at home?
Though ongoing medical surveillance is an essential component of chronic disease management, a lot of health changes can take place in between office visits. In order to determine whether the patient’s current treatment plan remains effective as well as to identify any changes in the severity of the illness, at-home monitoring in one form or another is essential. Blood pressure cuffs, continuous glucose monitors, and Bluetooth bathroom scales are just some of the common monitoring devices patients with chronic illnesses might be asked to use. Furthermore, with the advent of telehealth, remote patient monitoring systems, wearable trackers, and other advanced monitoring technology, healthcare providers can now track a wide range of patient biometrics remotely and in real time, giving them a much more complete picture of a patient’s health status.
Your doctor should be able to offer you educational materials that contain information about your disease along with hints and tips to help you manage the condition and lead the healthiest possible life. Also, he or she can connect you with organizations/ agencies in your community that can provide helpful resources, as well as refer you to other healthcare providers if necessary.
Among the numerous resources available to people with a chronic disease, support groups are especially beneficial. People who take the opportunity to participate in a support group find they’re surrounded by others who have already experienced—or are currently experiencing— all the same physical and emotional challenges related to their shared chronic illness, so they feel less alone.
These questions will yield a considerable amount of feedback, which might seem overwhelming at the time, especially when you’ve just received a diagnosis and are likely feeling anxious and stressed. To ensure all your questions and concerns are addressed, consider scheduling a second appointment with your doctor for further discussion. Bring a notepad with you to the visit so you can jot down any important information your doctor shares related to your diagnosis and treatment plan. Also, it might be helpful to bring along a family member or friend who can help you remember what you want to ask and what your doctor tells you in response. ✲
