Resources for People Diagnosed With an Illness That Causes Chronic Pain

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Guest Post by Suzanne Tanner

If you’ve been diagnosed with a medical condition that also causes chronic pain, you have a lot on your plate. You need to figure out both how to manage your primary condition and its symptoms, plus the pain it causes. The good news is there are lots of resources to help. The below roundup of tips and tools can help you as you navigate the waters following your initial diagnosis.

Find Out as Much as You Can About Your Condition

Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to managing your own health.

● Ask your doctor critical queries about your condition, what symptoms you can expect, and how to best manage it.

● Find internet-based resources to educate yourself about your illness and chronic pain in general.

● Discuss potential treatment options with your physician.

Consult Your Doctor to Come Up With a Care Plan

Here are some resources to help you develop a holistic health plan.

● Learn more about how your diet can impact chronic pain, and tailor your meal planning accordingly.

● Talk to your doctor about low-impact exercises that can help mitigate pain, like yoga and swimming.

● Look into ways to manage stress, which can exacerbatechronic pain.

Don’t Forget to Address Your Mental Health

Dealing with a medical diagnosis is difficult emotionally. These tips can help.

● Connect with others online. For example, blogs from people who share your diagnosis can be a great resource.

● Online support groups can be another way to build upyour online community.

● Look into online options for treatment for mental health issues that may accompany your diagnosis, like anxiety or depression.

Transform Your House or Apartment Into a Healing Space

Follow these steps to create a more soothing home.

● Create a stress-free space, for example by decluttering and letting in more light.

● Embrace soothing scents like lavender, using aromatherapy candles and incense to create a calming atmosphere.

● Set up a relaxation zone in your home where you do activities like meditation or journaling.

Getting a medical diagnosis can be nerve-wracking. However, there are plenty of resources to help you get through the initial shock of your diagnosis—and to help you sustain a happy and healthy life going forward. The above list offers just a few ideas to get you started.