New Normal:
Living with a chronic health condition
This stage is about living day to day with a chronic health condition and what that means to you.
Unless you have experienced it, no one can understand what it is like living with the ups and downs that accompany a chronic illness. There will be follow-ups with your doctors and even more tests, more medications and more recommendations perhaps alternative treatments to try. You may be left with almost as much uncertainty as you had when you started this journey.
You may still feel sick, your medical team may not know you well, and you may be having a hard time doing the things you want to do because of side effects from medications. You may be doing great for awhile and then have a relapse. There can be fear, depression, hope, and a desire to pursue your dreams all at the same time!
If you see an issue below that captures your situation, click on the tool that is suggested to think it through and find an action.
Issues:
- You find it difficult to: keep doctor appointments; and/or take your medication regularly, and/or stay on your diet; and/or get enough exercise, and/or complete regular testing.
Try the 
or the 
tool.
- You find it frustrating to hear you aren't getting better; just staying the same or getting worse or you have a relapse.
Try the 
tool or the tool or .
- You have concerns about fertility, sexuality, ability to work and earn a living, finding a partner or having relationships.
Try 
tool or .
- You worry about the possibility your chronic illness can lead to a health emergency and want to describe support to avoid this and when it can't be avoided, what support you need in a crisis.
Try the 
tool.
- You want to others to understand how to support you and understand your moods.
Try the 
tool.
- You may have a new perspective on life - a desire to live life to the fullest, to give back and/or find your true calling in life.
Try the 
tool.
