What to Do After a Chronic Disease Diagnosis / Author: Anya Willis @ fitkids.info

What to Do After a Chronic Disease Diagnosis

If you were recently diagnosed with a chronic disease, you might have a wealth of questions. Maybe you felt alone and lost when you heard the news. Perhaps you're still not sure where to turn for support and advice. If this scenario describes you, you’re in luck. Today, TRK Medical Products shares some simple steps to take after a chronic disease diagnosis so you can maintain your quality of your life.

Make the Most of Your Insurance Benefits

If you're like many others, you’re a little nervous about how you’ll pay for treatment, especially if you’re a freelancer. Some people can get coverage through their spouse's work health insurance plan. But if you don't have health insurance, you have options. For example, you can apply for government health insurance programs like Medicaid or Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) or purchase an individual health insurance plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace.

Find a More Accommodating Home

After a chronic disease diagnosis, many people realize that their current home exacerbates their symptoms. Maybe the mold in the basement was making you feel dizzy and exhausted all the time. Maybe you had trouble sleeping because of the noise from the neighbor's dog barking all night long.

If your current home isn't cut out for your needs, consider selling it and finding a new home that supports your recovery journey. Just be sure to estimate how much home you can afford and to start saving for your down payment as soon as possible. This starts with finding out about the housing market in the area you’re considering moving to, so see what the appropriately sized homes with your desired amenities are going for. The median home value in Cumming, Georgia, for example, is currently $525,000, a drop of 3% since last year, which could bode well for your asking price.

Relieving Stress / Managing Pain or Discomfort

Finding ways to relieve stress after a diagnosis can make all the difference. Many people benefit from practices like yoga, meditation, and journaling. But it’s different for everyone. You might find that going for walks in nature or listening to calm music helps you relax. There are also helpful apps like Headspace and Calm that offer guided meditation and relaxation exercises.

You might also find heat and cold therapy beneficial for your stress and bodily pain. TRK Medical Products offers a wide variety of these tools, along with other medical products that can help you to maintain your lifestyle.

Managing Your Finances

Treatment for a chronic disease can be expensive. There are a few things you can do to manage your finances and ensure you're getting the best bang for your buck. For starters, be as proactive as possible by keeping and maintaining copies of your health records. For instance, if you can upload the file, you can find a free PDF converter and keep all your medical records in one place. Click to learn more about the simple 3-step conversion process.

Another tip is to ask your doctor if any generic options are available for the medication they've prescribed you. You could also see if your health insurance plan covers out-of-network providers, meaning you can see any doctor you want, as Healthinsurance.org explains, regardless of whether they're in your network. Finally, some employers offer flexible spending accounts (FSAs) or health savings accounts (HSAs) which let you set aside money pre-taxes to use towards medical expenses.

If you don't already have one, Money Fit points out that a simple household budget can do wonders for your financial health. Keeping track of your expenses will help ensure you have enough money to cover your treatment costs.

Start by estimating how much money you'll need each month to cover your basic expenses. This might include rent or mortgage payments, utilities, groceries, and transportation costs. Once you have this number, see if there are any areas where you can cut back on spending. For example, you might cancel your cable subscription or brown bag your lunch instead of eating out daily.

Practicing Self-Care

Last but not least, it's essential to practice self-care when you have a chronic disease. This means taking care of yourself emotionally, mentally, and physically. Maybe that looks like making time for hobbies you enjoy, discussing how you're feeling with friends and family, and eating a nutritious diet. It's different for each individual; find what works for you and stick with it.

You can also look into supplements that help you to feel better. It may be for pain management, boosting your immune system, or to keep your body from stiffening up. Whatever the reason, there are various supplements that can help.

Find the Support You Need

Facing a chronic disease diagnosis can be overwhelming. But by following the simple steps listed in this article, you'll be on your way to maintaining your quality of life. Evaluate your health insurance benefits and consider buying a new home that helps you live comfortably and safely. Find ways to manage your stress and finances and prioritize self-care in your daily life. Most importantly, remember that you're not alone. You might be surprised at how many people out there want to support you through your journey, so don't hesitate to join a support group or see a mental health professional.