Being diagnosed with a terminal illness is a difficult time for both the patient and their loved ones. If you just got the diagnosis, there is an immediate shift in priorities. For the first time in your life, you will probably need to think about things you have never thought about before.
Understandably, comfort will become one of your top priorities. Here are some things that might help you be a bit more comfortable physically and psychologically now and in future.
Consider Professional Care
As well-meaning as your loved ones are, they might not be able to offer the support you need at this time. Palliative care professions are trained to help people with life threatening or terminal illnesses navigate through this time.
Essentially, palliative care is a medical speciality that focusses on improving the quality of life and providing comfort to people battling chronic and life threatening illnesses.
A good palliative care centre approaches every case as a unique, individual case and tailors services according to the patient and their family. Bringing these professionals on board can provide you with much-needed support.
Create a Plan
One of the things terminally ill patients struggle with is feeling out of control. If you believe that having some control can help ease your anxiety, create a plan as early on as possible.
This should include a pain management plan with your doctor that won’t be taxing on your body. Also, discuss the interventions you want or don’t want with your doctor, family and attorney as well. These could include things such as having a DNR order, especially if you are critically ill.
Empower Yourself through Knowledge
Fear of the unknown can make things much harder and cause you to create unrealistic situations in your mind. This is not helpful. Instead, try and find out as much information as possible relating to your illness, the likeliest outcomes and what to expect.
Your doctors will also be open to discussing the physical, emotional and mental changes you can expect. You can also go over the management plans if these options are available. You can also go over end of life systems and their management. This can help to improve the quality of the time you have remaining.
Join a Support Group
However well-meaning people around you are, they have not been in your shoes and cannot really understand what you are going through. This is where support groups come in.
Such groups will allow you to meet people with chronic or terminal illnesses, and some suffering from what you are suffering from and maybe at the same stage as you are. These are people walking in your shoes, going through and feeling what you are likely going through as well, both physically and mentally.
Support groups can help you learn coping skills and provide a chance to speak about your feelings with people who truly understand your journey.
Take Small Moments of Joy
It’s only natural to feel bitter, angry, sad, or defeated. And you will have great days and dark ones. Do not feel guilty for anything you might feel. It’s okay to drop everything else and take a moment to yourself.
Whenever you are having a nice day, try and enjoy simple moments that bring you the most joy, whatever these are. These will help you draw some mental strength during the tougher days.
Final Thoughts
Battling a terminal illness is one of the toughest battles one can fight, but all is not grim. Surround yourself with the right people and do the things you love and things will be easier.
While these tips might help bring some emotional and physical comfort, they are not the ultimate go-to. Instead, plan out your journey in the ways that will mean the most to you and your loved ones.
