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Enduring and Changing |
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 Taking
Care Of Yourself
When you try to live your life fully, making the most of each day,
you will need to focus some attention on taking care of yourself.
It may seem as though the effort isn't worth it, that you're "too
sick" or there "isn't enough time." Not true, but how
you care for yourself will depend on how your illness affects you
and what makes you feel your best. Your ability to take care of yourself,
in terms of your appetite, energy level, and fatigue, can be affected
by troubling physical symptoms, so getting good and reliable help
from your doctor is crucial. You will need to be honest about how
you feel and persist in your requests for whatever medication or therapy
will be helpful in alleviating these symptoms. In most situations,
adequate relief from troublesome physical symptoms is possible.
 Self-Care
Tips
Even though you may slip into despair from time to time, enjoy what
you can and maintain your connections with family, friends, and colleagues
for as long as possible. Above all, don't give up hope; not the "wishful
thinking" variety, but the kind that looks forward to security,
comfort, and meaningful time for you and those you care about.
Turn to a family member, a trusted friend, or a member of the clergy
for support and guidance. Find a support group or trained counselor
who can help you explore your options. If you prefer books and libraries
or the Internet, there are some excellent resources that can further
guide you. The goal is to find a way for you to live with or despite
your illness and dying. Finding your way will help you live on your
terms.
If you are in a support group, listen to what others say about what
is helpful to them. If you are still able to be physically active,
continue to exercise. This can be especially helpful if exercise has
been a tension reliever in the past.
If solitude has brought you peace of mind, spend some time alone.
Meditation, listening to relaxation tapes, and guided imagery can
be useful, but their effectiveness may depend on whether you are already
familiar with such exercises.
If you have the time and inclination, ask your doctor to recommend
a relaxation class in your community. Hospitals often offer them as
a community outreach program. A local faith community might have programs
on how to meditate or pray.
Self-Care:
The Basics
Just like any other time in your life, try to:
 Eat as well
as you can
Exercise, within
the limits of your disease
Get adequate
rest
Enjoy the time
you have
Self-Care:
More Tips
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Ask for help when you need it. Getting assistance in tough
times can reduce your experiences of frustration. Tom fought
the idea of getting help with his personal care until he realized
that trying to do what needed to be done for himself left him
with little energy for anything else.
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Identify sources of strength that you can summon during moments
of despair. Strength may come from a variety of sources such
as religious faith, nature, friends, or family.
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Find ways to feel useful and focus on interesting or pleasant
activities. These are the things that often keep meaning and
purpose in life.
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Distraction is a wonderful way to reduce stress. Music can
be comforting, as can a warm bath or shower.
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Reduce your isolation by finding a support group. Living with
a terminal illness can be an isolating experience. Within a
support group, you might discover friendship, as well as a sensitivity
and understanding that are hard to find among people who haven't
shared your frustrations, fears, and losses. Support groups
allow you to share your thoughts and fears, providing a chance
to hear how others find strength and learn new ways of dealing
with the changes in their lives. Others, no doubt, will learn
from you. Even if you have never been a "group person,"
think about joining such a group. |
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Adapted from The
Handbook for Mortals: Guidance for People Facing Serious Illness,
by Joanne Lynn and Joan Harrold, copyright by Joanne Lynn, used by
permission of Oxford University Press.
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