LIVING WITH A CHRONIC ILLNESS/DISABILITY

By William

The absolute most important thing one can do when living with a chronic illness and/or disability, is to learn as much as possible about what you are battling.

The more you know, the easier it should or could be to get a handle on those days when you feel like the constant battle with your chronic illness or disability is taking its toll on you and your life.

This knowledge starts with the language or words that can be associated with having any type of chronic illness and/or disability. Knowing the language and keeping up to date with the current trends of your chronic illness and/or disability will and should help you survive.

ALWAYS REMEMBER – The more you know the better it will be in dealing with all that is involved with any chronic illness and/or disability.

TODAY WE TALK ABOUT ‘ACUTE’

‘ACUTE’ is the medical terminology for a sudden or normally short-term health condition such as a brief illness or attack.

Those who battle a chronic illness or disability such as me with Severe Asthma/COPD and heart issues, are familiar with the word ‘ACUTE’ as we most likely have several of what some would call ‘ACUTE’ moments where our own disability/chronic illness was an acute problem.

For instance, with my severe Asthma/COPD, I will occasionally have ‘acute’ exacerbations or asthma attacks. These would be considered ‘acute’ because the coughing, tightness in breathing or SOB (short of breath) will most likely be short lived and subtly go away.

In my case, if one goes searching for terminology ‘acute exacerbation’ through a medical resource, you likely will find the definition of ‘a sustained worsening of a patient’s condition, from a stable state and beyond normal day-to-day variations, which is acute in onset and necessitates a change in regular medication for that patient.”

Because the symptoms of so many chronic illnesses/disabilities can vary so much from day to day, or even in some, from hour to hour, the definition of ‘acute’ is difficult to pinpoint as we are each different and may have our own personal concept of what may constitute a worsening of their symptoms.

Other times the word ‘acute’ can be more difficult to define because you may add to the mix of symptoms the point that individuals vary from one to another and what may be considered ‘acute’ for one, may to another just be seen as more of a mild or moderate issue within their chronic illness/disability.

Remember that each of us are different and that means our levels of ‘acute’ issues within our chronic illness/disability can and will vary.

What we can presume is that most ‘ACUTE’ situations will be caused by whatever triggers one may have for which they must be aware of for their chronic illness/disability.

We each have different triggers pertaining to our chronic illness/disability, for me it could be pollen, mold, pet dander, smoke, hair sprays, colognes/perfumes, or even simple changes in the weather.

Whatever your chronic illness/disability may be, even the most ‘acute’ issue can and will be both scary and stressful which is why it is so important to quickly figure out the trigger of the ‘acute’ issue and begin to deal with it. Having the ability to deal with the ‘acute’ change in your situation, it will hopefully not become overly serious and require health care.

ALWAYS REMEMBER: Be willing – if you or anyone you know may have any symptoms of a health issue that lingers over and over while disrupting ones daily living and travels, then please ask questions and get those issues checked out by a dependable physician or medical specialist.

With that – we bid to all, smiles, prayers, and blessings – William

NOTE TO REMEMBER = We only give descriptions and highlights of various aspects of having a chronic illness or disability and in no way do we ever want our information to be considered medical information or a type of treatment. Always consult your physician or medical specialists.

{Copyright@2022 by CrossDove Writers – no part of this may be printed, copied, or used without written permission from CrossDove Writers}

(William is a freelance writer who may be reached at wheezingaway@gmail.com)