If you or someone you know is living with a chronic illness or autoimmune disease, it can be challenging to stay up-to-date on the latest information, research, and support resources. One way to stay informed is by subscribing to a newsletter that focuses on chronic illness and autoimmune diseases. We hope that you choose us!

The Cleveland Clinic in June of 2021 stated that there were more than 100 autoimmune or chronic illnesses that are known in the United States. Common ones include lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Autoimmune diseases can affect many types of tissues and nearly any organ in your body. They may cause a variety of symptoms including pain, tiredness (fatigue), rashes, nausea, headaches, dizziness and more. Specific symptoms depend on the exact disease. Most of these are hard to diagnose, have overlapping symptoms, don’t show up on X-rays or blood tests.

Doctors are not well trained in many aspects of these disorders, nor in how to work with their patients. They get frustrated, probably a bit embarrassed because they don’t know answers, and don’t have the time to devote to finding out what the “mystery” symptoms mean. So they either tell you that there’s nothing wrong, make you take many tests, or pass you off to other doctors who might be better equipped.

Here are 5 tips for you to do in order to maintain good communication with your doctors and to keep you from being frustrated and/or aggravated.

Educate Yourself: It’s essential to know as much as possible about your autoimmune disease, its symptoms, and treatment options. This knowledge will help you communicate with your doctor more effectively, especially if they lack familiarity with your condition. You can find reliable information on reputable websites and patient support groups.

1. Educate Yourself: It’s essential to know as much as possible about your autoimmune disease, its symptoms, and treatment options. This knowledge will help you communicate with your doctor more effectively, especially if they lack familiarity with your condition. You can find reliable information on reputable websites and patient support groups.
2. Be Clear and Specific: When talking to your doctor, explain your symptoms as clearly and specifically as possible. Use concrete examples, such as the duration and frequency of your symptoms, and how they affect your daily life. This information can help your doctor understand the severity of your condition better.
3. Bring Information: If you’ve found an article or study related to your condition that you think would be helpful for your doctor to read, bring it to your appointment. This information can help your doctor better understand your condition and its treatment options.
4. Seek a Second Opinion: If your doctor is not familiar with your autoimmune disease, consider getting a second opinion from a specialist. A specialist in autoimmune diseases will have more experience and knowledge and may be better equipped to diagnose and treat your condition.
5. Advocate for Yourself: If you feel like your doctor is not taking your symptoms seriously, or you’re not getting the treatment you need, don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself. Ask questions, be persistent, and speak up if you feel like your concerns are not being heard. Remember, you are your best advocate when it comes to your health.

Those are all great pieces of advice for dealing with doctors. But what if you’re just feeling like you’re all alone and no one else knows what you’re going through? IW is starting all kinds of programs to keep your interest, helping you to meet others with challenges, and to just plain have a bit of laughter and light in your day. But right now, the most important one is the Silent No More — Celebration of Hope and Caring Concert that is happening on June 3. There will be music, friends and family, fun and laughter and a whole lot more. And if you can’t come in person, you can watch it all on YouTube. Here’s the link for more info: Benefit Concert

Until next time, please be safe, be healthy and live life well.

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This post was written by Nancy Becher. Nancy Becher is a business consultant for over 40 years, received a Masters in Counseling and a PhD (abd) from Western Michigan University. Recently she founded a nonprofit, Invisible Warriors  helping to address health inequalities, improve experiences of navigating healthcare services and supporting women who live with diverse physical and mental health conditions. Most recently she has earned the title of International #1 best seller author and as Huntsville AL best in service for healthcare consultant.