Question

• Describe the meaning of healing as it applies to chronic conditions

• List potential reactions to being diagnosed with a chronic condition

• List actions that can empower people to live fully with chronic conditions

Answer 1

WHAT IS MEANT BY CHRONIC HEALING? A CHRONIC WOUND is a wound that does not properly heal in an orderly set of stages in a predictable amount of time the way the most wounds do. The wound which is not heal within 3 months is often considered as CHRONIC. POTENTIAL REACTIONS TO CHRONIC DISEASES: Patients with chronic conditions often have to adjust with their aspirations, lifestyle and employment. Psychological, emotional and cognitive reactions are likely to occur at their onset and to recur if symptoms worsen or recur after a period of remission. a) a threat to patient's self-esteem b) fear c) anxiety d) fear of loss of love e) guilt and fear of pain f)depression g) feeling of stress. IMPLICATIONS OF MANAGING CHRONIC CONDITIONS: Individual efforts should be directed at preventing chronic conditions, because many chronic diseases are associated with unhealthy lifestyle or behaviours such as smoking and overeating. Therefore, changes in lifestyle can prevent some chronic disorders ,or atleast delay onset until a later age. Once a chronic condition has occurred, the focus shifts to managing symptoms, avoiding complications and avoiding the development of other acute illnesses. Health-promoting behaviuors such as exercise ,are essential to quality of life because they help to maintain a functional status. Although co-workers, extended family,and health care professionals are affected by chronic illnesses.The challenges of living with chronic conditions include the need to accomplish the following: a) alleviate and manage symptoms b) psychologically adjust to and physically accommodate disabilities. c) prevent and manage crises and complications. d) carry out regimens as prescribed. e) validate individual self-worth and family functioning. f) manage threats to identity g) normalize personal and family life as much as possible. h)live with altered time, social isolation and loneliness. i) establish the networks of support and resources that can enhance quality of life j) die with diginity and support.