July 1, 2015 |  written by IVX Health

How to Maintain Your Independence with a Chronic Illness


With the 4th of July approaching this weekend, it’s a good time to think about independence and what it means for those with chronic illness.  Sometimes it can feel like you’re constantly at the mercy of your illness, but there are ways to grab hold of your own independence.  Read on for our tips.

Ask For Help

It may seem counterintuitive, but asking others for help can help you maintain your independence with a chronic illness by allowing you to do the things you want.  For instance, there may be activities that are difficult or even impossible for you to do alone, but if you have the courage to ask for help from a trusted friend, family member or even health professional, you’ll gain the freedom to pursue those activities.

Be a Part of a Community

Similarly, if you find another person with the same chronic illness as you who is managing to accomplish goals you’d previously thought too difficult, reach out and ask them for their strategies and support.  Getting involved in a community, whether it’s an online support group or a local meet-up, is a great way to increase your independence. Comparing strategies for handling symptoms and flare-ups with others that have the same condition as you can be a great practice for increasing your independence in the future.

Keep Track of Your Symptoms

Whether you use old-fashioned pen and paper or an app on your smart phone, keeping track of your symptoms — along with what triggers them and what soothes them — can be your best weapon in maintaining your independence.  Knowing your body helps you know what you can accomplish on your own terms, even when those terms might be different than they were before you were diagnosed.

Pay It Forward

When you become an active player in your own life, people will start paying attention.  One of the best ways to celebrate your independence is to help others increase their own.  Just like you looked to others when you were looking for ways to feel more independent, there’s a good chance you’ll get to pay it forward in the future to someone else looking to increase their independence.

Celebrate Your Independence with IVX Health

If your treatment regimen includes biologic infusion treatments such as Remicade or Ocrevus, consider IVX Health for your infusions.  We offer appointments that fit your schedule (days, evenings and weekends) in comfortable private suites so you can enjoy your time while receiving treatment. If you’re ready to experience how we are redefining care for patients with chronic conditions, contact us to schedule an appointment at one of our many convenient locations.

Treatment at IVX Health

If biologics like Remicade, Actemra or Orencia  are a part of your chronic illness treatment plan, then consider choosing IVX Health for your ongoing care needs. IVX Health makes it possible to receive your therapy in a comfortable, convenient, and private environment.

With a private suite for every patient, you can watch your favorite Netflix show or movie on the big screen TV in each room, use a laptop or other mobile device to surf the web, or simply hang out with family and friends. We always have chairs for guests, and each center has a family room that is spacious and private if you need to bring your kids to your treatment. We also offer flexible appointment scheduling – including evenings and Saturdays – at any of our convenient locations.

At IVX Health, we truly are invested in helping you live your best life. If you’re ready to experience a new kind of infusion clinic, click here to learn how to move your infusion or injection therapy to IVX Health.