September 30, 2014 | written by IVX Health

How to Tell Loved Ones You’ve Been Diagnosed with a Chronic Illness

Receiving a diagnosis of chronic illness is a life-altering event, and yet, so is hearing that news about your loved one. If you're struggling with how to tell your family and friends that you've been diagnosed with a chronic illness, these strategies can help create the foundation for the creation of a positive support system. Learn What They Need to Know To start off with, it's best not to barrage your family and friends with every single fact and detail of your condition. Make a list of what's important to you for them to know, both from a physical health and emotional standpoint. This is especially important if you'll need help from family or friends in caring for your condition. Let Them Know What's Going to Change -- And What Won't If there are going to be lifestyle changes that are going to affect your family, make sure to let them know about those changes up front. You may have to change the way you eat or limit certain activities, or you may need help with transportation to and from appointments. But also let them know what things will stay the same -- like how much you love them (especially important to vocalize if you have kids) as well as any favorite activities you'll still enjoy with them. Point Them to Good Resources Everyone's first instinct when it comes to illness these days is to google, but the number of hits for many chronic illnesses can be overwhelming. Send them to one or two of the resources you (or others you know with the same condition) have found helpful. Send them a specific article or two to get them started, and offer to answer questions. The more you can get comfortable with your condition, the more likely your friends and family are to get comfortable as well. Accept That Change Is Hard and May Take Time Change is rarely easy for anyone, and it helps to acknowledge that having a family member diagnosed with a chronic condition can seem just as unfair to your family members as it might to you. In extending grace to your family members (and using the tips above to help gradually introduce them to the changes in your life), you might find you're better at extending grace to yourself as well. It's OK to feel frustrated or even angry. But that's why it's all the more important to have a strong support system in place to see you through the hard times. Giving your loved ones a chance to come to terms with how your condition affects them is one of the first steps toward creating that support system. IV Treatment for Chronic Illness in a Spa-Like Setting Believe it or not, inviting your friends and family to your IV treatments at IVX Health might be a great way to catch up and relax with your loved ones. We offer appointments that fit your schedule (days, evenings and weekends) in a spa-like environment custom-designed to help you actually enjoy your time while receiving treatment. If you're ready to experience the difference, give us a call at either of our two convenient locations in Lee’s Summit at 816-272-0174 or Overland Park at 913-948-2020. We look forward to helping you live a healthier, more satisfying life no matter what health challenges you’re facing!

Receiving a diagnosis of chronic illness is a life-altering event, and yet, so is hearing that news about your loved one. If you’re struggling with how to tell your family and friends that you’ve been diagnosed with a chronic illness, these strategies can help create the foundation for the creation of a positive support system.

Learn What They Need to Know

To start off with, it’s best not to barrage your family and friends with every single fact and detail of your condition. Make a list of what’s important to you for them to know, both from a physical health and emotional standpoint. This is especially important if you’ll need help from family or friends in caring for your condition.

Let Them Know What’s Going to Change — And What Won’t

If there are going to be lifestyle changes that are going to affect your family, make sure to let them know about those changes up front. You may have to change the way you eat or limit certain activities, or you may need help with transportation to and from appointments. But also let them know what things will stay the same — like how much you love them (especially important to vocalize if you have kids) as well as any favorite activities you’ll still enjoy with them.

Point Them to Good Resources

Everyone’s first instinct when it comes to illness these days is to google, but the number of hits for many chronic illnesses can be overwhelming. Send them to one or two of the resources you (or others you know with the same condition) have found helpful. Send them a specific article or two to get them started, and offer to answer questions. The more you can get comfortable with your condition, the more likely your friends and family are to get comfortable as well.

Accept That Change Is Hard and May Take Time

Change is rarely easy for anyone, and it helps to acknowledge that having a family member diagnosed with a chronic condition can seem just as unfair to your family members as it might to you. In extending grace to your family members (and using the tips above to help gradually introduce them to the changes in your life), you might find you’re better at extending grace to yourself as well. It’s OK to feel frustrated or even angry. But that’s why it’s all the more important to have a strong support system in place to see you through the hard times. Giving your loved ones a chance to come to terms with how your condition affects them is one of the first steps toward creating that support system.

IV Treatment for Chronic Illness in a Spa-Like Setting

Believe it or not, inviting your friends and family to your IV treatments at IVX Health might be a great way to catch up and relax with your loved ones. We offer appointments that fit your schedule (days, evenings and weekends) in a spa-like environment custom-designed to help you actually enjoy your time while receiving treatment. If you’re ready to experience the difference, give us a call at either of our two convenient locations in Lee’s Summit at 816-272-0174 or Overland Park at 913-948-2020. We look forward to helping you live a healthier, more satisfying life no matter what health challenges you’re facing!

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.