Being diagnosed with a chronic illness is a low blow, but It doesn’t mean that you are going to die tomorrow. What it means is that life as you know it will change.
It’s hard to ignore the fact that older people are susceptible to chronic health problems. You already know of at least one person who is living with arthritis, emphysema, diabetes, heart failure, osteoporosis, MS, Parkinsons, macular degeneration or a dozen other issues that you don’t want to think about.
There are too many chronic conditions to list, but the odds are pretty good that some of them are already lurking in your family tree. You can respond by saying “I’m going to get it anyway so why bother,” or you can learn everything you can about the “family curse” and get ready for it.
You can cry, yell, or scream but at some point, you are going to have to accept what has happened. There is no use blaming yourself, your ancestors, or even your Deity, because it is what it is.
For many, a diagnosis comes as a relief. Knowing why you have been feeling lousy is better than not knowing. Still, there is no way to sugar-coat the fact that chronic illnesses are associated with deterioration and loss. The good news is that research, pharmaceuticals, and technological advances can help you slow down the progression and manage your symptoms.
You’ve reached an age when changes need to be made whether you have a particular illness or not. You can’t get any more chronic than “old age” but you can still manage your strength, agility, bone loss, organ failure, mental stimulation and a dozen other pitfalls.
Learn everything you can, work with the professionals and make “feeling good” your priority. People with chronic illnesses, or those who are just plain old can still live extraordinary lives. CEOs, Judges, Congresspeople, Pastors, Teachers, even your Grandmother are all amazing examples. What do these people have in common? They have all refused to let their diagnoses keep them from leading a good life.
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