Recovery Guidelines for Those with Chronic Illness

Those who have a chronic illness or chronic condition often have a very difficult time recovering from a cold, the flu, or a flare-up of their chronic illness.  Often, the need and desire to get things back to normal takes precedence over the need for a gradual recovery time.  This in turn can lead to a slide back into illness which makes the chronic illness unstable and unmanageable.

The goal should be to slowly work at getting back to normal routines, while increasing strength-all without causing a relapse.  It's necessary to pace one's self and adapt to the current circumstances.  Here are some guidelines to help move forward with the recovery and healing process after an illness or flare-up:

1.  Follow your doctor's orders in every detail.  That means, taking all medications that the doctor has prescribed, and taking the medicine in the manner prescribed.  It can be very frustrating to have to take even more medicines on top of what you already take.  But sometimes it is necessary to help you get back to being healthy and your chronic illness stabilized again.

2.  During recovery time, it's very important to eat a healthy and balanced diet.  Your body needs nutrients in order to repair and strengthen itself.  If your appetite is low, be sure to ask your doctor about taking a multivitamin.  Also be sure to drink fluids to keep your body from becoming dehydrated.

3.   Make a list of chores that need to be taken care of; look over the list, and decide what needs to be taken care of first, and what chores can wait.  This will eliminate some of the stress of being faced with a huge list of things that need to be taken care of.  You will be able to work on those chores that are most important, leaving the rest for later, when your strength has increased.

4.  Rest is a very important part of your recovery process, so be sure to listen to your body's signals.  If you are feeling tired, then take a nap, or at least sit in a comfortable chair and put your feet up for a while.  Taking a break or a nap, when you're in the recovery phase, is necessary so that you can regain strength and health.  Ignoring this signal from your body could lead to a relapse.

5.  Gradually work back into exercising.  Walking is usually a very good exercise for most everyone.  It is a gently exercise that helps to build up strength after an illness, and after you're stronger, you can get back into your regular exercise routines.

6.  Be sure to ask your family and friends for help during your illness and recovery time.  Overdoing can be very harmful to your body.  You need time to gain back strength and resilience after an illness or flare-up.  So, it's a good idea to seek assistance with the mountain of chores you may be facing after being sick.  Do the things you can, but get others to help until you're back on your feet.

7.  Finally, take care of your spirit.  Illness can have a dampening effect on the spirit.  So, be sure to read some uplifting books, listen to upbeat music, watch funny movies-do whatever will lift your spirits and bring a smile to your face!

Always discuss any changes to your health regimen with your doctor and other health care professionals, and seek further assistance if you encounter obstacles during your recovery phase.  Take very good care of yourself by listening to your body so you can regain strength and get back into your normal routine after an illness!