9 Things to Do After Receiving a Diagnosis
Receiving a health diagnosis can come with a number of emotions — maybe you feel relieved, shocked, overwhelmed… or some combination of the three. There’s no right way to receive news about your health. But taking steps to 1) process how you’re feeling and 2) plan for how your life may change can drastically lighten the burden that is a chronic health condition. Having served patients from all walks of life, all undergoing unique treatment journeys, our team has compiled 9 tips for what to do after receiving a diagnosis.
01 Educate yourself
Hopefully, your health care team was able to inform you about your condition and point you towards some reputable resources for you to explore on your own. Take advantage of these resources, do some research of your own, and reach out to people you know who may have experienced something similar. The more you know, the more you will be able to advocate for yourself during your treatment process.
02 Find a doctor or treatment center you trust
Your primary care physician may refer you to a specialist to take over your care. Make sure to research credentials, check hospital affiliations, and read up on patient reviews. It’s imperative that your care is in the hands of someone/somewhere you trust. Don’t be afraid to schedule consultations with various care providers, and in the end, make sure to trust your instincts. Ask yourself “does this person make me feel comfortable and confident in their abilities and treatment style?”
03 Build a support system
Managing your condition can take its toll — not just physically, but also mentally and emotionally. Be proactive by reaching out to people within your circle, family and friends, who will be able to support you throughout your journey. Support groups are another way to find emotional solace from people who can understand what you’re going through on a deeper level. You can often find support groups through your hospital or clinic.
04 Be involved
Make sure your voice is heard as your care team discusses treatment options. Ask questions and consider how different approaches will affect your life, your goals, and what’s important to you. Being an active member of your team will help ensure that you land on the plan that best suits your personal needs.
05 Prepare for physical changes
Many treatments can cause hair loss, weight gain/loss, changes in skin, and other physical side effects. You can be ready for these changes by researching and investing in products or services that may make you feel more comfortable. Some examples include wigs, compression garments, or skin care products.
06 Plan for logistics
Most aspects of treatment you’ll figure out as you go. But it can be helpful to coordinate the things you are aware of somewhat in advance. For instance, if you’re given a general schedule for doctor’s visits and treatment sessions, you can consider planning things like transportation, time off work, child care, extra household support, etc.
07 Prepare for side effects
Depending on your treatment, your care team may be able to prepare you on what side effects you may experience and how to best manage them.
One of the best ways to get ahead of your side effects is to start tracking your symptoms and activities in Wave Health App. By consistently tracking important treatment experiences, Wave will provide you with insights that correlate your side effects with your lifestyle and other factors. With this information, you may be able to alleviate and avoid side effects with much less trial-and-error.
08 Get organized
Consider how you will keep track of all of your important health matters — such as appointments, test results, medications, and food/water intake. Research different types of planners, calendars, and mobile tools like Wave Health App. If accessibility and ease-of-use are important to you, Wave Health could be a good option.
09 Stay positive
Preparing for treatment can quickly become an all-consuming task! Remember to also focus on the things that bring you joy and a sense of purpose. Take care of your psychological well being. One way to do this is to prioritize and plan out self care activities where you’re able to mentally detach from your diagnosis for a bit.
Being diagnosed with a serious health condition can make it feel like you lack control… Our goal with providing you with these tips is to change that. There are things you can do to educate yourself and be proactive in the face of what’s to come. Finally, remember that you’re not alone. There are others going through similar experiences and tools, like Wave, designed to help you through your journey. You’ve got this!
