by Dr. Nachiket Kulkarni
‘A friend in need is a friend in deed’. This
saying has been etched in our minds. An extension
of this philosophy is we are our owns best friend. In
an era when we are realising that most disorders
or sufferings are man made or certainly worsened
by our own actions would it not be common sense
to take Self Care.
Most Rheumatic diseases are chronic and
affect many aspects of our life. Pain is not the only
cause of suffering but the disability attached as an
extra offer! Is probably more a bigger concern. It
has been found that when a patient of these
disorders are empowered they do much better.
Seems Common Sense right!
Self Care hence forms a basic part of
treatment as important as medications may be
more!! Self care starts from understanding the
disease process. By the way the first question
should not be is it curable? It should be: Am i going
to be living a happy and functional life? Try to
discuss with your doctor about the disease
process – the worst case scenarios. Self care
starts with first shedding the fear and adjusting to
the requirements. Do not go by others experience ;
your life is your own for making. Once you are
aware of the disease process please discuss
about non pharmacological treatment options.
These encompass diet, exercise, stress
management, ergonomics and financial handling.
These aspects are YOUR RESPONSIBILITY!
Treatment is a shared decision and you need to
keep your part of the bargain to derive maximum
benifits. Your Rheumatologist is aware of how to
help around these problems. Even financial ones!
Self care requires understandingyour environment, your partner and relatives. They
need to be taken into confidence. These disorders
are not your making and hence no need on your
part to victimise yourself. Once the rules of the
games are set, the ride is easier and enjoyable.
Self care is a broader concept. It cannot be
an individual based activity but a co-ordinated
efforts of many coming together. Here is where the
role of patient support groups like ‘MAI’ become
obvious. When you are in vicinity of your fellow
brave hearts (not patients) the experience
exchange helps in solving most simple day care
problems to long term planning ones. The unity
also gives you all a legal, political and emotional
support. More importantly the bonds of friendships
become your lifelines.
My experience in Rheumatology has
helped me evolve as a person. Though i am
expected to give advice on all aspects of your
life(the medical education teaches us this) but the
efforts of my brave hearts have inspired me
everyday. Happiness is not a state of event but a
state of mind! Self care personifies this belief. This
year we explore the uncharted territory along with
science and experience to our guidance. Wish you
Happy Read!