Chronic Illness
Dear Frankie,
At my annual wellness check, the vet ordered a whole bunch of tests. Yesterday, I heard my mom talking with the vet about my test results.
I couldn’t hear everything they were saying, but I did hear something about taking pills twice a day, a change in diet, and monthly infusions. I also heard her say she had every reason to believe that once I got over the shock of having a chronic illness and had time to adjust to taking the pills and the infusions, I would be a compliant patient. She also said that she and my dad would be by my side and support me every step of the way.
She said she would discuss my condition with me in a few days when my dad got home from a fishing trip. I don’t know anyone who has chronic. Is it like cancer? Can you text me? I want to know what I have so I’m prepared when my parents talk to me.
Tino
Dear Tino,
Chronic is not an illness. Chronic means a condition that is long-lasting and doesn’t easily go away. But in some cases, it does go away with treatment. So, you might be one of the lucky ones.
Asthma and diabetes are types of chronic illnesses. Whatever your illness is, your test results last year didn’t indicate you had a disease, so it’s in its early stages and at its most treatable stage.
But for whatever time you receive treatment, following your vet’s instructions, having regular checkups, living a healthy lifestyle, and sharing your physical and mental feelings with your parents are essential.
It has been said that some of the healthiest people are those with a chronic illness because they pay attention to their bodies and take care of themselves. So, you are in good company.
Best, Frankie
© 2024 Geneva Woodruff
Comments and letters can be sent to Frankie at dearfrankiecolumn@gmail.com. The Fairhaven Neighborhood News publishes the Dear Frankie column. To receive a free online subscription, readers can email neighbnews@comcast.net, request their name be added to the email list or visit www.neighbnews.com to read the paper online or to download the latest issue.
•••
Click here to download the 09-19-24 issue: 09-19-24 PDPromotions
Support local journalism, donate to the Neighb News with PayPal
