Always seek optimal control for chronic conditions

Medical conditions come in various forms. Some are acute and transient, while others are either recurrent or chronic. Most acute and transient conditions, like mild respiratory infections for example, only require accurate diagnosis and specific treatment. Then a cure is achieved. But some conditions will either keep recurring, or will be chronic. That means longterm control is required, otherwise the disease may become overwhelming, or even turn out fatal.

If you ever get diagnosed with a chronic condition, you must always ensure that your control is optimal. We are talking of conditions like diabetes, hypertension, chronic infections like HIV, and all manner of other conditions that are controllable but not actually curable. You should clearly understand what the condition is, and what kind of treatment keeps you well controlled. You must also be cognizant of the symptoms that might indicate poor control, and what steps to take in such situations.

Optimal care for chronic conditions is a two-way responsibility between you and your healthcare team. The healthcare team must ensure that you fully understand your medical condition. That’s where patient education comes in. Getting written information about your condition helps, in addition to easily accessible reference portals that you can look up at your convenience. You must be given a longterm care plan, with appropriate physical review intervals. Plans for alternate interventions must always be under constant review as well, in light of the ever changing medical advances.

And now your responsibilities. You must adhere to all appropriate medical advisories related to the control of your chronic conditions. You must take all the meds as directed, and adhere to the recommended doses. You must beware of the pitfalls of skipped doses, under-dosage, or even over-dosage. Never substitute prescription meds for what you might deem to be better. Attend all your review appointments. Beware of symptoms that might imply that your condition is deteriorating, and act accordingly.

If chronic conditions are well controlled, you are likely to have a good quality of life. And live the full extent of your lifespan. But the opposite is also possible. Those ignorant of optimal control of their prevailing medical conditions can end up with premature deaths. In hindsight, such deaths may have been avoidable. But that’s hardly comforting when the said individual is already dead.

So always be on your guard. Live a healthier lifestyle, which may steer you away from preventable chronic conditions. Get yourself screened for appropriate conditions commensurate to your prevailing circumstances. Ensure that your healthcare team are doing their best to keep you optimally controlled for whatever conditions you might harbor. And play your part so well that the chances of ever getting sub-optimal care are minimized.

Dr Alfred Murage is a Consultant Gynecologist and Fertility Specialist. amurage@mygyno.co.ke