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    7 Steps to Living Well with a Chronic Illness
    7 Steps to Living Well with a Chronic Illness
    7 Steps to Living Well with a Chronic Illness
    Ebook97 pages57 minutes

    7 Steps to Living Well with a Chronic Illness

    By Matt Cavallo

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    About this ebook

    Nearly 1 in 2 Americans live with a chronic illness. 7 Steps to Living Well with a Chronic Illness was written by a real patient as a resource for others patients and their caregivers who need help navigating the healthcare system, relationships, emotions, and other areas of life that are impacted by chronic illness. This book delivers simple, easy to follow steps, as well as, personal examples from the author’s life to help readers live their best life.

    Testimonials

    “Matt has a unique ability to take his journey and make it personal to his audience. His inner strength is highly contagious.”
    -Laurent P., Massachusetts

    “I was feeling extremely defeated with my health. Then I started following Matt Cavallo and it was the best choice ever made. He is truly uplifting and inspiring to others.”
    -Denna A., Alabama

    “I found Matt when I was looking for help for my dad. While I was looking for support for my dad, what was invaluable was the help Matt gave me in coping with my father's condition.”
    -Lisa R., Arizona

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherMatt Cavallo
    Release dateMay 4, 2014
    ISBN9781499141047
    7 Steps to Living Well with a Chronic Illness
    Author

    Matt Cavallo

    Matt Cavallo is a passionate patient advocate who dedicates his life to the fight against Multiple Sclerosis. Matt has delivered motivational patient experience lectures all over the country for a variety of Multiple Sclerosis patient events. Matt has also appeared in a MS yoga DVD which is free for MS patients. Matt is active with MS charities and appeared in a documentary about the future of MS for the MS Cure Fund. Matt also worked for a Neuroscience Clinic, helping patients like himself every day. He recently finished his Master of Science in Health Care Informatics. Matt is also the proud father of Mason and Colby, the loving husband to his wife Jocelyn and the best friend of his dog, Ted.

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      Book preview

      7 Steps to Living Well with a Chronic Illness - Matt Cavallo

      7 Steps to Living Your Best Life with a Chronic Illness

      By: Matt Cavallo

      This is dedicated to the patients, caregivers, practitioners and lives affected by a chronic illness.

      Published by: Four Horse Enterprises, LLC

      Copyright 2014 Matt Cavallo

      Smashwords Edition

      For Jocelyn, thank you for standing next to me every step of the way.

      For Mason and Colby, one day may this better help you understand who your dad was.

      And Ted, thank you for making sure I keep my promise.

      Table of Contents

      Introduction

      Step 1: Make yourself an Expert on YOU

      Step 2: Become a Financial Expert

      Step 3: Learn to Communicate Effectively

      Step 4: De-clutter Your Life

      Step 5: Get Your Emotions in Check

      Step 6: Discover Your New Purpose

      Step 7: Allow Joy into Your Life

      About the Author

      Connect With Matt Online

      Introduction

      Chronic Illness is defined as an illness that can be controlled but not cured. Nearly 1 in 2 Americans (133 million) is living with a chronic illness. I am one of those 133 million Americans. At the age of 28 years old, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Seemingly overnight, I experienced a transformation from a fully-functioning and healthy man to someone who was numb from the waist down and unable to walk. I was inundated with medical information about my disease, appointments with doctors, specialist and therapists and quickly accumulating medical bills.

      I have to admit, I was terrified. I thought that my life was over. I thought that I was going to lose my job, my house, and everything I had worked so hard to obtain. I also feared that I would lose my friends, that my family would think of me differently and that eventually the strain of my illness would be more than my wife could bear and she would leave me.

      No matter how my friends and family tried to comfort me, I felt so isolated and alone. No one had the right words to say. I was content to push everyone away, so that I could dwell in my own misery. I felt like I had nowhere to turn to and no one would understand. I retreated into a hibernation mode where I slept the days away. As I struggled to come to terms with my diagnosis, I fell further into the throws of depression.

      At the time, I didn’t know about resources available to help me overcome the fears and struggles that I faced when I was newly diagnosed with a chronic illness. I didn’t understand the healthcare system. I didn’t know the right questions to ask the doctors. I didn’t even know what kind of specialists I should have follow my condition.

      After months of depression, I realized that something needed to change. I started to realize that healthcare is a system and has a process that must be followed. I thought that if I mastered that process, I would be able to take advantage of the healthcare system and get the maximum benefit and hopefully that would lead to better personal health outcomes. I also learned that the three hardest words to say are, I need help.

      This book is the help that you need. In this book, I will share my experience and the steps that I have taken to LIVE MY BEST LIFE with a chronic illness. Through this book, you will be better prepared to manage your chronic illness and enjoy life.

      Step 1

      Make yourself an Expert on YOU

      In order to make yourself an expert on any subject, you first need education. This is definitely the case when you have a chronic illness. Educating yourself during this time will allow you to take charge of your situation. Not only do you need to gather information on your disease and treatments, but also, on your own unique health status, your health providers, your health insurance policy, and alternative treatment options.

      The Internet provides a wealth of information on chronic illnesses, symptoms and treatments. Many of these websites provide useful information, however, you should go over all information with medical professionals to avoid misinformation.

      Consult your physician

      Once you are diagnosed, consult with your physician to help you identify your symptoms. You will most likely have a million and one thoughts running through your head when you are diagnosed. Those first doctor’s appointments are extremely important times for you to gather information on your disease and treatment options.

      I suggest writing down your questions ahead of time and bringing a spouse, family member or trusted friend to those appointments to help you record the answers and to make sure that all of your questions are answered.

      Here are some examples of helpful questions to bring to your doctor’s appointment:

      What is my diagnosis?

      What are my treatment options?

      What are the benefits of each option?

      What are the side effects of each option?

      Will I need additional testing?

      What is the test for?

      What will the results tell me?

      What will the medicine you are prescribing do?

      How do I take it?

      Are there any side effects?

      Do I need to change my daily routine?

      What is my next step?

      (If surgery is required) Why do I need surgery?

      Are there other ways to treat my condition?

      How often do you perform this surgery?

      During this appointment, ask for additional resources (written instructions, brochures, videos, or Web sites) that may help you learn more. The more information and education you receive the more prepared you will be for the next steps.

      I remember my first doctor visit for what would be my MS diagnosis back in 2005. My doctor had referred me to the neurologist. Instead of asking the doctor to write down the probable diagnosis, so that I could discuss my condition with my wife and family prior to the neurology appointment, I nodded my head politely told the doctor that I would schedule a follow up with

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