Living with Chronic Illnesses of Childhood: One Family’s Journey
When a child is diagnosed with a chronic illness, it’s not just the child who is affected – the whole family changes and needs to adjust to a new way of life. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at one family’s journey with chronic illnesses, and the challenges they faced along the way.
Background on Chronic Illnesses in Children
Chronic illnesses in children include a range of conditions that last for an extended period of time, often for life. Some examples include cystic fibrosis, diabetes, and epilepsy. These illnesses can be difficult for children to cope with because they often affect their everyday life, from school to social activities. It’s estimated that around 15% of children in the US have a chronic illness, making it an issue that affects a huge number of families.
A Family’s Personal Journey with Chronic Illness
The Smiths are a family with three children, two of whom have been diagnosed with chronic illnesses – their eldest child, 11-year-old Katie, has type one diabetes, and their youngest, 6-year-old Charlie, has cystic fibrosis. For the Smiths, life with chronic illnesses is a new normal that they are still adapting to.
“When we first found out about Katie’s diabetes, we were in shock,” says Mrs. Smith. “We didn’t know how to handle it, and we were worried about what this meant for her future.”
Once Katie’s condition was under control, the Smiths thought they were finished with the stress of dealing with chronic illness. However, when their youngest child Charlie was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, they had to relearn how to manage a chronic illness all over again.
“It’s been tough,” admits Mr. Smith. “But we’ve learned to take things day by day and try to stay positive. It’s not always easy, but we have to keep moving forward.”
The Impact of Chronic Illness on Daily Life
Living with a chronic illness means that daily life can be affected by the condition. The Smiths have to work hard to keep their children’s conditions under control, which means regular doctor appointments, medication, and special diets.
“There are times when it feels like we’re living in a bubble,” says Mrs. Smith. “We have to be careful with what our kids eat, and we worry about things like infections. Our lives revolve around managing their illnesses, and sometimes it’s hard to remember what normal life was like.”
However, the Smiths have tried to maintain a sense of normalcy as much as possible. They still make time for family outings and try to include their children’s needs in their plans.
The Importance of Support
Managing chronic illnesses can be overwhelming for families – that’s why support from friends, family, and healthcare professionals is so important. The Smiths have found solace in connecting with other families who are going through similar experiences.
“It’s been really helpful to talk to other parents who know exactly what you’re going through,” says Mr. Smith. “They can offer advice and empathy in a way that other people can’t.”
The Smiths have also found support in their healthcare professionals, who have been instrumental in helping them manage their children’s conditions.
Conclusion
Living with chronic illnesses is a difficult journey for families, but it’s one that many families go through. The Smiths have learned the importance of taking things day by day, finding support where they can, and maintaining a positive outlook. While it’s not always easy, they know that they’re doing the best they can for their children.
