When life changes with multiple morbidity

If you have more than one chronic disease, doctors call this ‘multiple morbidities’. It can be hard to get used to the thought that you have become ill especially if you’ve always managed for yourself. Being diagnosed with a disease that you have to live with for a long time it can feel overwhelming. Perhaps there are things you can't do any more. There may be concerns about how the disease will develop. You may feel a loss of control over your life. This is how many people with chronic diseases feel at the beginning. Life with multiple morbidities may require some changes in your everyday life. Although there may be limitations, there can still be things that bring joy and quality of life. Perhaps just in a different way than before. You need treatment that takes account of your different diagnoses. It’s important that someone maintains an overview when you go to several doctors or treatment centres. The best medicine for one disease may need to be avoided because you have another illness. You can always ask your own doctor to be the coordinator. It often takes time to settle into a new situation. If you have serious concerns about the future, you should know that this is completely normal. It can help to focus on the things that are still important and possible for you. Assistive devices and practical help to meet your needs can give you greater peace of mind and more energy in your everyday life. Some people with multiple diseases also experience that they have actually been quite afraid for a long time. When they have a doctor who takes responsibility for coordinating treatment with a better overview, this comes as a great relief. This makes it easier to make plans that last. And you can let go of some of the worries. You can learn more about multiple morbidity in the other films here on the Health Profile.