Today is World Health Day. The theme this year is celebrating the work of those who care for patients, such as partners, nurses, and midwives. While carers are always critical to the foundations of our healthcare system, it’s particularly important to recognize their essential jobs now, as they serve on the frontlines in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
In honor of World Health Day, we take a look at how care partners are indispensable pieces of the puzzle when it comes to patients who have, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), atopic dermatitis (AD), and multiple sclerosis (MS).
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
IBD characterizes a group of intestinal disorders that cause inflammation of the digestive tract. The two most common kinds of IBD are ulcerative colitis, which involves inflammation of the large intestine, and Crohn’s disease, which involves inflammation in any part of the digestive tract, though it mostly affects a small portion of the small intestine. People with IBD normally experience symptoms like diarrhea, bleeding ulcers, stomach pain, cramping, and weight loss.
Having an IBD can cause great anxiety and stress. People who care for IBD patients are there to act as a sympathetic, honest, and proactive support system. For example, a caregiver is able to help with flare ups by encouraging a patient to avoid certain foods and keep a food diary. Symptoms can escalate out of nowhere — caregivers and partners are always close by to provide emotional (and sometimes physical) support in these times. Partners can also play a major role in joining the fight to raise awareness about the various IBDs.
If you're interested in connecting with IBD clinical trial options, click here:
Atopic dermatitis (AD)
AD is the most common type of eczema, and is characterized as a red, itchy rash that appears in multiple spots on the body. AD is a chronic condition that never fully goes away — it gets better or worse at times.
Partners can play an instrumental role in helping someone who lives with AD feel supported. A partner knows how to ask the right questions, such as “How are you doing?” and “Is there any way I can help?” Friends, partners, and caregivers should let a person with AD lead the conversation about their experience with their condition. AD requires a lot of self-care, but a partner can help be mindful of things like allergens or animals, which can cause flare-ups.
One of the most difficult things for people living with AD is the fear, confusion, and gawking of strangers when they’re in public. This can lead to stress, which is sometimes connected to eczema flare-ups. A partner takes someone for who they are and understands compassion in these kinds of situations.
If you're interested in connecting with AD clinical trial options, click here:
Multiple sclerosis (MS)
MS is a chronic illness that impacts your central nervous system, including your brain and spinal cord, and optic nerves. Common symptoms include fatigue, difficulty walking, numbness, and difficulty with vision. While there is no cure for MS at the moment, treatment options do exist.
Receiving a MS diagnosis can be a very emotional event. In “7 things you need to know if you have multiple sclerosis”, we emphasize a few of the most important messages to keep in mind throughout your experience with MS, such as that no two people experience MS in the same way. Some individuals might feel a sense of comfort in finally unveiling the cause behind their unexplainable symptoms, but others might feel alone with nowhere to turn. Regardless, it’s important for loved ones to help newly-diagnosed patients through the journey.
In “How care partners can help newly-diagnosed MS patients,” we highlight three key ways that care partners can be there for their newly-diagnosed loved ones: be supportive, connect with communities, and develop a plan.
After many tests, Chuck Rajewski (husband of Ronda Rajewski, Antidote’s very own Senior Patient Liaison Manager) was diagnosed with MS. In “Antidote anecdotes: A conversation with an MS care partner,” we spoke with Ronda about her experience as a partner who cares for a person with MS.
