NEPA Vital Signs - Summer Fall 2017 - 10

LACKMEDSOC.ORG

Feature

Autoimmunity Hits Home
s we spend this issue of NEPA Vital
Signs focusing on family matters, I
am reminded that the impacts of
rheumatolgic diseases reach beyond the
patient in my exam room. Most musculoskeletal problems impact a patient's ability
to perform certain activities. For some with
more severe disease, simple tasks, like
personal hygiene or preparing and eating a
meal, become too difficult for a patient to do
without assistance. This is often when family
members become aware of a problem or the
severity of the problem. Helping care for
someone with arthritis can be quite involved.
Loved ones play a critical role in the
management of rheumatologic conditions,
providing both physical and emotional
support. Modifications to the home are
frequently needed to provide a safe environment. Adjustments to personal schedules

must be considered to ensure a patient can
get to his or her health care appointments.
Gaining education related to the diagnosis
to help navigate the lofty decision-making
processes is crucial as the management often
includes lab testing, medications, surgery or
other therapies. Family members may need
to administer injections at home, which can
be very intimidating for someone without
a medical background.
Along with concern for their loved one,
most family members have personal concerns about their own health and whether
they will become affected by similar symptoms. Many question testing they can have
done or lifestyle changes that can be modified to help lower their risks for developing
problems. Some may feel overwhelmed at
times and need to form a support network
of their own, particular family members who

may be providing the majority of the care
for a patient with complex health issues.
As daunting as all of this initially appears,
always remember that you are never alone
when it comes to your health. Many of these
concerns are not unique to rheumatology.
Your health care providers can answer your
questions and provide resources for information and possible assistance programs.
Working as a team ensures we consider all
aspects involved in managing rheumatologic diseases. We share a common goal
- improving quality of life and outcomes
for our loved ones.
CHAD P. WALKER, D.O., F.A.C.R.,
is a rheumatologist. He practices with
Professional Orthopaedic Associates in
Scranton. He is LCMS's President-Elect
and serves as the Third District Trustee to
the PA Medical Society's Board of Trustees.

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PATHOLOGY

ISSUE: 1706
ORG/PUB: NEPA Vital Signs

N E PA

10

VITAL SIGNS
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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of NEPA Vital Signs - Summer Fall 2017
