A health care proxy and a living will are both forms of advance directives – ways to communicate how medical decisions should be made if you cannot make your own decisions.
A health care proxy (also referred to as a durable power of attorney for health care) is a document that appoints someone to make medical decisions for you, if you are in a situation where you can’t make them yourself. … Read More
When you’re diagnosed with a serious illness, it is common to have a mixture of many emotions – fear, anger, sadness, anxiety, guilt. Also, if you have had symptoms for a long time or have undergone many tests, finally “knowing the answer” may in some ways be a relief. … Read More
Medicare is insurance for people age 65 and over, those with certain chronic disabilities and people with kidney failure. Medicaid is insurance for people with very low incomes and financial resources. People ages 65 and older who have limited income and savings may qualify for both programs. … Read More
One of the first things to do when you (or a loved one) are living with a serious illness is to get informed about the benefits for which you may qualify. These include national and state programs as well as community agencies. … Read More
The diagnosis of breast cancer is a major life-changing event. Upon hearing the words “cancer” a patient as well their loved ones are thrown into a whirlwind of emotions ranging from fear, to anger, to denial, to overwhelming sadness. It is difficult enough to deal with the physical challenges of breast cancer and treatment, but the emotional impact can be an even greater burden. Patients and loved ones need a “safe place” where they can share these feelings with other people who truly understand. In addition to treating the pain and symptoms of breast cancer, palliative care also treats the stress of this serious illness. Joining a support group is often recommended. Breast cancer support groups are designed to provide a confidential atmosphere where cancer patients can share these stresses with others experiencing similar situations. … Read More
An advance directive is a legal document that ordinary people can complete to explain the kinds of medical treatments they would wish to receive, or not receive, when they can no longer speak for themselves. … Read More
Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms in patients with serious illness. While patients with any disease can experience fatigue, it has been found in as many as 90% of patients with advanced cancer. Fatigue has three main clusters of symptoms: becoming easily tired and reduced ability to maintain performance; generalized weakness; and mental fatigue, including decreased ability to concentrate and memory loss. … Read More
Physicians describe delirium as a medical condition that causes a patient’s mental status to shift back and forth (sometimes explained as “waxing and waning”). Caregivers often think of it as when their family member seems “not themselves,” either in the hospital or after they come home. Sometimes a family member who is seriously ill seems upset, agitated, combative or even psychotic. They may see things that aren’t there or mumble in ways you can’t understand. They may try to climb out of bed or want to walk without assistance, despite being very weak. Other times a family member may seem sluggish, confused or very sleepy. They may not respond to you, or may fall asleep in the middle of a sentence. All of these behaviors can be signs of delirium. … Read More
Rosemary Gibson is author of The Treatment Trap, How the Overuse of Medical Care Is Wrecking Your Health and What You Can Do to Prevent It.
Seventy million CT scans, sometimes called CAT scans, are performed every year. These and other diagnostic imaging tests provide valuable information to doctors about your medical condition and the treatment that is best for you. … Read More
In recent decades many improvements have been made in diagnostic imaging with tests such as CT scans. They help doctors diagnose serious disease and enable you to receive appropriate treatment. You can partner with your doctor to ensure you receive only the tests that will benefit you. … Read More
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