“Effective” patients get the most out of medical visits and optimize their health between visits. Being an effective patient can be hard work. Exhaustion, confusion or emotions (such as fear or desire for control) can get in the way of doing the right thing. Here’s a tip:
Focus on the reason
When I was supposed to do home physical therapy exercises twice a day, I had dozens of excuses for “accidentally” missing a session. “I’m too busy today” often got the upper hand over my commitment to Healthy Survivorship.
To help motivate my adherence to the regimen, I visualized the exercises helping repair or compensate for the orthopedic problem. I thought about the day when I’d enjoy less pain and improved strength and range of motion, and how I’d be able to resume certain activities that I missed doing.
With my biweekly home infusions of immunoglobulin, I visualize a strong immune system protecting me. I remind myself of how I’m avoiding sick days that would have caused discomforts far greater than my four little needle sticks and few hours of extra tiredness.
As a Healthy Survivor, invest in learning the reasons for your healthcare team’s recommendations regarding medications, dietary restrictions, exercises, and other demanding tasks of patienthood. Find motivation by remembering the reasons. As German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsch said (with my italics added):
“He who has a why to live for
can bear almost any how.”
Illustration by Emma Mathes
Healing Hope Through and Beyond Cancer (WS Harpham; Curant House 2018)