Understand your illness
To better understand your illness, talk to your health-care provider
Having an understanding of your illness and how it may progress over time is an important step in your illness journey. This knowledge will help you make informed decisions about your care and help you and your family plan for different possibilities.
- Ask questions about your illness, including common symptoms, pain management and the risks and benefits of different treatments.
- Find out where you are in the course of the illness and how the illness may progress over time.
- Ask about what supports are available to you and your family.
- Find out how to create an Advanced Health-Care Directive and learn how to appoint a substitute decision maker.
If you do not feel comfortable asking these questions, ask a family member or a friend to inquire on your behalf.
Investigate and seek out other sources of information
It’s important when seeking out other sources of information that you utilize reliable, credible sources. The links on the right side of this page may be helpful in connecting you with information and resources specific to certain illnesses.