Be active

 

The absolute majority of problems, including those caused by advanced states of an incurable disease, can be effectively moderated. Even though activity, the overall physical fitness and the functioning of the sick organs must worsen as the sickness advances, space for life remains.

So strive for activity and make use of time even as it is disappearing. Fulfill your lifelong wishes. It is never too late for interesting experiences, reflection, memories, understanding meaning, for communication, reconciliation and for many other small everyday activities and joys. Maybe you yourself have met people in pain who are smiling even though they are experiencing all the difficulties of an advanced sickness and have something to look forward to, and are able even to think about the needs of others. Try to give meaning, perspective, content and structure to your time.

If you think you are suffering from a serious terminal disease put your personal and property relations in order. Make the decision beforehand about how you wish your relatives to proceed in specific situations. Express your wishes unambiguously concerning the medical processes in situations that may occur – for instance resuscitation, postponing death through artificial nutrition or connection to life-support machines.

Strive for dignity and fight against the loss of personality and character – both the patient’s and as their relative. Maintain and demand human respect and autonomy. Preserving dignity is just as high and attainable goal of treatment and activity of health workers as the amelioration of pain or other physical difficulties.

Strive to share. Try as much as you can to communicate and observe the activity around you and the life away from the sickness.

Fulfill small wishes and allow yourself small joys. If it does not tire you too much, invite friends and talk to them about everything that comes to your mind –general things, your present problems or just ordinary things. Visit places that you would like to see. Do not close yourselves into the sickness.

See also these links:

• Communicate with people around you
• Learn to communicate with health workers  
• Coping with pain
• Coping with physical difficulties
• Coping with psychological difficulties
• Good departure

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