The good news for me are that due to the events of the last few months, I ended up starting a new private practice in which I am the only physician. I am enjoying my job tremendously. My health is miraculously holding up. Due to probably being in an environment I enjoy much more, as well as my diligence in taking good care of myself. I'm sticking to a healthy diet, and I take plenty of naps. I try not to push myself too hard because I know the consequences.
The bad news is that I'm swamped with so much administrative work that I can't maintain this blog anymore. For personal reasons, I need to remove my old posts.
I do, however, have a new blog. I love my job as a psychiatrist, and I've created a new online advice column. Please take a look, and I would love to hear from you and see questions. The link is below:
advice.doctorbeheshti.com
Thank you all for the undying support that you have given me throughout my battle with this unrelenting disease. I feel blessed to have been touched by you, and hope to see you on my new blog as well.
Love, and peace,
Sayeh Beheshti, M.D.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Friday, June 1, 2012
GUEST ARTICLE
This is an article sent to me by Jenna Walters. She asked me to post it as a guest blog here, which I am happy to do. Comments are welcome as usual :)
Coping With A Chronic Illness
Living with Lyme Disease or another chronic sickness can be a frustrating experience. Between weakness, extreme fatigue, skin rashes, and other debilitating symptoms, it is understandable how one can become depressed and despondent. However, taking a few steps can improve your outlook.
First, a strong offense is a great defense. Make regular appointments with your physician and specialists to discuss any and all symptoms. If necessary, seek out alternate opinions. Follow the treatment plan you have created with your doctors, including medications, diet, and exercise. Additionally, keep abreast of current research. New medications and other
therapies are constantly being discovered. Don’t be discouraged if it takes some time to find a treatment plan that works for you. However, don’t believe everything you read and hear. Sometimes, too little information causes more damage than complete ignorance.
A verse in the Bible says hope deferred makes the heart sick. Combating despondency and discouragement will strengthen your mentality. Join a support group to find other people who are suffering in a similar manner. Reading inspirational stories of other who have overcome great obstacles can be healing and encouraging. If necessary, seek out psychiatric assistance or speak with a counselor. Often, realizing that others are going through a similar journey will bring great
comfort.
Accepting your limitations is difficult, but the sooner you do so, the quicker you can adapt to your altered lifestyle. There will be days when your health diminishes. Depression may set in. Sometimes extreme fatigue may inhibit your social life. Some people will be insensitive to your struggles. Have a plan in place for those “bad days”. This may include seeking out a friend you can vent to, viewing a funny TV. show, or listening to an audio-book. Finding ways to alleviate responsibilities workload can also be helpful. Ordering take-out, hiring someone to clean your house, and asking others for assistance are other ways to lighten your workload.
Although Lyme Disease and similar illnesses, such as Pleural Mesothelioma, can be difficult to live with, having an action plan is crucial. Chronic disease does not have to take over one’s life. You are a survivor, not a victim. Instead of succumbing to the symptoms, seek out encouragement and resources from outlets such as doctors, friends, and support groups. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Give yourself grace to accept that some days are worse than others, but you can and will lead a fulfilling life.
Coping With A Chronic Illness
Living with Lyme Disease or another chronic sickness can be a frustrating experience. Between weakness, extreme fatigue, skin rashes, and other debilitating symptoms, it is understandable how one can become depressed and despondent. However, taking a few steps can improve your outlook.
First, a strong offense is a great defense. Make regular appointments with your physician and specialists to discuss any and all symptoms. If necessary, seek out alternate opinions. Follow the treatment plan you have created with your doctors, including medications, diet, and exercise. Additionally, keep abreast of current research. New medications and other
therapies are constantly being discovered. Don’t be discouraged if it takes some time to find a treatment plan that works for you. However, don’t believe everything you read and hear. Sometimes, too little information causes more damage than complete ignorance.
A verse in the Bible says hope deferred makes the heart sick. Combating despondency and discouragement will strengthen your mentality. Join a support group to find other people who are suffering in a similar manner. Reading inspirational stories of other who have overcome great obstacles can be healing and encouraging. If necessary, seek out psychiatric assistance or speak with a counselor. Often, realizing that others are going through a similar journey will bring great
comfort.
Accepting your limitations is difficult, but the sooner you do so, the quicker you can adapt to your altered lifestyle. There will be days when your health diminishes. Depression may set in. Sometimes extreme fatigue may inhibit your social life. Some people will be insensitive to your struggles. Have a plan in place for those “bad days”. This may include seeking out a friend you can vent to, viewing a funny TV. show, or listening to an audio-book. Finding ways to alleviate responsibilities workload can also be helpful. Ordering take-out, hiring someone to clean your house, and asking others for assistance are other ways to lighten your workload.
Although Lyme Disease and similar illnesses, such as Pleural Mesothelioma, can be difficult to live with, having an action plan is crucial. Chronic disease does not have to take over one’s life. You are a survivor, not a victim. Instead of succumbing to the symptoms, seek out encouragement and resources from outlets such as doctors, friends, and support groups. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Give yourself grace to accept that some days are worse than others, but you can and will lead a fulfilling life.
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