IS ‘ATMANIRBHARTA’ (SELF-RELIANCE) A DESIRABLE TRAIT FOR THE CHRONICALLY ILL?
COVID Times are strange times.
The pandemic has made every individual acutely aware about the need to Stay Safe and Healthy. People suffering from chronic illnesses like Sjogren's syndrome, are especially concerned about their vulnerability in case of catching the dreaded infection. Everyone is actively trying to follow the recommended regime of washing hands, physical distancing and sanitization in order to maintain good health. With the fear of COVID 19 looming large and access to doctors being ‘locked’ or limited even in case of other illnesses, it is crucial to Stay Well through self-imposed measures and good luck.
During this period of Lockdown/Unlockdown, we are witnessing an infodemic of health related webinars. Social media platforms are abuzz with messages and videos promoting healthy eating, exercise, yoga and meditation. Every other person has advice on how to keep the dreaded infection at bay. Eating Healthy, taking daily doses of multivitamins, Vitamin D, Vitamin C, and Zinc tablets, drinking hot water, turmeric, sniffing dry ginger, taking Ayurvedic, Homeopathic medication, and drinking herbal teas are being recommended as ways to ward off the evil bug. Hot water gargling and steam inhalation are also increasingly being practiced. The Ayush Ministry has been promoting Immunity boosting guidelines. The erstwhile lesser known HCQ is now the ‘Talk of the Town’- being touted as THE ‘prophylactic’ for the COVID 19 infection. It even became scarce in the market leaving Rheumatic Diseases patients scampering hither and thither to find their daily dose of the life-saving drug. Although many of these measures remain as yet scientifically ‘unproven’, people are following these diktats with fanatic religiosity. Perhaps they have a prophylactic effect? Perhaps these are placebos or 'feel good' factors for having taken ‘action’ towards Staying Well? Whatever the reason…some of these measures could improve overall health.
In order to get a quick update on how our patient members were doing during these unprecedented times, Sjogren’s India did a web based meeting with some of our group members, followed by telephonic conversations with a few patients residing in small towns, cities and Metros. It was interesting to note that in this small sample of about 25 patients, two patients reported having suffered from anxiety and panic attacks due to the prevailing situation. They needed medication and professional counseling. With the exception of those whose illness is aggressive and active most chronically ill patients showed remarkable resilience in managing their day to day challenges. A few reported having rediscovered old hobbies. All patients found the lockdown physically tiring as they were required to manage all household chores. However, in most cases family members shared the burden. Professionals had to manage working from home/office too. Those in essential services categories had a tough time explaining why they were under the vulnerable category and had to resort to a lot of paperwork to get leave. One patient was on duty at a Quarantine Centre and so took extra precautions. Two patients reported temporary difficulties in obtaining HCQ. Not having access to Doctors did not seem to be a crisis situation for those patients who live in small towns. Even in non-COVID times their access is limited and they travel several hundred km to meet a Rheumatologist. However many patients were worried about missing their follow-up appointments. Those with some health issues were reluctant to move out to meet a doctor or to do the lab work.
I wonder how long people can ignore medical problems and avoid follow-up and whether this will have negative impacts on their health status?
Kirtida Oza
Sjogren's india
701 Vatsaraj
Opp. Shraddha School
Jodhpur Gam Rd.
Ahmedabad 380 015
Tel: 079 26922254
www.sjogrensindia.org
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