Multiple chronic conditions, often shortened to the acronym—MCC—describe when someone is living with two or more chronic conditions at the same time. This can pose a unique challenge when it comes to management and treatment.
A research brief from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that back in 2012, more than 25.5% of US adults had multiple diagnosed chronic conditions.
Newer statistics show that the number of people living with MCC has grown. Recent data has shown that the number has grown to over a quarter, at 27.2%, with MCC being most prevalent for women, non-Hispanic white adults, and older adults.
If you’re someone that been diagnosed with multiple chronic conditions, it’s more than likely you’ll need professional support. Healthcare providers, like nurse practitioners who have studied online DNP FNP programs, can help provide treatment and management tips for MCC.
What are chronic conditions?
Chronic conditions, which also encompasses chronic disease and illnesses, are the leading cause of illness, disability, and death in America. Statistics show that as many as 6 in 10 Americans have at least one chronic disease, while 4 in 10 have two or more.
The term ‘chronic disease’ is defined broadly as conditions that last for a year or more and require ongoing medical attention and/or limit daily living activities. Examples of common chronic diseases include:
- Heart disease
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Arthritis
- Depression
- Osteoporosis
- Endometriosis
Chronic conditions can range from illnesses that impact physical health to ailments that affect mental health. Living with a chronic condition in itself can also impact emotional well-being, especially if you have two or more.
When you’re living with multiple chronic conditions, management and treatment pose special problems. This article will cover how to live with the effects of the illness, and treatments, effectively communicating with your care team, and maintaining your emotional health.
Educate yourself as much as possible
The first step to living with multiple chronic conditions is to learn as much as possible about your illnesses. The symptoms, treatment options, and outlook vary greatly depending on the chronic illness.
For example, management and treatment for depression are different from having diabetes. Educate yourself as much as possible on the illnesses you’ve been diagnosed with, and also chat with your healthcare provider about treatment options and expectations.
Understanding the outlook of your chronic illness will help you manage expectations, plan ahead, and estimate treatment costs. During this stage, it’s also important to set up a strong support network, whether it be friends or family.
Keep a health journal
Personal health journals (sometimes called a health diary) can be a great way to keep track of your health, and any changes in your conditions. The journal can also be a useful tool when communicating with your doctor and other healthcare professionals.
When creating your health journal, we recommend considering information on:
- The chronic illnesses and any related important information.
- All the medications/supplements you need to take, including dosage.
- A list of all previous and upcoming surgeries/procedures.
- Information about your medical history and your family’s medical history.
- Emergency contact information.
The health journal should also be used to monitor symptoms daily, so you can track if there are any changes. If you can, accessing your medical records can make filling out the health journal easier.
Communicate with your healthcare team
When you live with a chronic condition, especially two or more, building a strong rapport with your healthcare provider is important. Healthcare providers play a different role when it comes to a long-term condition, compared to a short-term illness.
Healthcare providers, whether it be your GP, a psychologist, or a physiotherapist, will play a crucial role in helping you manage your condition long-term. They will also be more involved when it comes to decisions that could impact your lifestyle.
So, when it comes to how to best manage MCC—a strong relationship with your healthcare providers and building a team is essential. Everyone deserves access to a healthcare provider(s) that:
- Makes them feel comfortable and heard during appointments
- Treats them with respect and dignity
- Are willing to work with them to find the best treatment and management options long-term
MCC and the future
When it comes to living with multiple chronic conditions, health journals, a strong support network, and a proactive healthcare team can make a world of difference. It’s also important to remember that your emotional well-being is just as important as your physical health.
With the right care, many chronic illnesses can be treatable and/or manageable. If you’re struggling with MCC, we recommend looking into support services. Awareness of multiple chronic conditions has been growing, with research and resources improving every year.
