Persons living with chronic diseases are a good source of information and support for people who are diagnosed with chronic conditions. Most of the respondents in the survey agreed on the fact and only 25% of the respondents strongly believed in the case that people ailing from chronic diseases are the best sources of information to help those who have chronic ailments. Only few people were of the opinion that it may or may not be beneficial towards healing the chronically sick (Sharma, n.d, 1).
The reasons as to why most of the respondents agreed with the opinion that chronically ill patients are of great help in treating other patients was the fact that they have had experience in terms of suffering (Sharma, n.d, 1). They also serve examples, which people can learn from to be able to withstand chronic ailments and still lead happy lives. The other reason is that they believe that other chronically ill patients have previously experienced appropriate medications that have definitely worked for them in the past (Sharma, n.d, 1).
When chronically ill patients think they could soon die from terminal ailments, those who have survived the ailments give them hope that all is not yet lost. The other reason as to why most of the respondents think that they are the best sources of information is that they have hands on experience (Sharma, n.d, 1).
On the arguments that persons with chronic diseases are unlikely to have a fulfilling sex life, most of the respondents were of the opinion that those suffering from chronic diseases could compromise their sexual life. This could be indicated by the fact that none of the respondents said that chronic diseases might not affect their sexuality (Dixon-Mueller, 1993, p. 269). There is a research that indicates that it is possible to have a perfect sexual life despite suffering from chronic diseases. With a positive attitude, most of the people can be able to see their life in a positive manner and live longer (Dixon-Mueller, 1993, p. 269). The attitude boosts their sexual lives. Research conducted on the affected individuals reveals that some of the respondents were subjected to counseling although the rest were not (Dixon-Mueller, 1993, p. 269). It was observed that most of the respondents subjected to counseling had a perfect sexual life.
Those that were of the opinion that chronic diseases affect the sexual life of each respondent argued that stress and depression mostly affected their sexual life (Dixon-Mueller, 1993, p. 269). Such researchers argue that sexual life mostly affects once sexual response. To disapprove this, a research conducted indicated that some can be sick but have a perfect sexual life as long as their partners are willing to help them recover from the trauma (Dixon-Mueller, 1993, p. 269).
From the research, it was also unveiled that most of the respondents disagree with the hypothesis that patients suffering from chronic diseases are likely to be homebound. Those that disagreed were of the opinion that it is not a mandatory thing for them to be homebound. Homebound patients are those in critical condition as a result of the ailment; but according to the respondents, not all chronic ailments cause patients to be homebound (Sharma, n.d, 1). In addition, specialists argue that homebound patients have a lower chance of recuperating and regaining their health (Sharma, n.d, 1).
Homebound patients are mostly individuals who suffer from depression; who are normally put under home care because their condition is very critical and one that should be controlled. The controlled condition helps physicians, nurses and family members of patients to take care of them.
In conclusion, patients suffering from chronic diseases are the best sources of information and support to those suffering from chronic diseases. In addition, it is evident that suffering from chronic diseases does not affect one’s sexual life. The likelihood of subjecting patients suffering from chronic illnesses to homebound care is low and it depends on the care given by the family.
References
Dixon-Mueller, R. (1993). Survey on beliefs and feelings about chronic disease. Studies in Family Planning, 24(5), 269-282.
Sharma, V. P. (n.d). Chronic illness: what to do when you know what “it” is. Web.