Chronic Disease

Chronic diseases can affect you for years, and many have no cure. However, with expert medical help, you can live a happy, fulfilled life despite your health problems. Teresa James APRN, C-NP Health & Wellness, LLC provides comprehensive chronic disease management services for adults living and working in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Teresa has years of experience supporting patients with chronic diseases ranging from diabetes to mental health problems. To benefit from her expertise, call the office of Teresa James APRN, C-NP Health & Wellness, LLC today or book an appointment online.

What are chronic diseases?

Chronic diseases are any conditions that cause long-term health problems. A disease becomes chronic if it persists for more than three months, but many people have chronic conditions that last many years and often a lifetime.

Teresa James APRN, C-NP Health & Wellness, LLC sees patients with a variety of chronic diseases, including:

• Arthritis
• Diabetes
• Asthma
• Cancer
• Heart disease
• Mental health disorders
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
• Dementia
• High cholesterol

People frequently have more than one chronic illness, especially as they age. Teresa is available for patients needing advice and support with any aspect of their chronic disease.

What problems do chronic diseases cause?

Chronic diseases can cause a wide variety of problems, depending on which conditions affect you. One of the most common problems is pain, which is often difficult to control and requires expert management. Other chronic disease symptoms include:

• Weakness
• Loss of function
• Stiffness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Constipation and diarrhea
• Headaches
• Difficulty sleeping
• Faintness and lightheadedness
• Problems thinking clearly
• Memory challenges
• Depression
• Weight changes

Teresa can help reduce the effect of these issues on your quality of life with her expertise in chronic disease management.

How are chronic diseases managed?

Teresa designs each patient’s chronic disease management plan according to their personal requirements. The contents of your plan vary according to factors like the nature of your condition, age, medical history, and lifestyle. Key areas your chronic disease management plan is likely to cover include:

Treatment

Teresa can coordinate all the treatments you might need for your chronic disease, from physical and occupational therapy to stress management and counseling.

Routine checkups

Regular physical exams involve checking your vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, etc.) and reviewing how you’re managing your chronic disease. Teresa talks to you about any difficulties you’re experiencing.

Some conditions require specific evaluations, for example, a foot check if you have diabetes or filling in a mental health screening questionnaire.

Tests

You’re likely to need some routine tests at intervals when you have a chronic disease. For instance, Teresa might check the quantity of glucose in your blood if you have diabetes or monitor your cholesterol levels. Tests also provide information about other health indicators, like infections, anemia, and hormone imbalances.

Medication management

Many people need several different medicines each day. Teresa offers medication management to ensure you’re on the right medicines and taking them correctly. She also monitors you for any medication side effects.

Call Teresa James APRN, C-NP Health & Wellness, LLC today or book an appointment online to benefit from expert chronic disease management.