Journey Together
What are the differences?
WHAT IS A CYCLE OF SYMPTOMS?
OVERVIEW
A cycle of symptoms can intensify the impact of a chronic condition, with one symptom triggering another in no specific order. It can feel like being stuck on a never-ending ferris wheel!
Interrupting this cycle of symptoms is crucial. This website offers tools in pain management, self-management, resources, as well as "Care", "Connect", and "Create" categories.
What works for one person may not work for another, but you may find at least one thing that could help manage part of the cycle of symptoms.
Navigating the Cycle of Symptoms
1. Make Observations
3. Interrupt the cycle
1. Make Observations
For example, a person with arthritis may observe with their health care team that certain inflammatory foods increase pain and physical limitations, causing more stress.
Though they might normally be calm and thoughtful, they might experience difficult emotions, depression, or shallow breathing.
This could further disrupt sleep and energy levels, continuing the vicious cycle of symptoms. This is why taking notes on observations can help inform with data the next steps in a person's care.
2. Reduce TRIGGERS
3. Interrupt the cycle
1. Make Observations
For example, what if someone with arthritis knew their triggers and could take steps to prevent a flare-up?
They might eat anti-inflammatory foods, do stretches, and follow a pain-management plan to make things more bearable.
They could use their "tool-box" of resources for managing stress, emotions, and depression.
To fight fatigue and poor sleep, they might practice deep breathing, set healthy boundaries, and allow themselves to rest.
3. Interrupt the cycle
3. Interrupt the cycle
3. Interrupt the cycle
Each person’s experience with a chronic condition is unique, so there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for managing triggers.
What feels like a "good day" for one person could be an "unbearable day" for another.
The goal is to focus on what is within your control, to interrupt the cycle of symptoms, and engage in activities you can do that bring you joy.
This website offers a variety of tools to help manage triggers and symptoms - explore what works best for you!