By Darren Buford
Originally published in Body Sense magazine, Spring/Summer 2006.
Being diagnosed with a chronic illness can lead to a bevy of emotions, including denial, anger, confusion, and depression. To help with this possibly difficult time, the United States Department of Health and Human Services has created a website titled Next Steps After Your Diagnosis: Finding Information and Support. Included are support-group locators, phone numbers for health information, 10 important questions to ask your doctor, clinical trials, and outcome research. To learn more, visit www.ahrq.gov/consumer/diaginfo.htm. A free copy of the information can be obtained by calling 800/358-9295.