Chronic diseases and responsibility: am I responsible for my health?

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Somya.P

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06/10/2025 at 15:29

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Somya.P

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Hello everyone 🌸, how are you?

@Lizzie @sandiew @flo1960 @Jmann111 @Yank34 @pickles48 @Scoomoo @Fingers21 @sadsack @Peggylea @labazs @chelle1503 @BAZWHEAT @Topaz13 @Juliette @susiep @robjmckinney @Silverlady @Roo1978 @Chriss @MrsELarkin @Stemosh @Shazyanne @fernster @jamesm @Pete56 @Charlotte777 @marion56 @Pippadog @millerkaren @Tigger.co.uk @mjteddy @happylad1970 @KPangela @Jonbon31 @whitecross1955 @Dolphin74 @Popbabe @mikesalmons @Catherine24 @Lin1954 @Jansk1 @neilcardiff @Mandy59 @Zante25 @Eldaflower @Devondeb1969 @Alilaw @Bettyblue10 @VICKICOFFEY @Mikejohn @gerriplayer @hinapar @lesmal @cjmmytunes @chrissie2018 @kilveboy @judahtwo @Greeny @Carlfish @Harrogate26 @Clare40 @Dangermouse @redders01 @annpmunday @Kithale @Poppy101 @Elegance12 @Daz123 @Rosetta @Colette1961 @Ajwilso @Libby1273 @YorkshireJayne @TheMagpie @JillAK @SunshineW @Littlebo @NannasGirl1982 @Gilliank @Elk217015 @Johnny1970 @Mamanne @Somya.P @marymack @gmorlet @Dill007 @StemCell07 @mickyf @baggieboy @Philliscouse @MP2021 @Michelle260990 @shirleyglvins @adrinalbiya

Many people wonder whether certain lifestyle choices, diets, or habits can aggravate a chronic illness. But is it fair to blame patients?

Do you think we are sometimes responsible for our own health?
Have you ever felt guilty about your illness?
Should we blame patients or question the healthcare system?

Feel free to share your honest opinions, even if they are provocative 🤔

Have a great day,
Somya from the Carenity team 🌞

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Silverlady

06/10/2025 at 15:42

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Silverlady

Last activity on 24/02/2026 at 19:03

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Living in a small village , it isn’t always possible to buy really fresh fruit and vegetables , and having to travel to towns a few miles away it isn’t always possible to keep things fresh and make them last , I find this so , as much as I try not always able to eat a balanced diet , when I am able I like the produce from the markets , my favourite is fresh beetroot .

Chronic diseases and responsibility: am I responsible for my health? https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/good-to-know/chronic-diseases-and-responsibility-am-i-respo-5841 2025-10-06 15:42:16

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Somya.P

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07/10/2025 at 09:27

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Somya.P

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@Silverlady Hi,

It sounds like you’re really making the effort to eat well despite the challenges of village life — that’s admirable! Fresh markets do make such a difference, and beetroot is such a versatile and tasty choice. 🌱

Do you have any tips for keeping fruit and vegetables fresh for longer when you can’t get to the market often? Are there any other seasonal favourites you enjoy picking up when you can? And for those living in rural areas, how do you manage to eat a balanced diet with limited local options?

Have a great day,
Somya from the Carenity Team

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BAZWHEAT

06/10/2025 at 16:22

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Yes.

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bazwheat

VICKICOFFEY

06/10/2025 at 16:25

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VICKICOFFEY

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I do feel we are responsible or our own health

I think it all depends on the illness. I know people that are diabetic but continue to eat sugary candies/food etc. Or people with heart problems that continue to eat fatty foods In this cases, yes--they are responsible.

The patients are to blame in most situations. Why would the healthcare system be questioned when people dont care enough to do what they are instructed to do by the doctors? JMHO

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Somya.P

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07/10/2025 at 09:28

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Somya.P

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@VICKICOFFEY Hi,

You raise an interesting point about personal responsibility in managing health — it’s true that following medical advice can make a big difference. At the same time, many factors can affect someone’s ability to stick to recommendations, from stress and mental health to access to healthy food or support networks.

How do you think healthcare systems could better support patients in making healthier choices? Have you seen examples where people manage chronic conditions really well despite challenges? And for others reading, what strategies do you use to stay on track with your health?

Have a great day,
Somya from the Carenity Team

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VICKICOFFEY

Edited on 23/02/2026 at 15:42

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@Somya.P I personally feel unless I request assistance from the healthcare system for help, its not up to them--(IF you are referring to the healthcare system as being Insurance companies). The healthcare system/Insurance companies are in it for the money, NOT the welfare of its customers/patients--and, unfortunately, some doctors are as well...

I manage my chronic pain pretty well between myself and my pain doctor. Just because a Dr makes a recommendation, that doesn't mean you have to abide by it. Do your own due diligence on the matter. I also use common sense as to what I am able to do and not do. NO ONE will be watch out for your best interest except for you. We are responsible for our own health/well being. No one knows our body except for us.

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lesmal

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09/10/2025 at 16:33

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It is vital to be responsible for one's own health. The doctors and neurologist can give medication and advice, but as a patient one knows how ones body reacts.

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Les

redders01

11/10/2025 at 23:01

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redders01

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I have to look after my mom's healthcare besides my own, she is bed bound so being truthful my healthcare has gone down further than the stock market, I have cholesterol of 6.9, just had abnormal blood test results in Liver and Bone, Urea and Electrolytes, iron and another one but Drs don't tell me I have to look at my records to find out, a consultant who is not listening at all to me and keeping me on dopamine tablets even tho I am augmenting on them seriously bad, sleep 3/7 nights, and more, so other than that life is a ball.

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Somya.P

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03/11/2025 at 14:55

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Somya.P

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@redders01 That sounds unbelievably hard and overwhelming. 💛 Do you have any support, maybe from a caregiver service or a friend who can step in once in a while so you can rest? And have you considered asking your GP for a medication review, since you mentioned the dopamine tablets aren’t working well anymore?

Somya from the Carenity team 🌼

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graingers

22/02/2026 at 16:07

graingers

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Yes my lifestyle has caused my illness,smoking,drinking,lack of outdoor activity which I hope to change but when is the problem.Im a retiree at 79 but still got all my functions so will hopefully change to a better lifestyle.

Chronic diseases and responsibility: am I responsible for my health?

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