How A Doctor And A TB Patient’s Family Help In His Cure

On the occasion of the World TB Day; 24^th March 2010, aiming at eradication of TB by innovative and accelerated action, it is right that we understand the emotional and health aspects of those afflicted by this deadly disease and enable them to live a happy and healthy life. TB is a contagious disease, but once it is diagnosed and the medications are started the day is not far when the patient will not communicate this disease and he will be perfectly cured and could lead a life like you and me. 

The treatment of tuberculosis starts first with the contact of the patient with the doctor. It is best for doctors to involve the patient in his treatment by discussing his treatment plan with him and all the choices and possibilities, which would make the patient feel involved in his treatment and make him have control of the treatment. So the doctor has to set a one-to one relationship with the patient in this long-term treatment. Yes, creating a positive attitude in the patient with emotional support and faith on his part could go a long way towards the success of the treatment.

The patient’s involvement and responsibility is vital in the cure of tuberculosis. It is best to educate the patient about certain symptoms that require immediate attention. It is best for the doctor to build faith and belief in the patient so that he does not ignore telling him any of the symptoms he experiences. Some symptoms like fatigue, tiredness, need for more rest and nutrition may be due to the nature of the disease tuberculosis. Some may be due to the effect of the medications that are quite strong.

Also, a tuberculosis patient may experience symptoms of being extremely debilitated, depressed or may even lose faith in living. These symptoms may be caused due to medications or due to the attitude of society towards them. Yes, tuberculosis patients are shunned in society and there is no end of tales that people talk of them. Since tuberculosis is a disease caused by lack of hygiene or cleanliness there is every chance that these patients of tuberculosis are shunned.

In a male dominated society there have been instances where women have been divorced and kept away from their children because they have contracted TB. They have been pushed out of their houses and not being given proper treatment and care. However this is not the attitude one should adopt because TB is curable and would not cause any complications in future if one took ones medications to full term and had a well-balanced diet.

However a tuberculosis patient can follow the right attitude by transferring his faith to his doctor or to others who may be in a position to help him. When one experiences faith and belief in his treatment and is patient to have his medicines full-term he is sure to be cured.  Group faith healing sessions can play a vital role in developing and maintaining a positive attitude.

Yes, a patient afflicted by TB, need not fear the stigma attached to such diseases. He should with the help of his family maintain the medical files and reports to ensure good and effective treatment. The patient’s family can play an integral role in removing fear of disclosure of correct information. This is very important because tuberculosis affects a person’s immune system, which requires immediate intervention. 

The family plays a vital role in supporting the patient’s treatment not only monetarily but also emotionally. It is their role to not remind the patient undergoing treatment for tuberculosis to his poor attitude to hygiene and cleanliness. Instead the family should play a vital role in giving medicines to the TB patient regularly, not complain of the financial strain experienced and help him get back soon to normal health with effective cure from TB.

To conclude a doctor patient relationship plays a vital role in creating faith and belief in the patient that he can get cured fast. This is sure to help him cooperate in faith healing methods and is sure to empower him to maintain complete information and records. A TB patient’s family can play a vital role in initiating prompt action in case of emergencies. The family can help by providing emotional support and building a positive attitude for the patient to feel responsible for his TB treatment.