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Some days, I write just to say thank you, to the Universe, to my body, to the journey that’s made me stronger than I ever imagined I could be. This is one of those days.
Managing multiple chronic illnesses isn’t just about taking medicine; it’s a daily act of courage and adaptation.
For me, living with a list of them has meant navigating a complex and often unpredictable health landscape:
Isaacs’ Syndrome, Lyme disease, Glaucoma, Membranous Glomerulonephritis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Diabetes, and Blood Pressure issues.
Each condition comes with its rhythm, its demands, and its own set of challenges. But amidst the chaos, one unexpected ally has emerged: technology.
Before I discovered the power of health technology, my days were filled with uncertainty. I struggled to track symptoms, remember medications, and coordinate between specialists. Each condition came with its own set of complications, and managing them manually felt overwhelming.
The Challenges I Faced Without Technology
1. No centralized health records:
I had to carry physical files to every appointment. Doctors rarely had a full picture of my health.
2. Missed symptoms and triggers:
Without symptom tracking apps, I couldn’t connect the dots between what I ate, how I felt, and when flare-ups occurred.
3. Unpredictable glucose and BP levels:
Manual monitoring was inconsistent, and I often missed critical spikes or drops.
4. Limited access to specialists:
Traveling for consultations was exhausting, especially when I was unwell.
5. Medication confusion:
Managing multiple prescriptions without reminders led to missed doses and dangerous overlaps.
6. Mental and emotional fatigue:
The stress of managing everything alone took a toll on my mental health.
The emotional toll was just as heavy. I felt isolated, frustrated, and exhausted from trying to manage everything on my own. Technology wasn’t just a convenience, it became a lifeline.
In India, access to quality healthcare is uneven, particularly outside major cities. However, digital tools, mobile apps, smart devices, and online platforms empowered me to take back control. They helped me monitor symptoms, manage medications, communicate with doctors, and even find moments of joy and independence.
This isn’t just a list of gadgets. It’s a personal journey of how tech helped me not just survive, but thrive.
Isaacs’ Syndrome: Easing the Neuromuscular Strain with Smart Support
Isaacs’ Syndrome is a rare neuromuscular disorder. It causes continuous muscle twitching, stiffness, and fatigue. It’s poorly understood, even among specialists, and in India, awareness is minimal. Everyday tasks, such as walking, cooking, or typing, can become exhausting.
While there’s no India-specific app for Isaacs’ Syndrome, I’ve found relief through general assistive technologies:
1. Voice-Controlled Smart Devices: Google Nest has been a game-changer. I use it to control lights, fans, and even play calming music. These devices are widely available online and in electronics stores across India.
2. Physiotherapy Apps: Guided exercise apps like PT Timer and Pocket Physio help me follow routines at home, reducing stiffness and improving mobility.
These tools don’t cure Isaacs’ Syndrome, but they reduce the friction of daily life, and that’s a win I’ll take any day.
Lyme Disease: Making the Invisible Visible
Lyme disease is often misdiagnosed in India, and awareness is frustratingly low. Fatigue, joint pain, and brain fog are constant companions. Managing it requires vigilance and self-awareness.
Here’s what’s helped me:
1. Symptom Tracker Apps: I use Bearable to log symptoms, medications, and mood. Over time, I’ve spotted patterns that help me prepare for doctor visits and adjust my lifestyle.
2. Teleconsultation Platforms: Practo and Tata Health have allowed me to consult specialists remotely. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when my treating doctor was unavailable, these platforms were lifesavers.
Lyme may be invisible to others, but tech helped me make it visible to myself and my doctors.
Glaucoma: Seeing Through Smart Solutions
Glaucoma affects my peripheral vision and requires constant monitoring of intraocular pressure. In urban India, eye care is accessible, but tech adds an extra layer of safety and convenience.
1. Smart Lighting: I’ve installed motion-sensor LED lights throughout my home. They reduce the risk of falls and minimize eye strain, especially at night.
2. Voice Assistants: Google Assistant reads messages aloud, sets reminders, and even helps me navigate apps without needing to stare at a screen.
These small adjustments have made a big difference in preserving my independence.
Membranous Glomerulonephritis: Kidney Care in the Digital Age
Managing a rare kidney condition like Membranous Glomerulonephritis in India requires constant vigilance. I’ve had to become my health advocate, and technology has helped me stay informed and proactive.
1. Health Monitoring Apps: HealthifyMe helped me track sodium, protein, and fluid intake. They are critical parameters for kidney health.
2. Smart BP Monitors: I used an Omron Bluetooth-enabled BP monitor to track my blood pressure daily.
3. Lab Report Apps: Platforms like Apollo 24/7 store my lab reports digitally. This makes it easy to compare trends over time and share data with nephrologists.
These tools empower me to manage my condition without relying solely on hospital visits.
IBS: Gut Health Meets Mindful Tech
IBS is unpredictable and often misunderstood. In India, dietary triggers vary regionally, and stress plays a huge role in flare-ups.
Here’s how I manage it:
1. Gut Health Apps: MySymptoms helps me log meals, stress levels, and bowel movements. Over time, I’ve identified triggers like spicy street food and dairy.
2. Diet Planning Tools: FODMAP Helper helps me navigate Indian foods like dal, paneer, and sabzi. It’s helped me avoid bloating and discomfort.
IBS may be invisible, but tech helps me listen to my gut, literally.
Diabetes: Smart Monitoring for Smarter Living
Diabetes is common in India, but managing it well requires more than just medication. I’ve found tech to be a powerful ally in staying ahead of complications.
1. Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs): its expensive. CGMs like Freestyle Libre offer real-time glucose tracking. They were especially helpful during insulin therapy.
2. Diabetes Apps: BeatO is an India-based app. It helped me log readings, track meals, and consult diabetes educators. It was like having a diabetes coach in my pocket.
These tools help me stay ahead of my numbers—and avoid complications.
Blood Pressure Challenges: Staying in Control
Hypertension is a silent threat, and in India, it’s often underdiagnosed. Here’s how I stay on top of it:
1. Smart BP Monitors: My Omron Hem-7600T synced with my phone. It stored readings, making it easy to share with my cardiologist.
2. Wearables: My Mi Band trackeds stress and sleep patterns; both crucial for BP control. I did set up reminders to take medication, drink water, and move every hour. It was like having a digital caretaker.
These small nudges helped me stay consistent and accountable.
India-Specific Challenges & Creative Solutions
Living with chronic illness in India brings unique challenges:
1. Patchy Internet Access: In smaller cities, connectivity is still unreliable. Thankfully, many apps now offer offline functionality or sync later.
2. WhatsApp as a Health Tool: I used WhatsApp to share reports and stay connected with my care team. It’s simple, accessible, and widely used, even by doctors.
These adaptations make tech more inclusive and practical for Indian users.
Final Thoughts: Thriving, Not Just Surviving
Technology hasn’t cured me, but it has transformed my life.
It’s given me tools to track, manage, and understand my body. It’s helped me communicate better with doctors, stay independent, and even find community. It’s turned my smartphone into a health hub, my wearables into wellness guides, and my apps into allies.
If you’re living with chronic conditions, don’t underestimate the power of tech. Start small. Download an app. Try a wearable. Automate a task. You might be surprised at how much easier life becomes.
And if you ever feel overwhelmed, remember: you’re not alone. There’s a whole digital world out there, ready to support you, one tap, one insight, one breath at a time.
DISCLAIMER
The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not constitute medical advice.