Dealing with advanced silicosis

When you understood from your doctor that your silicosis was in a certain state, it can feel overwhelming to learn that it has advanced to a more serious stage.

My silicosis has advanced

It's possible you may feel even greater emotional distress to hear that your silicosis has advanced than you did when you had the initial diagnosis. Your mind is flooded with feelings of loss; you may even have a sense of failure. You understandably may experience fear - of pain, of dying. You find you have to make unexpected choices about longer-term issues. Should I pay to join that group again? What if I'm not here long enough? This is a critical time to turn to those close to you for support.

How advanced silicosis may change your life

Even though you have silicosis, you still need love, companionship and fun. Friends, family and partners may even become more important to you, and they can be a vital source of help and support. In many cases your wife, husband, partner, children, parents, friends, and colleagues will wait to see how you prefer to handle the situation - how much you want to talk about your illness and the treatment.