Caring for your loved one who has served in the military is a great honor and blessing. For all that they’ve sacrificed, being a caregiver to your loved one is a natural choice, but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy. Many of our veterans have been exposed to components on the field that now have a direct impact on their physical and mental health as they age.
One of those diseases that is more prevalent in the veteran community is Hodgkin Disease, and having community based care available to assist can help.
Hodgkin Disease and Veterans
Anyone can develop Hodgkin’s Disease, but if your loved one served in Vietnam or the Gulf War, he might be more likely to develop it than those who didn’t serve. Agent Orange was a commonly used herbicide during the Vietnam War that has proven to have serious health consequences for many veterans who were exposed to it.
More recently, some Gulf War veterans have suffered from health consequences, including Hodgkin’s disease, from the burn pits used during their service time.
Hodkin Disease Symptoms
Hodgkin disease, also known as Hodgkin lymphoma, is a cancer that targets the lymph nodes. The body’s lymphatic system is responsible for germ-fighting and disease-fighting. It’s an essential part of the immune system. There are lymph nodes located all over the body in such areas as the armpits, neck, abdomen, groin, and pelvis.
Your loved one may experience some of these symptoms if he has Hodgkin Disease:
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, groin, or underarms. They are generally painless, but when the area is rubbed, a distinct swelling can be felt.
- Fevers that come and go without any known cause.
- Night sweats that cause your loved one to wake up drenched while sleeping.
- Unexpected and unexplained weight loss.
- A persistent cough that doesn’t improve.
- A feeling of fullness, along with abdominal pain or swelling.
- A rash and/or an itchiness that doesn’t have a source.
- Feeling tired all of the time.
Other conditions can also trigger any of these symptoms, so if your loved one is complaining of several of them and his lymph nodes are swollen, plan a visit with his regular physician as soon as possible to diagnose what is causing these symptoms and help him develop a treatment plan going forward if it is Hodgkin disease.
Treatment for Hodgkin Disease
Your loved one’s primary doctor will help him develop a treatment plan with the best providers. Since your loved one is a vet, he will most likely utilize some care provided by the VA, and if it’s determined to be caused by his service time, they will assist him in receiving the benefits he deserves.
With proper treatment and care, if caught early enough, your loved one can receive treatment that will cure the lymphoma.
All-Around Care During Hodgkin Disease Treatments
The treatment process may be long and physically hard on your loved one. It can also be a lot of responsibility for you as his caregiver to take on. Community based care for veterans can help you connect with the support systems you and your loved one will need during this time.
Community based care can include those who provide multiple different types of physical care (such as mental health and primary care) as well as extended care services. Community based care providers can help you even find help around the home as needed during treatment.
It might be a long road ahead of your loved one, but with support, he’ll be on the road to recovery soon.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Community Based Care in Loveland, OH, please contact the caring staff at Freedom Home Care today at (513) 461-2780
Freedom Home Care Serves Veterans in Clermont County, Batavia, Amelia, Milford, New Richmond, Goshen, Bethel, Williamsburg, Loveland, Withamsville, Brown County, Felicity, Georgetown, Mount Orab, Ripley, Hamersville, Sardinia, and surrounding areas.
Our team is committed to providing the highest standard of care, ensuring that each Veteran we serve can live a dignified and independent life in the comfort of their own home. Our services are tailored to meet the unique needs of each Veteran, reflecting our deep commitment to their well-being.
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