Palliative medicine is specialized medical care for people living with a serious illness. This type of care is focused on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of the illness. The goal is to improve the quality of life for both the patient and his or her family.
Dr. Amanda Sedlacek is board-certified in palliative medicine and works with a team of doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other specialists to provide an extra layer of support. Palliative medicine is based on the needs of the patient, not on the patient’s prognosis. It is appropriate at any age and at any stage in a serious illness, and it can be provided along with curative treatment.
The care you receive through palliative medicine helps you have the best possible quality of life. You can expect relief from illness-related symptoms such as pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, constipation, nausea, loss of appetite and difficulty sleeping. It improves your ability to go through medical treatments. It helps you better understand your condition and your choices for medical care.
Palliative medicine may be right for you if you suffer from pain, stress or other symptoms due to a serious illness. Serious illnesses may include cancer, heart disease, lung disease, kidney disease, Alzheimer’s, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s and many more. Palliative care can be provided at any stage of an illness and along with treatment meant to cure you.
If you or a loved one feels palliative care would be right for you, call us at 605-665-1152 to make an appointment or for more information.
