Most of us will experience illness at some point. When something feels wrong in your body, it’s natural to worry, seek answers, or sometimes try to ignore it. People respond differently: some avoid seeking care even when they feel unwell, while others reach out at the first sign of symptoms.
If you’re unsure, it’s a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional. When contacting healthcare services, describe your symptoms clearly rather than trying to diagnose yourself. Let them know if there’s something specific you’re concerned about.
If your symptoms are severe or life threatening, call emergency services immediately. Otherwise, you can contact 1177 or your primary care provider for guidance and assessment. In Sweden, patients are prioritized based on medical need, according to the Health and Medical Services Act.
Many diseases have patient associations or other information, which is addressed to you as patients or relatives.
That information is preferable to searching freely for one's diagnosis online.
In the tab 'Forms of care' you can read more about the different care options are available in Sweden.
Receiving a serious illness report often means being reminded of one's own mortality. Going from healthy to sick.