[header] How to cope with a rare illness [title] Get the answers you need. [step] Everyone needs help dealing with a rare or serious illness, but you also have to be ready to be your own strongest advocate. Ask questions, seek out opinions, and become as knowledgeable as you can about your condition. 
Coping is very hard to do alone, but it does begin with you. [substeps] Having an undiagnosed rare illness can be particularly stressful.