Product Description
If you have a chronic illness, Chronically Happy is the tool you need to shape the life you've always envisioned but never thought possible. Hartwell's wisdom covers a range of subjects, from dating and wroking to building self-esteem and deepening relationships. Through anecdotes and workbook-style exercises, Chronically Happy helps people with illness. Overcome the damaged goods syndrome. Manage pain. Call on the joy instinct to guide your life decisions. get the very best healthcare. Set and achieve life-enhancing goals. Reenter the workforce with ease. Become chronically happy! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

Chronically Happy
I ordered this book and within two days I had it at my door.It is an excellent book for those of us who have chronic diseases.

Cheerful, but nothing new.
She has a lot of good advice and makes you feel empowered, but really there's nothing new in this book and she didn't really offer solutions other than the obvious.

Sincere, practical advice, a motivational book
As a student working to finish a university degree while dealing with a chronic illness (indeterminate IBD with myalgia and fatigue) Ms Hartwell's experiences of living a successful and joy-filled life despite her illness has been an inspiration and source of hope for me.Her humor despite trials is motivating, her wisdom is an amazing resource.
I especially enjoyed her chapter on overcoming the "Damaged Goods Syndrome". A tendency for those with Chronic Illness is to have negative thoughts and self-esteem challenges when we compare ourselves to other more healthy people.I often find myself viewing myself as "not good enough" and am frustrated by how disabling my illness can be in acheiving my goals.
While the mind can work destructively, it can also be employed to build joy, humor, and a positive attitude that helps achieve goals.Learning to identify and work through cognitive distortions gives you a new lens in which to see your life.
Hartwell quote in her book Helen Keller as saying "We could never learn to be brave and patient, if there were only joy in the world."

A must read especially for those with Chronic Kidney Disease
As a social worker on a dialysis unit I have found this book extremely helpful in my own education of what new dialysis patients face, but also what patients deal with as a long time dialysis patient.The author leaves no stone unturned and not sugar coating a thing- she's going to tell you how to deal with failure and success each with a bit of unique humor and empathy. She has suggestions how to handle you illness in professional situations as well as how to not get bored if re-hospitalized.Bottom line she is an inspiration and a beneficial read to all!

Inspirational!!!
This is one of the best books that I have ever read.I was very inspired by Lori's thoughts on chronic disease.The book also had very good resources on ways to go about our everyday life.I would highly recommend this to anyone with a chronic disease. ... Read more

Product Description
Written by a young woman with Crohn's disease, this book is a source of strength, inspiration, and sound advice for young people diagnosed with chronic illnesses. It helps them learn to cope, know they're not alone, and make the most of the wonderful opportunities that lie ahead. B&W photos. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A Touching and Inspirational Look at Chronic Illness
Once we reach adulthood, I think we often forget how difficult it is to be "different" as children.Ms. Huegel's book was truly inspirational, and although ideal for individuals and familiesdealingwith chronic illness, its message of hope is inspirational to everyone.Ihighly recommend this book- you'll truly be touched by the children you'llmeet and their stories, eloquently presented by Ms. Huegel's professionalyet surprisingly personal writing style.

"Help and Hope" could not be more true
This book is a touching piece which puts a human face on the many stories of dealing with chronic disease.It can--and should--be read not only by the families and friends of children who deal daily with chronic diseaseand adversity, but also by all of us whose actions have the ability totouch another's life.

This book is a straightforward way to see thethoughts and feelings behind the brave face put on by so many children withchronic disease, and I am a better person for having read it.Many cheersto Ms. Huegel and her team for wonderful work.

Young People and ChronicIllness should be required reading for pre-med and children's servicepersonnel the world over.

This book is great.
"This is one of the most insightful and thought provoking books that I have ever read on chronic diseases.It delves into the the private recesses of human emotion and accurately describes the uncertainty and fearthat all of us with chronic diseases suffer.It is the first book that Ihave read that departs from the typical medical/technical babble to addressthe human side of the equation and, further, it speaks to the youngestpeople affected. I would recommend this book strongly not only to those whohave to deal with this issue, but also to those who care about peopledealing with chronic disease -- and who among us does not fall into thatcategory." ... Read more

Product Description
This "survival guide" offers positive lifestyle changes for healing the mind, body, heart and soul. It contains ideas and resources for carers and families to support and nurture anyone dealing with health challenges. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great strategies in this book
As a chronic illness sufferer, it is often hard to focus on a 'plan of action' to handle lifes ills.This books helps outline and then set strategies for people who are suffering with tips from dealing with your family, doctors, as well as health insurance/disability issues.Ireference it regularly and have used numerous tips from it in my daily lifeto get a handle on the downward spiral we go through with chronic illness. ... Read more

Product Description
Based on her own research, Patricia Fennell has created a comprehensive long-term coping model that readers can use to navigate the physical, psychological, and social effects of their illness. The author identifies four phases of chronic illness and describes skills to manage each phase. The book offers help for sufferers of chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, Graves' disease, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and Type 1 diabetes, among other disorders. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Suspect user reviews
Be warned. Six of the user reviews are not from Amazon users. They are taken from the back cover of the book.

chronic illness workbook review
The book is everything I expected it to be. It is very readable and do able. The author has presented the material in a way that it helps you work through the issues that arise from having a chronic illness.
Even if you can only read 10 minutes at a time, the formula she offers carries so much hope and explanations, it supports you on your journey.
I would recommend this book highly.

An original method to coping with chronic illness
The Chronic Illness Workbook is a valuable contribution that will be welcomed by the many sufferers of chronic diseases.It is of the greatest importance that patients learn to cope with the problems that cannot be remedied.Pat Fennell's book provides an original and incisive approach to coping with chronic illness.

You will want this......
If you want to recover not only from your symptoms, but also from the way society has treated you as a person with chronic illness, keep this book by your bed with a highlighting pen.You'll think Ms. Fennell has read your diary, and you'll know she's on your side.

Rebuild a fulfilling life while living with chronic illness
The Chronic Illness Workbook takes its readers on a journey of self-discovery, enabling them to overcome the challenges of chronic illness and learn how to live a life bursting with self-compassion and fulfillment...Ms. Fennell delves into every aspect of this subject and provides her readers with an in-depth, practical, self-explorative way to learn how to live a 'full new life'. ... Read more

Product Description

REVIEWS:

“A practical resource guide…valuable principles.” -- Dr. Joseph Mercola, Founder Mercola.com, world’s most visited natural health site, Hoffman Estates, Illinois.

“I love the author’s determination, wit, and resilience to find answers to heal herself – despite a medical system that provides little hope.” -- C. Jessie Jones, PhD, professor, Health Science, director, Fibromyalgia Research and Education Center, California State University, Fullerton.

“I consider FibroWHYalgia a first-aid kit for anyone dealing with long-term health issues.” -- Diane Wendell, ND, CNM, nutritionist, Tustin, California.

“Like a roadmap, FibroWHYalgia points the way toward healing for both the newly diagnosed and the long-term chronic illness patient.” -- Timothy Noble, DC, DACBSP, CSCS, Anaheim Hills, California.

“If you’re ready for a change, this is the book for you.” -- Dannette Mason Rusnak, Founder, FibroHaven Support Foundation, Carlsbad, California.

“Susan Ingebretson’s humor and insight make FibroWHYalgia a ‘page turner’ and a delight to read. This book is for everyone – those with ailments and those interested in preventing them.” -- Linda Miner, RNC, CHN, RSNA, CMTA, nutritional expert, British Columbia, Canada.

“If you’re sick and tired of being sick and tired, the upbeat suggestions in this book will provide the encouragement needed to seek positive change.” -- Mollie Marti, PhD, JD, performance psychologist, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

“FibroWHYalgia, written in a humorous and friendly style, is an easy-to-read, non-technical guide filled with tips and ideas on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle.” -- Irina Wardas, CHHC, holistic health and wellness practitioner, Carlsbad, California.

DESCRIPTION:

When Susan Ingebretson found her health spiraling out of control, she wanted to know why. Her tenacious research into the causes of chronic illness led her through a maze of traditional and nontraditional healing methods. Ingebretson eventually connected the dots and found wellness. FibroWHYalgia is a half diary/half tutorial guide that exposes the facts, fibs, and fairytales of failing health and offers practical solutions. Included are detailed descriptions for making nutritional, fitness, and stress-relieving lifestyle changes.

Susan Ingebretson invites anyone with chronic illness to come down from the spectator seats and participate in restored health.

Customer Reviews (14)

Very good book!
She does a fantastic job of explaining FMS while giving you options to manage it.She is very open and knows that it's a personal journey that we all have to figure out on our own.Reading it makes you not feel so alone and crazy :)Thanks Susan!

A Lifesaver, Wealth of Information Book ~ Must Have!
This book is my lifesaver. I could truly relate to everything. It's wealth of information is astonishing.I will have to read it again just to absorb everything!

Sue and her book has given me a renewed sense of urgency to become well again.It has also given me the knowledge base and the motivation to stay that way, forever.

Anyone with a chronic illness could benefit immensely from this book.

What a Pot of Gold!

FibroWHYalgia - FibroWOWalgia!!
FibroWHYalgia- I anticipated this book, as I waited for it the mail to be delivered. I had ordered directly from Sue Ingebretson, as I requested to be autographed! I have been following Sue online on Twitter and her website, after finding amongst others discussing Fibro and Chronic Illness.

First Impressions - due to receiving on a 'Fibro Fog' day, I started to read, and just could not muster up the energy, and the words all swirled together. I find I need sometimes, for words to be organized in lists and boxes, for me to be able to process.

Within a day, after some rest however, I picked it up and read it very easily and quickly. It read like a story to me, with many meaningful messages along the way. Sue's struggles and complications with finding treatment, very much paralleled my own painful journey. I have had Fibromyalgia since at least 1986, but was not finally officially diagnosed until 1999. I as well had to do much/most of the research as did Sue, that she chronicles in the book. She very clearly and dramatically states the level of pain and disability she suffered, and frustration with being told 'it's all in your head'. Of course finding the diagnosis was wonderful for her, and yet where is the solution to being healthy. Again she was on her own to discover, as most of us have been.

She encountered Dr Joseph Mercola and Dr Mark Hyman are both doctors that I have come across in my own search for answers, and delving into nutritional answers. Exercise routines and techniques she has found, also are similar to my own findings and trials, with some additional to try. There is a wonderful list of 'Resources' at the back of the book, so that all is in one easy to find location, after reading the book and needing to get more information. There is also included a glossary and index - how wonderful is that! Again this emphasizes the resource book category this book falls into, and usefulness.

She also notes in the book that she was able to get Fibromyalgia under control, and then slacked off. Yes that sounds familiar. She discusses this phenomenon, and fact that we have to get back on track if fall off the wagon.

Of course one reading of this book is not enough. At least for me. It can be used as a reference or as Dr. Joseph Mercola states - "A practical resource guide.." I should have used a highlighter as I read, but will be sure to do on second reading, and recommend that you do and possibly make notes as you read this wonderful book.

Sue writes with passion - both about her pain endured, frustrations in finding solutions and also with a positive determined voice. I felt this tone encouraged me to get back at managing my own health again, as I have slipped back into old habits with my nutrition and self-care. I also now have a mother and others that have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, that I am attempting to coach. Sue has gathered all the information nicely packaged for me to be able to do this. No Excuses!

The message that stood out to me the most in this book:
" At some point we have to ask: Are our expectations for improved health in alignment with our actions?"
Other statements may resonant within others and I suspect help you learn how to take charge of your own Chronic Illness or Fibromyalgia - and light a fire under you to rebuild and restore, by discovering how to Rebuild the Ten Root Causes -> to Chronic Wellness.

The positive quotes throughout the book, I also found both positive boosts and many made me smile, such as "To Know the road ahead,
ask those coming back." - Chinese Proverb

Sue is my new hero!! I can follow in her steps, and at the same time find my own specific path that will restore my wellness, with the aid her this book and the resources contained within. I was left not feeling depressed about my Fibromyalgia, or fact that I have regressed, but with a new energy to take action.

This book I am renaming FibroWOWalgia!!
And now for me to re-read and get to it!!

An excellent, informative and fun read.
I am a health care provider that has spent years rearching Fibromyalgia and subsequently founded FibroCareCenter.I also have Fibromyalgia myself so I understand this condition not just clinically but on a personal level.Over the years I have read so many books on Fibromyalgia and after a while they all basically seem to blend together and state the same thing.Repetition can become a bit boring.This is definitely not the case with Sue Ingerbretson's book "FibroWHYalgia".New information and a unique slant on this condition is hard to find but Sue has definitely "done her homework".She gives all her readers a very different type of book here.It is so refreshing how she has added personal stories and a bit of humor to make reading this book an absolute pleasure.Clinically the book is right on the money and her suggestions for finding relief are easy for anyone to follow.When people are done with this book they will certainly understand the WHYS of Fibromyalgia.She has absolutely put together what I consider to be the best Fibro read to date.I am making this recommended reading to all of my Fibromyalgia patients.

A Wealth of Knowledge!
Sue's book offers a wealth of knowledge not only for the chronic illness sufferer but also for anyone looking to rebuild their health.
I found myself reading and re-reading it. Sue's words echoed in my mind as I was reminded that it's about being practical in order to be successful. If you live with chronic illness or fibromyalgia, or know someone who does, the advice found in FibroWHYalgia is worth every penny and more. For the first time in my life, I am seeing clearly what I need to get back to healing and living healthy. Sue writes in a way that speaks to you, as a friend or as a sibling, and as if she was in the same room, having a heart-to-heart conversation telling you, "hey, learn from my experience."
... Read more

Product Description
The third edition of this popular text continues to focus on the many factors and issues that influence clients and families dealing with chronic conditions. Chronic Illness, Third Edition shows how these individuals cope not only with disease, but with managing their lives on a day-to-day basis, from sociological, psychosocial, ethical, organizational, and financial perspectives. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

great deal
I ordered this book first for the price. I expected a fairly used book but have not found any markings in it or torn pages. Looks perfect to me. I recieved fast shipping and have almost finished the study in it already. Thanks for the deal you saved me a ton!

Snoozer
Written in a highly academic, boring and repetitive style, Chronic Illness offers little information or insight. Assuming you had no medical knowledge of the elderly there may be a few bits of useable information in this book, but certianly not enough information to justify the cost of purchase or the tedium of reading it.

Unfortunately, I had to buy this book for a nursing course on the elderly. I found little to no useful information contained within. From the title of each chapter and a minute or so skim, the students in my class were all able to sound as if they read the entire chapter. Not a single student in my class actually felt the need to wade through the academic jargon and pointless babble of this book. If you are a nursing student and this is required reading, you could likely skip the purchase and look up the topics online. Online searches would yield more info, in an more interesting format, for less money.

Wonderful!
Book in exact condition described. Wonderful shipping time. Great price. I'm super happy, thanks so much!

POOR custome service
The book is in excellent condition. I am pleased with the product however, I sent 5 emails to the seller while I waited the entire shipping period wondering if the book had been shipped. I never received any response of any kind. However pleased I am with the quality of the product I have to admit I may not order from this seller again. Shipping was slow. The book came on the very last day of the shipping period.

boooring
I was forced to buy this book by my university. The only word I can describe for it is BORING. Reading it is a torturous experience. If you have insomnia, keep it on your nightstand and read it. I will guarantee you will fall asleep quickly. Waste of good hard earned $$$$ in my opinion. ... Read more

Product Description
Even ordinary illness can be frightening for children, but chronic illness can be frightening for the whole family. Parents and children can overcome fears using the interactive exercises in this book to share the promises of God's eternal love and awareness. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Perfect answer for the timeless question of "why me"
I have two children with chronic illnesses.There is no known cause for their conditions.One of them can be treated and helped with surgeries and medications, but the other one cannot.This book was a gift to my daughter when she was 8 years old.It was the perfect answer to her questions of "why me".At an age when a child first realises he/she will not get better or to help them cope in until they do.I love this book because it takes the blame off of God.It helps your child understand that God is kind and caring and will help you through every struggle you face in life.I am so weary of hearing people say "God gave you this because your special" or that "God made you this way for a reason".I tire of people with mean spirits saying that somehow you deserve a chonic illness because of something you did wrong or your parents did wrong.This book dismisses those claims and everything is scripturally based.I cannot say enough positive things about how this book changed our lives and made it so much easier to cope with illness.My children turn to God for comfort now instead of hating him for making them this way.Honestly, what good loving God would harm an innocent child to teach a lesson anyway?Buy this book for your loved one, you can't go wrong!

Help for the hurting.
When will I Feel Better tackles the issue ofchronic illness and offershope and comfort to families. Interactive text allows the readers toexpress their feelings and make plans. This is a good resource for anyonetouched by the chronic illness of a child. ... Read more

Product Description
Nutrition is fast becoming a powerful tool in handling health issues of all kinds, and Kristine Napier is in the forefront of teaching people how to eat to achieve the maximum advantage.People with chronic illness have two nutrition needs.First they need to eat to get the edge on their illness, then they also must avoid the health problems common to everyone, such as heart disease and obesity.Moreover, people with a chronic illness are often energyand /or pain-challenged, making shopping for and cooking nutritious meals seem overwhelming.The genius of Power Nutrition for Your Chronic Illness is that it tells people how to shop and cook even when its the most difficult, and provides 200 easy recipes that put nutrition theory into action.Specific diseases covered are: Alzheimers; Arthritis (Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid, Fibromyalgia);Asthma; Epilepsy; HIV/Aids; Lupus; Multiple Sclerosis; Myasthenia Gravis; Parkinsons Syndrome; Psoriasis; Sjogrens Syndrome.There is also an entire section on nutrition for commonly used medications on a drug by drug basis, as well as information on nutrition for healing after surgery, supplements, and how to eat to prevent additional health problems such as obesity and osteoporosis.This book is a real breakthrough for the millions of Americans who manage chronic illness.It shows how excellent nutrition can be used in anyones life, no matter what their illness or how disabled they may be.Kristine Napier, N.P.H., R.D., has written extensively in the medical and health field, for publications such as Prevention, Harvard Health Letter, Family Circle, Cooking Light and Good Housekeeping.She published How Nutrition Works in 1995 and it is now featured on Graham Kerrs cooking show.She developed and tested all the recipes while in a wheelchair after surgery related to her chronic illness. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Power Nutrition for Your Chronic Illness
Kristine Napier writes from experience in her newest book, Power Nutrition for Your Chronic Illness: A Guide to Shopping, Cooking, and Eating to Get the Nutrition Edge.Napier, who directs the Nutrition Enhancement Project for Preventive Cardiology at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, has faced the challenge of systemic lupus.She developed and perfected the recipes in her book at a time when she was unable to leave her wheelchair.

Napier writes that "as a registered dietitian, I have been acutely aware of the importance of good nutrition as an asset in fighting my disease.I have been frustrated, though, at my inability at times to get healthy food into my body.I have long sought ways to simplify the task." She assures readers that "no matter how disabled you are, you, too, can get back into the kitchen and warm up your tummy, your family, and your home with delicious and fabulously nutritious home cooking again."

Napier starts with basic nutrition information, explaining in layman's terms how bodies turn food into energy.She also includes a chapter on the role of nutrition in disease prevention, because the risk of developing diseases like heart disease or osteoporosis is often greater in people who have chronic illnesses.

Chapters like "Shopping Made Easier,""Creating an Energy-Saving Kitchen," and "Entertaining: Yes It Is Possible!!" reflect Napier's philosophy that, with planning and a few kitchen adaptions, chronically ill people can prepare and enjoy healthy and nutritious meals. She also devotes a chapter to the interactions between medications and nutrition, with additional information for those who must use steroids.

The second section of Power Nutrition for Your Chronic Illness focuses on specific details for the following illnesses:AIDS/HV, Alzheimer's Disease, asthma, arthritis, fibromyalgia, lupus, multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, Parkinson's Syndrome, psoriasis, and Sjogren's Syndrome.Napier provides a week of sample menus for each illness, integrated with the special challenges presented by that disease.

The final section of the book includes nearly 200 recipes.She has simplified the instructions so that many dishes can be prepared using only one pot or bowl. Although most of the recipes are low-calorie, Napier offers alternative ingredients for changing them to "a high-calorie food for people who simply cannot keep weight on" in recognition ofthose who have poor appetites or wasting illnesses.Each recipe includes serving suggestions and nutrition information.

Napier provides a list of manufacturers who make adaptive kitchen equipment and supplies.She also includes the addresses and phone numbers of chronic illness associations and organizations.

Most people challenged by chronic illness need a little help from their friends now and then.An easy way for you to provide some assistance is to present them with a copy of Power Nutrition for Your Chronic Illness.You'll help them achieve treasured independence and better health through good nutrition.

Oh, and you might want to buy another copy for yourself--just for the terrific recipes.

Great Menu Ideas, Tailor Your Own Diet
This book is excellent in helping people to tailor a diet that helps them cope better and live amore full life.Great menu ideas too.

Great recipes with easy-to-follow instructions, good advice
This is not just a cookbook!It is a guide to healthy eating and nutrients, and includes background and reasons for all the advice, with specialized information for people with chronic diseases.As a cookbook,it is a great resource for anyone trying to maintain a healthy kitchen. ... Read more

Product Description
Illness can strike at anytime, but dealing with a life-long ailment takes faith, patience, and adjustment to a different kind of lifestyle. Accepting and living with a chronic illness is a process that has many facets, from emotional grappling and physical adjustments to spiritual reckoning and hopeful resolution. This powerful volume will aid readers in dealing with these issues when they are facing a chronic illness. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

helpful little book
This little book gives helpful suggestions for those living with chronic illness.The author approaches illnesses with insight, understanding and empathy, while not encouraging succumbing to one's illness.Great practical advise for people beginning their journey/battle with chronic illnesses.

When you have a Chronic Illness
Any book written about chronic illness is a treat as there aren't alot from the perspective of one who knows what it is like.We aren't all authors so whenever we can get a book like this one it is a good idea to pick it up. ... Read more

Product Description
This penetrating and inspiring book probes the psychological and emotional aspects of chronic illness and reveals how those who endure adversity ultimately achieve meaningful live. It eloquently demonstrates that happiness and fulfillment are not exclusive preserves of the healthy. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Well written and well lived
I read this book under the original title, and went right back to the bookstore and bought all the other five copies they had in stock.One went to my lupus support group's library, and I wanted to have extras to give to others struggling with new and lifelong diagnoses (while holding fast to a copy for me to re-read over and over over the years--I knew I was going to want to, and I have.)A dozen or so years later, it is still the best-written book on the subject.

it takes one to know one...
When I was first diagnosed with three chronic illnesses (all within a few months in 1999), I read up online and in the public library. I started with the CDC web site for reliable medical info and also found a disease-specific local support group. But what really gave me the aha! that I'm connected to all people with chronic illness was reading The Chronic Illness Experience by Cheri Register. Reading the words of so many people in that book - they were so much like me, even though our illnesses were different. It really helped me develop my identity as a person with a disability and I've made fabulous connections with other people with disabilities who understand disability as a way of being more than just medical deficit. Many of my symptoms have been lifelong, but I no longer identify (most of the time!) as a weak runt, which was how I saw myself before. Hooray for disability culture and for being able to recognize and appreciate the experiences of other people with invisible chronic illness. -- it becomes less invisible when you see yourself (and your fatigue, pain, etc.) in others.

Reality of Chronic Illness
This book was recommended by the Arthritis Association, so I picked it up at the library first. I kept it well past the due date, and finally purchased a copy of my own because I know I need to read it again and again. It is first hand experiences from real people, confirming that what I am feeling is not unusual. I'm coping better since reading The Chronic Illness Experience. This is one book I will never lend out.

Insightful and practical. Highly recommended.
Full of insight, understanding, and practical advise. This is a book from someone who's been there, done that, and found others to share the journey with. Together the people in this book share their experiences, challenges, and solutions. I highly recommend this book for anyone struggling with a chronic illness.

Very strong on getting help, relationships and communication
This book is not so much about self-care -- exercise, diet, medications, relaxation and such -- but it is very strong on getting the support you need to live successfully with a chronic condition.I used her material extensively in writing The Art of Getting Well: Maximizing Health When You Have a Chronic Illness.

Most of us don't like to ask for help.It makes us feel weak, guilty, needy or even "un-American."But mutual assistance is the way the world works.Register gives powerful reasons to ask for and accept help, likely places to find it, and ways of paying people back.She points out that most people like to help, and that we can help others in our turn.

Her book is also very strong on dealing with the medical profession and financial issues, how to keep your illness from impoversihing you.She continues to thrive with her condition, teaches at a university and has written several more books.She is an inspiring and practical teacher. ... Read more

Product Description
Over 90 million Americans live with chronic illness. Author Elizabeth Flora, a Fibromyalgia patient, shares a candid, emotional account of life with chronic illness. Living well, she asserts, comes from learning to change our perspective. We tend to view pain as the enemy. We draw lines in the sand and prepare ourselves for battle. But expending energy in such a negative way serves no purpose. It is not the answer. She recommends that each patient learn to build a relationship with pain. Only when you begin to view pain as friend rather than foe that you can learn to live with it. This is the goal: to live well with pain, rather than in spite of it. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Very Informative
I thought this book was AMAZING!!! The author's journey was similar to mine in the fact that I too have FMS, and went through a journey to get diagnosed. She includes some helpful information on tips that she has tried and there were some that I found beneficial. It is a great book to pass along to family members and friends that are dealing with someone with ANY kind of chronic illness. I highly recommend it!

At last, someone understands!
After hungering for a book written from a first-person perspective, I found this one! I appreciate the books written by professionals, but I am tearily moved to hear someone else's journey with a fibromyalgia diagnosis and to feel like someone understands. I especially loved the chapter on relationships and helping loved ones cope with the diagnosis.I would love to give this book to every one of my friends upon diagnosis to support and strengthen them for the journey ahead.Elizabeth Flora Ross writes with compassion, insight, and grace.I hope this book helps a lot of people!

Fantastic tool for learning to deal with pain
I did not have a direct need for this book for my own pain issues, but have gifted this to various people over the years since it has been written turning to again recently for a friend.I have read it myself so that I can be an understanding friend and it has opened up healthy dialogue that I feel was really beneficial.A person that is dealing with any kind of pain, whether explained or unexplained, deals with many issues that go beyond the pain itself.This book deals with many issues that face a person going through something like that and also gives the person a sense that they are not alone.I feel there is no better gift you can give someone than that type of peace of mind.This is an easy, quick read with benefits for those going through some sort of pain and for those who love someone in that situation. ... Read more

Product Description
One out of every ten families will face the challenge of chronic illness within the family. In this compassionate, practical guide, Dr. Linda Welsh recounts her personal story of shattered dreams when her husband was stricken with kidney disease at the age of 38, and tells how she and their two children weathered his illness and adapted to a new, permanent way of living. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Families Facing Illness
One out of every ten families will face the challenge of chronic illness within the family. In this compassionate, practical guide, Dr. Linda Welsh recounts her personal story of shattered dreams when her husband was stricken with kidney disease at the age of 38, and tells how she and their two children weathered his illness and adapted to a new, permanent way of living ... Read more

Product Description

The host of "Cooking Light" and the Former "Galloping Gourmet" shares his secrets for healthy living

Changing health habits is challenging when there are so many easy ways to veer off course. Celebrity chef Graham Kerr and his wife, Treena, have made it easier to make healthy choices and lifestyle changes by showing readers where to start and what to do.

This journal combines the expert advice of 130 health professionals--from cardiologists to fitness experts--with the practical features of a logbook. Readers can record blood pressure, carb intake, exercise, blood sugar, stress, and more. Each expert presents three important health tips and insights for living healthy.

Product Description
Explains the six stages of emotional response to chronic illness each patient may experience - crisis, isolation, anger, reconstruction, intermittent depression, and finally renewal. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

excellent book
I was diagnosed a month ago with MS and frankly the past month was not a fun one - it was filled with many of the emotions that are discussed in this book. When I ordered this book I thought it was going to read more like one of those self help books and I secretly dreded such a thing thinking it would be dry and boring - not so with this one! Its quite interesting to read - stories and situations are used in each chapter to illustrate what's going on so that its less of a lecture and more of an exchange of understanding.Its written in a conversational tone and actually reads more like a novel. Even the introduction, the author starts it out writing, "My cat was snoring.In recent months, I had had to learn so many new things that I almost could not believe there was anything left to disciver.But there it was.My cat, it seems, snores." Anyway, a good book that others will probably enjoy as well.

TOTAL VALIDATION!!
This book is a total validation of the feelings and fears I experienced after the onset of my genetic illness. No one else understood, but JoAnn LeMaistre did, and finding that I was not alone in my experience and learning that there was a process I had to endure made things easier. I was so moved that I found JoAnn and joined one of her support groups! This is a must-read for people newly diagnosed AND their families. An illness never affects just one person - it affects that person's entire family in every aspect of their lives.

Validatingand Encouraging Reading
JoAnn LeMaistre,Ph.D., the author of this book, is a clinical psychologist who specializes her practice in dealing with patients who have a chronic medical illness or disability. She herself lives with MS, and bases the foundation of this book from both a personal and professional standpoint. She breaks the book down into chapters regarding Crisis, Isolation, Anger, Reconstruction, Intermittent Depression, Renewal, Helping, and concludes with an overview of each. She begins with an introduction about herself and how her disease invaded her life, and touches base briefly with each chapter's focus. At the beginning of each chapter, she introduces us to an indivdual who is struggling with a particular illness and focuses specifically on how they deal with a that chapter's topic....i.e. Isolation, anger, depression. She offers commentary at the end of each chapter, as well, by discussing how that person handled the issue at hand, recommendations of more positive ways to deal with the issue, etc.

This book is not only written to help others living with chronic illness, but also their helpers....the caregivers. The chapter entitled "Helper" is very informative for those who help to care for the chronically ill. She stresses the importance of self-care for the helpers. She again uses the different stages of emotion (crisis, isolation, anger...) to address the needs and concerns they have. My Mom, who is my primary "helper" read this chapter and felt very validated, as did I. If you come away with nothing else from this book, you'll come away feeling validated, which can be a rare experience. I felt very "understood," incomparison with the frequency of misunderstandings by the well world. Don't get me wrong, this isn't a "let's-have-a-pity party-together" kind of book, rather she validates the emotions those of us living with chronic illness's, often struggle to express. She also motivates the reader to find ways of "renewal." That is, finding ways around, and through, your limitations that still enable you to contribute to life..finding valued aspects of yourself, discovering simple joys in spite of your circumstances, finding creative ways to express yourself, etc. She encourages others, as she does herself, to look for positive avenues to vent frustrations and discouragements.

I have read several books on the topic of living life with a chronic illness. Overall, this book provided me with more suport than most others. Perhaps it's all about timing....we all deal with our illnesses and disabilites at different paces. Maybe she specifically touched base on area's that were of particular interest to me. As with any book of this nature, there are aspects that hit home and others that may not. Whatever the reason, I would certainly recommend this book if you feel lost in emotion about your illness. She helps to give a little order to the "roller coaster ride" we so often endure. I think I received this book well because she offers it as a journey we travel together. I felt I wasn't alone in my struggle. This is a book I would also recommend to family members and friends, who desire a better understanding of the emotional aspects, their loved ones endure, in living with a chronic illness and/or disability. Very informative for them.

Also of interest are listings, in the back of the book, of many different organizations that provide information and support to patients and families who have to cope with chronic pain and/or illness, and disability.

Concentrating on the emotional
LeMaistre, a psychotherapist living with Multiple Sclerosis, identifies six stages of the ongoing emotional process of dealing with chronic illness - crisis, isolation, anger, reconstruction, intermittent depression, andrenewal - but she doesn't seem to shape a hypothesis or outline the purposeof her book.As a result, the material, while interesting and occasionallyinsightful, lacks focus.I did appreciate that each of the chapters(focusing on one of the stages) began with a well-written dramatization ofsomeone coping with chronic illness followed by the author's analysis ofhow the characters handled the issues involved.I realized this book wouldbe an excellent book for an illness support group to read and discusschapter by chapter.

No pollyanna stuff here!
The author knows what she is talking about; she is not just a psychoterapist with a doctoral degree, but also a multiple sclerosis patient who has greatly damaged eyesight. Emotionally, however, hereyesight is 20/20: She can look pain, fear, disappointment and extremelyaltered lifestyles right in the face, with no glib or over-easy answers.You'll find yourself in this book, even if your problem is not MS; sheshows case histories of patients with heart problems, intestinal surgery,crippling arthritis and more, and she seeks to find the core questions inALL chronic disorders; my medical problem is a rare one that even manydoctors don't know about, but I found myself, right on the money! Unlikemost books of this sort, she gives equal time to the problems of thefamily/friends who act as caregivers (helpers, she calls them.) They, too,have their crises of anger, depression, etc.and they, too, need to learnhow to reach out for help. If you, or someone you care about, has ANYchronic medical problem--try this book. ... Read more

Product Description
A guide to living with serious, ongoing disorders offers the personal stories of men and women who suffer, discussing coping with fear, uncertainty, and pain; child rearing; relationships; work; aspirations; self-esteem; and more. Reprint. NYT. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

A Must Read for Patients and Caregivers
This remains one of the best books I've read with regard to chronic illness.Dr. Register describes what life is like through her own experience and multiple interviews with patients living with illnesses other than hers.It's as if she's reading the minds of the patients and their caregivers.The comments of those who fail to understand what patients go through, particularly when their illnesses are not apparent (no broken bones, no wheelchairs or crutches) have to be unbelievably frustrating. She makes one understand how patients feel when they're frequently told, "You must be feeling better.You don't look sick," The author not only talks about the day to day problems of the chronically ill, but has the reader look ahead to what the future holds.I heartily recommend this book to both patients and caregivers as a must read!After having just read this for the second time I fully realize why I've recommended it to so many people.I'm a support group leader for vasculitic diseases and a part of the Vasculitis Foundation.My daughter has suffered with Wegener's granulomatosis, a life-threatening autoimmune disease for 30 years, having been diagnosed at age 16.I've told her story in my own book, "There Must Be A Reason."Cheri Register is an inspiration to all who read the book and I salute her for having the courage to share her story along with those she interviewed which can't fail to help others regardless of their disease.

Validating and Helpful
Cheri Register's book "Living With Chronic Illness" was both validating and helpful to me.
Eight years of living with chronic migraines has effected my faith, self-image, independence, relationships, work aspirations and what I consider my purpose in life.
At first I tried to minimize the migraines disabling effect but over time and with more acceptance I have, for the most part, found ways to accommodate and live with them.
Register describes many of the challenges of living with chronic illness. Sickness in our culture is seen as an enemy to be fought and defeated. These war images cast chronically ill people as victims, and it's sometimes seen as a character defect if we experience suffering, grief or fear. Instead of �battling� the illness we can accept it as something we live with that is our normal state of being. The realization that we can be happy and sick is a major lesson.
Our culture expects a person's disability to be a test of character or an opportunity for heroism. People effected with illness should not have to prove their value to others. We are not better or worse, no more heroic or cowardly, strong or weak than healthy people. We are people first not a disease.
Other hurdles for the chronically ill include: loss of autonomy, (self-reliance and being financially self-supporting carries the imprint of virtue). For the chronically ill not pulling your weight is compounded by the fear of becoming indigent and feeling different. Unemployment not only involves economic loss but the loss of identity, productivity, self worth and a sense of meaning. Register says it is important to separate our economic and identity issues from the quest of human worth. When we accept our illness we can stop looking for a cause to blame or a miracle cure.
Chronic Illness challenges our relationships. Adversity can bring couples closer but with chronic illness the adversity comes and goes on a regular basis. The crisis may even become the core of the relationship. Illness highlights and compounds the gender differences. Females are trained to show emotion and males to hide them. It is easier for women to "be there" for intimacy and shared vulnerability. Women often want simple consolation from their husbands, what they get instead is a rational solution. Seeing their mate sick leaves many men feeling powerless. When a relationship requires sustained expression of thoughts and feelings it may become burdensome for the mate.
Register illuminates patience as a way of life for the chronically ill. Acceptance means taking realistic control over how we live and being ready for chaos. The "one day at a time approach" helps. When pain grows intense it demands complete attention. It also helps to focus on the recovery instead of the traumas.
Most doctors are more comfortable caring for acute illness. When medications do not work the patient rather than the medication is often blamed. Few doctors are honest about the limits of medical knowledge and trust patients enough to be partners in care.
Register acknowledges that anger, fear and grief are healthy responses to physical suffering. The value of catharsis allows us to face the emotions head-on rather than avoid or dismiss them. It is reassuring to hear that having suicidal fantasies are a normal consequence of chronic illness and not evidence of losing hold. Since most people do not act on their suicidal thoughts, considering death as a way out of the pain often diffuses the suffering. Also, when we confront the suicidal fantasy head-on it looses its power. Register even came to regard her own suicidal fantasies as a treasured choice. Knowing that suicidal thoughts are a feature of the illness is empowering.
Instead of asking "why me?" the chronically ill are better served by the question "what now?" And for people of faith we might ask, "what do you want from me God?" which implies not penance but fulfillment of a mission. Instead of seeing chronic illness as a punishment for sin, an endurance test, a divine plan geared to your natural capacity or a random event Register recommends we see chronic illness and suffering as central to the human condition. It is our own share of life's condition - a way of life not an aberration. Register says, to live with passion allows us to live with the dynamics of contradiction in joy and sorrow, caring and indifference, in courage and fear, in friendship and alienation. Passion is a fully human and divine spark that burns with life.
To answer the question "what should I do?" Register says, "Just live your life, pain and all with attention and purpose." Lived fully, the experience of illness can free us from the curse of perfection. For people of faith learning to feel God's pain makes us more attuned to God's pleasure. Life is a beautiful tapestry being woven with our lives, it's pattern visible only to God.
Register redefines the disabled hero as one who demonstrates a capacity to come through multiple ordeals with their will intact. Instead of winners and losers, survivors have moments of courage, moments of cowardice, moments of determination and moments of despair, moments of glory and moments of humiliation. That many of us survive these ups and downs is a miracle that happens many times a day.
Register describes the ingredients of survival for the chronically ill: a sense of humor, tenacity, a will to live, discipline, inner strength, trusting ourselves, inner peace, acceptance, a support system, faith, skepticism, and a belief in a Higher Power and Purpose. Instead of saying, "There but for the grace of God go I" we might say, "Here, with the grace of God, I am." Our bodies are, after all, our medium for experiencing creation.

Truly a classic!This book can make you both smile and weep
"Living With Chronic Illness" has probably been one of the most important books in my collection as I deal with chronic illness myself.I met the author in 1990 and heard her speak about the unique nature of rare and chronic diseases, and found myself nodding and smiling throughout her talk.If you are dealing with a chronic illness, you will re-read this book (or sections of it) for years as you experience different problems.Mine's marked up with yellow highlighter and underlined passages, a sign of how deeply and personally Cheri's writing touches my heart.I saw that she's revised and updated this book, so I would unhesitatingly recommend that one sight unseen too.

Truly a classic!This book can make you both smile and weep
"Living With Chronic Illness" has probably been one of the most important books in my collection as I deal with chronic illness myself.I met the author in 1990 and heard her speak about the unique nature of rare and chronic diseases, and found myself nodding and smiling throughout her talk.If you are dealing with a chronic illness, you will re-read this book (or sections of it) for years as you experience different problems.Mine's marked up with yellow highlighter and underlined passages, a sign of how deeply and personally Cheri's writing touches my heart.I saw that she's revised and updated this book, so I would unhesitatingly recommend that one sight unseen too.

Must reading; very supportive
Register, who has a chronic illness herself, has interviewed other patients in Minnesota to get their views on subjects ranging from marriage to work.I found myself underlining so many sentences.The book has beena comfort to me since I first bought it in 1991.It has seen me throughasthma and depression. One drawback, which Register acknowledges--all herinterviewees are from Minnesota so there is no geographical diversity. Also, from their names and descriptions, they all seem to be African- orEuropean-American--no Asians for example, and I didn't find any gay people. A more diverse sample would have made this a stronger book. Overall, Ihighly recommend it, and I hope she's still around to publish more!Ireally appreciated her sharing so much about her life. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Living With Chronic Illness: The Challenge of Adjustment
I first read this book 10 years ago when I was working as a hospital chaplain.The booked helped me immensely in my understanding of those living with chronic illness.I picked the book up again in the last few weeks after being diagnosed myself with a chronic illness.When I beganreading the book, I was in contacnt pain, was filled with despair and sawno hope.Re-readingt this book renewed my interest in life, help tounderstand what I was feeling, made me feel that I was not alone andoffered tremendous hope.

This is a superb book that is a must read forall caregivers and for all those who have chronic diseases. ... Read more