The Chronic Illness Experience: Embracing the Imperfect Life

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Summary: On Target And Real
Review: As someone who deals with a couple of chronic illnesses I found this book refreshing practial and inspiring. It is packed with real life experiencies and what can be learned from them.
This book made me laugh, taught me things and relieved me that someone else felt like I feel. I highly recomend this book for not only chronically ill individuals but family, friends, interested parties and medical professionals.

Rating:
Summary: Insightful and practical. Highly recommended.
Review: 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.

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Summary: This book became my "bible", it spoke to my heart.
Review: I have lived with a rare chronic illness scince age 5. I was given a used copy of the first edition of this book at age 19, my body was failing & the doctors didn't know what to do. I started reading and within the first few pages I felt a connection to people I will never know, the "characters" were real people, of all ages and diseases. It spoke of the frustration they feel when their bodies hurt, it explained that chronic illness does not only affect the afflicted but everyone around them; their families, friends, and the doctors. I read the words that I had always felt but couldn't find a adequate way to express them, it made me realize that I was not alone. This book is like a instant support group, letting you get to know these people in such a intimate way and at the same time allowing yourself to find the confidence to take control of your illness. There is no psyco-analyzing or "shrink" talk, these are real people speaking from their heart. The author compiles the chapters in such a way that the subjects never get monotonous, you never read the same topic twice. Anyone who lives with a chronic illness or has a loved one who does should read this book, it will open your eyes to this unspoken and misunderstood world of chronic illness. This book is honest, simply spoken and a easy read, get it..I am so glad I did.

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Summary: Great for anyone who has an "invisible" chronic illness
Review: If I could recommend only one book to my friends and family this would be the one. If they read this book they might understand what I am going through. This book puts into words the numerous challenges faced by those who have an invisible chronic illness. The best part is that the author does not try to provide easy answers to the problems, she just helps to articulate the struggle. A great book.

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Summary: Absolutely Required Reading for one with a Chronic Illness!
Review: This book can make you both smile and weep, as did its predessor, "Living With Chronic Illness." "The Chronic Illness Experience: Embracing the Imperfect Life" is probably 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. I've marked mine up with yellow highlighter and underlining and have shared it with family members and friends to increase their knowledge and understanding of what it's REALLY like to live with a chronic illness.

Rating:
Summary: Insightful and practical. Highly recommended.
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Very strong on getting help, relationships and communication
Review: 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.