Coping with Chronic Illness: *Neck and Back Pain *Migraines *Arthritis *Fibromyalgia*Chronic Fatigue *And Other Invisible Illnesses

It was more common sense then anything. Although it did give you alternatives on how to deal with others around dealing with your illnesses also.

I have multiple chronic conditions, and have begun a library of essentials that either are psychologically supportive, helpful in management, or both. This book is in the "both" category. It is written with respect and understanding of chronic illness and chronic pain. One of the hardest things to deal with is the cycle of remission and flare ups that we face. It takes a huge toll on all aspects of life and planning for the simplest tasks or events. Another is the crisis not just of diagnosis, but of identity. Dealing with chronic pain is another. These are addressed with respect, as I said. There are strategies here, and, above all, not feeling so isolated. Until medical training and cultural attitudes in this country change, and chronic illness is as well studied, supported, and understood as acute illness, books like this will continue to be important lifelines for those who suffer and their loved ones and caregivers.

One of the best books I've read in the past year or so - and I read 3-4 books a week. The amount of understanding from the authors regarding chronic pain and the woes that come with suffering to one degree or another is greatly understood. I thought this book contained profound insights and found myself highlighting on my Kindle a LOT. They addressed the issue of faith and suggested other books, and as a chronically ill Christian, I found this book beyond the best I could imagine. I think even if you're not Christian, you will be glad you purchased it. Accepting and understanding what the patient goes through is universal, despite your beliefs. I wish all people coping with illness could read this book - and their caregivers as well. A++++++++

It's a bit erratic and repetitive. But there are a few good ideas offered.

My wife suffers from her own malady of daily pain. She has a friend with a different cause but also a daily sufferer. We were pleased to send her this book as an aid and encouragement. We were able to do so with no shipping costs, and have Amazon mail the copy direct to the suffering friend. Fine product, fine supplier; a win-win. And now we continue prayer for her.

The strength of this book is that it can help free you to go ahead and accept your illness as part of your life, instead of trying to hide it, control it, contain it, etc. The authors encourage you to focus not on what I can no longer do because of my illness, but on what can I do. Best quotes (although you could underline half the book!): "You are not your diagnosis" (p. 39); "Acceptance is embracing [the illness] and incorporating it, which means living with it rather than for it" (p. 177). Recommended reading for those with chronic illness and for those who live with and help them.

I haven't read the entire book but skimmed it from cover to cover; it is very well written and from a patients perspective and you will feel like they are talking about you. They cover such things as diagnosis, dealing with friends and family members who may not understand your pain, pain and suffering, dealing with loss, emotions, depression, rebuilding your life, keeping a pain diary, alternative treatments. Overall looks like a very good read...

I found this book filled with hope and encouragement. There are so many people struggling with chronic illness; I recommend this book as a helpful tool.