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Burns Unit: Poetry to Heal the Wounds of Medical Gaslighting
80 pages, Paperback
Published October 18, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
April 7, 2024
I recently read Burns Unit: Poetry To Heal the Wounds of Medical Gaslighting (2023), a debut collection of poetry by Jess Gregory. Diagnosed with EDS (Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome), dystonia and other comorbid conditions, she explores the western medical system and their negligence in diagnosing and mistreatment of the chronically ill community.
This collection of poetry is based on her own experiences; it’s unique in that it was written almost entirely from her smartphone in bed.
The writing is both courageous and emotional - concise poetry that packs a punch in its rawness.
I have fibromyalgia and I can relate to the experiences Ms Gregory describes. Invisible illness is rife with misinformation and is often regarded with derision, suspicion and judgmental rhetoric.
One passage that personally resonated for me is found on page 15, “You’ve Been Lied To.” She writes “Stones are cast by even sinners. Seems that was their plan from the start. Their sticks left your bones still intact. But the words sure did tear up your heart.”
While acknowledging the shared trauma of members of the chronically ill community, the book in equal measure recognizes their strength, resilience and resourcefulness.
Ms. Gregory is a patient advocate and challenges the medical establishment to do better. She shatters the image of what “sick” people should look like.
It is well worth reading. I would thoroughly recommend it.
This collection of poetry is based on her own experiences; it’s unique in that it was written almost entirely from her smartphone in bed.
The writing is both courageous and emotional - concise poetry that packs a punch in its rawness.
I have fibromyalgia and I can relate to the experiences Ms Gregory describes. Invisible illness is rife with misinformation and is often regarded with derision, suspicion and judgmental rhetoric.
One passage that personally resonated for me is found on page 15, “You’ve Been Lied To.” She writes “Stones are cast by even sinners. Seems that was their plan from the start. Their sticks left your bones still intact. But the words sure did tear up your heart.”
While acknowledging the shared trauma of members of the chronically ill community, the book in equal measure recognizes their strength, resilience and resourcefulness.
Ms. Gregory is a patient advocate and challenges the medical establishment to do better. She shatters the image of what “sick” people should look like.
It is well worth reading. I would thoroughly recommend it.
April 24, 2024
Absolutely excellent, and very much needed in our culture of disbelief in invisible illnesses—often by those whose profession it is to treat them. Jess has given a voice to the frustrations and disappointments of being unwell in ways that are not widely known, especially where treatments do not exist or are understudied.
Having chronic illness myself and following the authors advocacy for those suffering long term and undiagnosed conditions led me to this powerful, challenging, and necessary work.
As a poet, I appreciate it as an artform, but with the additional perspective as having been bedbound and only able to tap out poetry on my phone, I can appreciate to some degree the strength and perseverance creating and collating such a work takes. I am deeply in awe of the persistence and integrity shown here. By not hiding the bitterness from medical gaslighting these poems show how it is possible to make poetry from pain, and speak to a hope it may one day be unnecessary to do so, a future in which there is more compassion and understanding.
I hope it's read alike by those who can relate to the experiences, but most importantly those who cannot. I would like to buy a copy for every Dr who delayed my diagnosis of rare and misunderstood conditions by years or decades.
Having chronic illness myself and following the authors advocacy for those suffering long term and undiagnosed conditions led me to this powerful, challenging, and necessary work.
As a poet, I appreciate it as an artform, but with the additional perspective as having been bedbound and only able to tap out poetry on my phone, I can appreciate to some degree the strength and perseverance creating and collating such a work takes. I am deeply in awe of the persistence and integrity shown here. By not hiding the bitterness from medical gaslighting these poems show how it is possible to make poetry from pain, and speak to a hope it may one day be unnecessary to do so, a future in which there is more compassion and understanding.
I hope it's read alike by those who can relate to the experiences, but most importantly those who cannot. I would like to buy a copy for every Dr who delayed my diagnosis of rare and misunderstood conditions by years or decades.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews