Defining The New Normal:: A Guide to Becoming More Than Your Diagnosis

by Colleen Brunetti, Greta Lindquist-Merlino (Illustrator)

What do you do when life hands you a diagnosis that turns your world upside down? You re-define everything. You know you’re going to need to make big changes in how you care for your- self, but directives such as “eat right” and “listen to your body” do little to support someone who is struggling to re-define life as a patient.This book takes the reader step-by-step through how to make real and sustaining wellness changes from tip to toe. Along the way, you will take a look at your own past choices, make some new ones, hear stories from those who are making it happen, and come out the other side stronger and more in control of your medical outcome than you dreamed possible.Written by a certified health coach, educator, and someone who just happens to be a survivor of a critical illness, get ready for straight-talking advice, insightful questions, and THE guide to what works to see real change. If you believe you can be more than your diagnosis but could use a little support getting there, this book is what you’ve been waiting for.

214 pages, Paperback

First published October 22, 2014

Reviews

[Barbara (The Bibliophage) · Rating 4 out of 5]

THIS is the "after diagnosis" book I wish I'd had.

When I was diagnosed in 2009 with autoimmune arthritis (RA), the prognosis for life expectancy was pretty good. Just a few less years. However, the prognosis for disability was terrible. THIS is the book I wish I had had at that time. All the "after your diagnosis" books I read about my type of arthritis were medical/symptoms/terrible prognosis-focused and frankly, they were scary.

Colleen speaks from her heart and from the authenticity of her own life-threatening diagnosis. She offers patients (and the people who love them) options that cover the whole range - emotions, practicalities, etc. And she made me laugh because no one but another patient with chronic illness can understand what it's like. You will LOVE this book!

[Jan Janus · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very well written. Living with a chronic illness isn't an easy feat to digest when diagnosed let alone trying to live a different way than you are use to doing. This book is for any person living with, caring for or simply to learn how to deal with an obstacle regarding your health. It helps you to progress as a person with a disease and not let it define you.