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Chronic illness - learning to live behind my smile
The problem with a long-term chronic illness is that it isn't a quick fight, taking a few drugs and having a couple of weeks in bed will not cure it. It isn't ever an out and out win. You never beat the illness forever. It is a long-term war, some battles you lose and some you win: It is an on-going campaign. It is a chronic illness, after all.
The struggle is about getting to a place where you can live together, the illness and you. Trying to make the most of the environment you share, an attempt to make it a positive life.
This book is a collection of experiences I have faced living with a chronic illness. Lessons I am still learning from and having to deal with every day. It is like living in no man's land, somewhere between feeling ill and feeling healthy, but not really being healthy or sick. I hope, by sharing my experience, I can help others with their journey. Help people to deal with their chronic illness or give some tools to help make some sense of living with a chronic condition.
Note: several sections of the book talk about the U.K. health system NHS.
The struggle is about getting to a place where you can live together, the illness and you. Trying to make the most of the environment you share, an attempt to make it a positive life.
This book is a collection of experiences I have faced living with a chronic illness. Lessons I am still learning from and having to deal with every day. It is like living in no man's land, somewhere between feeling ill and feeling healthy, but not really being healthy or sick. I hope, by sharing my experience, I can help others with their journey. Help people to deal with their chronic illness or give some tools to help make some sense of living with a chronic condition.
Note: several sections of the book talk about the U.K. health system NHS.
159 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 6, 2019
9 people are currently reading
3 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
August 5, 2019
A wonderful resource for anyone affected by chronic illness: patients, friends, family members, work colleagues.
May 8, 2020
At the beginning of this book Jane says it contains the information she wishes she had at the beginning of her journey; she has achieved this goal completely. I wish I had this book when I walked out of the hospital with a diagnosis of a rare disease and chronic illness. It would have helped knowing how things are, tips to avoid the pitfalls and smooth the curves along the way. Chronic illness can be a lonely journey and it would have helped having something like this on my side to refer to even if it was just reassurance that I was doing okay and the best I could do at that moment.
Her words resonate with me and like her I am several years into my journey with a chronic and rare disease which has made me find my own ways to cope. Many of them are similar to hers. Reading this book earlier may have given me a short cut to some. I love the quotes includes especially the poem by William Ernest Henley, and have taken it to heart as my message to myself. This was one of those books I nearly committed a crime against books and highlight important passages (post it notes have been used instead). Her thoughts on the health care system, industry and health care workers mirror mine. It is easy to read and her warmth and humour shines through. It includes her story, tips and support on how to deal with yourself, friends and doctors. It is her story but I think it will help many. I would love this to be available to people who need it and to doctors, and nurses dealing with patients. It would help so much.
Her words resonate with me and like her I am several years into my journey with a chronic and rare disease which has made me find my own ways to cope. Many of them are similar to hers. Reading this book earlier may have given me a short cut to some. I love the quotes includes especially the poem by William Ernest Henley, and have taken it to heart as my message to myself. This was one of those books I nearly committed a crime against books and highlight important passages (post it notes have been used instead). Her thoughts on the health care system, industry and health care workers mirror mine. It is easy to read and her warmth and humour shines through. It includes her story, tips and support on how to deal with yourself, friends and doctors. It is her story but I think it will help many. I would love this to be available to people who need it and to doctors, and nurses dealing with patients. It would help so much.
January 20, 2021
Well done!!
Wonderful read. It's a book of great comfort to those of us with a chronic illness.
Strongly recommend for those who have a chronic illness and for those who care for someone with a chronic illness.
Wonderful read. It's a book of great comfort to those of us with a chronic illness.
Strongly recommend for those who have a chronic illness and for those who care for someone with a chronic illness.
March 15, 2023
3.5 stars. Helpful book for people who are chronically ill and their loved ones too. I relate to so much of her journey. I found the end of the book to be particularly valuable. Her discussion of health care workers’ treatment of patients hit really close to home for me and I enjoyed the quick topic of invisible illness. Everyone please treat chronically ill people like human beings and don’t assume you know what they are going through.
December 24, 2019
I got diagnosed and started therapy without knowing or understanding much of my illness and in time I’ve learnt a lot, but reading Jane’s book has been like talking to a friend who has already been through the same as you so it makes you feel understood and not alone. I absolutely recommend this book not only to people with chronic illnesses but to everyone so maybe there’s some more empathy and understanding in the world towards the chronically ill.
I devoured this book which has been written with honesty and positivity! Thanks Jane for sharing your story and I’m looking forward to read your next book!
I devoured this book which has been written with honesty and positivity! Thanks Jane for sharing your story and I’m looking forward to read your next book!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews