A Delicate Balance: Living Successfully With Chronic Illness [9780738203232]

Learn practical advice for living with a chronic illness in this thoughtful, compassionate collection of coping strategies from those who have experienced similar challenges.

Chronic physical illnesses—such as lupus, Sjögren’s syndrome, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, inflammatory bowel disorders, Lyme disease, interstitial cystitis, and multiple sclerosis—take their toll on every aspect of a person’s life. Though millions of people manage to cook, care for children, or work while living with chronic illnesses, they often experience fatigue, pain, and difficulty in the process.

A thoughtful exploration of this experience, A Delicate Balance provides both up-to-date practical advice and ideas for the millions of Americans who struggle daily against chronic illness. From locating a suitable health care provider and making sense of the powerful emotions that accompany chronic illness, to seeking accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act and applying for Social Security Disability Insurance, A Delicate Balance is informed by in-depth, personal interviews with patients, care providers, and family members. The result is a compassionate and immensely helpful book for anyone touched by a chronic disease.