100 Questions & Answers About Chronic Illness

by Robert A. Norman, Linda Ruescher

Overview

Whether you're a newly diagnosed patient, or are a friend or relative of someone suffering from Chronic Illness, this book offers help. The only text available to provide both the doctor's and patient's views, 100 Questions & Answers About Chronic Illness gives you authoritative, practical answers to your questions about treatment options and quality of life, and provides sources of support from both the doctor’s and patient’s viewpoints. This book is an invaluable resource for anyone coping with the physical and emotional turmoil of Chronic Illness.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780763777647
Publisher:	Jones & Bartlett Learning
Publication date:	12/08/2009
Series:	100 Questions & Answers about
Edition description:	1E
Pages:	178
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

President, Dermatology and Skin Cancer Centers of Florida


Editor and Facilitator Coordinator, Lupus Foundation of America, Greater Florida Chapter, Inc., Master Trainer, Stanford Chronic Disease Self Management Program

Table of Contents

Preface ix

Foreword xi

Acknowledgments xiii

Part 1 The Basics 1

Questions 1-6 answer basic questions about chronic illness:

What is chronic illness?

What causes chronic illness?

How is the treatment of chronic illness different from the treatment of acute illness?

Part 2 Stages of Grieving 11

Questions 7-18 deal with some of the difficult emotions that arise after a diagnosis of chronic illness:

Did I cause my disease?

If I'm never going to get better, why bother trying?

How can I manage depression?

Part 3 How Chronic Illness Affects Social Relationships 25

Questions 19-24 address the impact of chronic illness on relationships with loved ones, family, and friends:

Why do I feel so isolated?

How can I make other people understand what I am going through?

Should I tell people about my condition?

Part 4 Chronic Illness and the Law 37

Questions 25-30 explain the rights and protections that the law provides for chronically ill and disabled people:

What rights do I have under the Americans with Disabilities Act?

What is the Family Medical Leave Act, and how does it affect me?

How can I be sure that my wishes will be honored if I am unable to make medical decisions for myself?

Part 5 Medical Providers and Organizations 47

Questions 31-38 deal with common problems that patients have with doctors, medical staff, and insurance companies:

How can I get my doctors to talk to one another about my medical care?

Why do I have to see doctors so often?

Can I fire my doctor? Can my doctor fire me?

How can I challenge decisions made by my insurance company?

Part 6 Medication 59

Questions 39-44 discuss medications, side effects, and treatment plans:

Why don't I notice any positive changes when I take my medications?

Why does my doctor keep changing my medications and treatment plan? Is my doctor experimenting on me?

How can I find help to pay for my medical expenses and medications?

Part 7 Taking an Active Role in Your Own Care 69

Questions 45-59 offer advice on how to become an active participant in managing your disease:

How can I regain control of my health?

What is the role of positive thinking in chronic illness?

Is exercise helpful in managing chronic illness?

How can I find trustworthy information about my condition?

Part 8 Stress 93

Questions 60-64 explain the connection between stress and illness and provide helpful approaches to managing stress:

What is the role of stress in chronic illness?

How can I manage stress that cannot be avoided?

How can meditation be used to reduce stress and manage chronic illness?

Part 9 Clinical Trials 101

Questions 65-67 describe clinical trials and how to find one appropriate for you:

What are clinical trials?

What are the risks and benefits of clinical trials?

How can I find clinical trials?

Part 10 Special Considerations for Common Chronic Illnesses 105

Questions 68-91 discuss some of the most common chronic illnesses and offer management strategies:

What is autoimmunity?

How do I know if alcohol or other substances have become a chronic illness for me?

What is COPD?

What can I do to about high blood pressure?

Part 11 Looking Ahead 131

Questions 92-100 provide answers to help you move forward and to live your best life with chronic illness:

Where can I find a support network?

How can I find purpose and meaning in life again?

How can I stop myself from worrying about the future?

What is the difference between cure and healing?

Resources 145

Appendix 161

Glossary 165

Index 167