Gluten-Free Book Review: Life Disrupted-Getting Real About Chronic Illness

Has adapting to a gluten-free diet or accepting that you have celiac disease been extremely hard for you?

Are you dealing with an autoimmune disease or difficult medical condition in addition to celiac disease?

Have you ever been frustrated while trying to live a full life despite your health?

Do you need guidance on how to take charge of your medical care without getting nasty?

Or, perhaps you know someone who lives with a chronic illness?

Have you been waiting to find an encouraging book on this topic that is more than just a thrown together compilation of enthusiastic platitudes or a depressing self-obsessed pity party? Then Life Disrupted-Getting Real About Chronic Illness In Your Twenties & Thirties by Laurie Edwards is the book for you, regardless of your age.

Laurie Edwards is a writing teacher at Northeastern University who is living a full life, one that includes normal every day challenges, along with celiac disease and primary ciliary dyskinesia (a rare genetic respiratory disease). I've never met Laurie, but through her book I know that I like her! Her writing is so fluid that the book almost reads like a novel and she not only has valuable experience to pass along, but you can tell that she is diligent, reasonable, honest, insightful and compassionate. The chapter titled, "The Waiting Room As The Great Equalizer" brought tears to my eyes-likely due to my recent hospital waiting room encounter-as she succinctly captured all of the suspended emotions everyone experiences on the other side of the swinging doors.

Laurie Edwards is a writing teacher at Northeastern University who is living a full life, one that includes normal every day challenges, along with celiac disease and primary ciliary dyskinesia ( a rare genetic respiratory disease). I've never met Laurie, but through her book I know that I like her! Her writing is so fluid that the book almost reads like a novel and she not only has valuable experience to pass along, but you can tell that she is diligent, reasonable, honest, insightful and compassionate. The chapter titled, "The Waiting Room As The Great Equalizer" brought tears to my eyes-likely due to my recent waiting room encounter-as she succinctly captured all of the suspended emotions everyone experiences on the other side of the swinging doors.

This book will resonate with the 125 million Americans living with a chronic illness. A wide variety of chronic conditions are covered, and the book includes stories from other patients. The book confirms that are certain universal themes that transcend specific conditions or symptoms--namely, loss, acceptance, identity, and survival. This is why those with celiac disease can benefit from reading about the experiences of Laurie and other patients.

Here are some of the topics explored:

How much your illness should be a part of your identity

How much healthy people need to know and when you should disclose illness

Tips on how to manage your education, career, social situations, and relationships

Finding the balance in your lifestyle while caring for your health

I'm really excited about this book, and in my opinion, Laurie Edwards is a great example of triumph despite obstacles that will inspire you regardless of your health condition. For a bigger taste of her writing be sure to check out her blog A Chronic Dose.

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I'll be back next week to share more of my gluten-free adventures in Portland, Oregon. Stay tuned.

Comments

[Rachael]

This sounds great. I'll have to check it out!