Sick and Tired of Feeling Sick and Tired: Living With Invisible Chronic Illness

A guide to coping with chronic illness teaches readers how to become aware of the attitude they have toward their illnesses and shows how they can communicate with themselves, their doctors, and their loved ones in ways that meet their needs.

Donoghue and Siegel direct their book to healthcare providers, families, and patients dealing with invisible chronic illness (ICI)--those conditions that are chronic and disabling but not readily apparent to the casual observer. In Part 1, the authors define ICI, including brief descriptions of 13 diseases that fit their criteria. They discuss in clinical, detached language the impact of ICI on the patient, family, friends, and employers. In Part 2, Donoghue and Siegel speak directly to the patient, offering coping mechanisms to enhance quality of life through positive thinking, effective communication, and pain management techniques. They also include reading lists and "Illness Associations." While useful, their book suffers from the attempt to address too broad an audience. Recommended for larger collections only.
- Janet M. Schneider, James A. Haley Veterans Hosp., Tampa, Fla.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.