Must read for those facing medical challenges
357084
This is such a heartfelt and honest reflection of a difficult journey. This will be a great resource for those individuals and couples facing medical/physical challenges. The author, Joe, who was the caregiver/spouse, helped me understand better ways to reach out to those who are on this type of journey. To often we are paralyzed into non-action because we don't know how to respond in life challenging situations of our friends at a time they need us the most.
1884782
For those of us working in the health field; whether as a social worker, physician, nurse, health administrator,physical therapist, or instructor, this book will give you an real account of a person's struggle through the medical system. As practitioners it is our ability to search out and educate ourselves on the clients we serve. The author has captured the raw emotion we often experience when we journey through the phase of healing and regaining after a lost or life crisis. Her medical crisis became real for the reader with every page turned. This is truly a book that grabs your attention, the author wraps you in the midst of what she's saying and allows you to reflect on your life, your blessings, and your ability to overcome obstacles that are sometimes thrown into this journey that we call life.

As a licensed clinical social worker I have worked with clients who have postpartum depression, low self-esteem, thoughts of suicide because of incurring a lost such as this author's  medical experience. This book is a must read..I highly recommend it.
2014807
This book offers a helpful and needed perspective on the issues of health care in our country.  As a pastor and a doctor who has spent his life serving those without health insurance, Dr. Morris provides a unique perspective that challenges both the church and the medical industry to be places of health and healing.  I also really enjoyed the Model for Healthy Living that shows you how to be healthier in all areas of your life.  This is a great book for who want to look at the healthcare debate through the lens of faith.
2509412
While this is not a happy, feel good book, it is a must-read if you or a loved one are facing cancer.  It is full of good, practical advice both for the patient and family/friends.  It is evident that the author has lived the experiences she has written about, and speaks from that experience. It's also good for those who are facing any chronic or serious illness. It's truly very helpful.
4211082
Because I am living this topic right now, I found it very informative.  I appreciate Dr. Gawande's compassionate and human approach, for patients and their families, very comforting.  I think it should be required reading for everyone in the medical profession.  I shared the book with my husband's caregivers and my family.
4857484
One of the more challenging and compelling reads for several reasons: the vocabulary used made me look up words - something I haven't had to do as frequently in quite some time; the emotions; facing the mortality of loved ones and myself.

While the science and study of medicine is clinically fascinating, if you or someone you know (doesn't even need to be someone close), the contents can cause a shiver down the spine, thinking about what they are facing.

If you can get past your own fear and despair, and see the meaning of Paul's story - to live life to the fullest and to the best of your ability with the time you have on this earth, then the emotional rollercoaster is worth it.

Prayers of peace and comfort for Dr. Kalanithi's family, friends and colleagues.
3223238
This book is a great guide for any patient who  has suffered a life changing event and finds themselves navigating the complex world of the healthcare system. Each suggestion the author gives come with a personal antidote that is humorous.

Most importantly, for all us healthcare providers, this book serves as a reminder to talk to our patients and give insight to our rationale behind our clinical decisions. I think that many of us become desensitized to the world inside a hospital and we forget that patient sees it very different. Helping them understand the choices you make only comes with great communication. Patient and the healthcare provider should be a team approach. This book helped me realize that.
128792
This is a book for anyone in the medical fields. I loved the explanations of the effects of different drugs and what to look for in an impaired physician. Dr. Travis really gives hope to the addicted medical professional in this book. The extensive monitoring program for impaired physicians is quite impressive. I'm glad to know that there is a program to help physicians and that the relapse rate is so low. Very good read and extremely important.
2071511
THIS IS A "MUST READ" BOOK FOR ANYONE WHO IS EXPERIENCING ANY TYPE OF MEDICAL PROBLEM, ESPECIALLY A SERIOUS OR LIFE-THREATENING ILLNESS SUCH AS MINE. I HAVE BREAST CANCER, AND THIS BOOK HAS BEEN VERY HELPFUL IN GUIDING ME ON THE "HOW TO'S" OF GAINING THE PROPER MEDICAL RECORDS, ANALYZING THEM AND MAKING INFORMED DECISIONS ON MY CARE. I WOULD NOT HAVE ANY TYPE OF SURGERY OR UNDERGO TREATMENT EVER AGAIN WITHOUT CONSULTING THE GUIDES THIS BOOK OFFERS TO HELP ME FEEL MORE COMFORTABLE I AM GETTING THE CARE I NEED, AND THE RECORDS ARE ACCURATE AND FILED IN THE PROPER CHART. HEALTHCARE IS VERY SCARY THESE DAYS, AND THIS BOOK CAN HELP TO SAVE NOT ONLY YOUR LIFE, BUT SOME HEARTBREAKING ERRORS FROM OCCURRING WITHOUT YOUR KNOWLEDGE.  I WISH I HAD READ THIS BOOK MUCH EARLIER. GREAT AUTHOR!!!!
4839776
I could not put this book down! I was misdiagnosed with anxiety attacks and prescribed Xanax. Later, when I found a new doctor turns out, all I needed was to take some more Magnesium. So I cannot even begin to imagine watching my daughter suffer for 14 years while trying to find a cure for her. With as many people who must undergo surgeries today, it is disturbing how something so disruptive to your health can get misdiagnosed and not even treated! Steward has masterfully written a book that not only tells the truly inspiring story of a mother fighting for her child's life, but explores ARD (adhesion related disorder) by sharing her immense knowledge about the disorder.
2916508
As a medical practitioner who treats patients with kidney disease, diabetes, and many other chronic illnesses, I have found Dr. Boyd's book tremendously helpful for me, my patients and their families.  He creatively and lovingly engages a group of people who have found their own way to live well with their chronic illnesses, and then brilliantly distills their stories for us.  Dr. Boyd gives both knowledge and inspiration that all of us, and those who we care for, can use to improve the way we live.

  This book reminds us that as physicians we must treat illness on many different levels besides prescriptions, tests and hospital stays.  I know that many of my patients could minimize their need for medications and hospitalizations if we could find a way to follow the lead of these courageous people who shared with Dr. Boyd the wisdom they have found in adapting to some of the most difficult trials any of us can face.  With this book, Dr. Boyd gives us the opportunity to learn from some of the best.  Not only do I encourage patients with chronic illness who want to live well, and doctors who want to help them, to read this book, but I encourage anyone who wants to find inspiration for conducting a better life to read it.
3757593
I absolutely loved this book. As a 4th year medical student it was a great reminder of the importance of caring for the whole patient - body and soul with the right mixture of medicine, diet, habits and "tincture of time". I will read this again and again when I feel burnt out or run down in our institutionalized healthcare system. Thank you Dr. S for sharing Laguna Honda and yourself with all of us.
32591
A must read for anyone that is struggling or knows someone who is struggling with a cancer diagnosis.  Leigh's tome is informative, compassionate and brings the realities of her journey out for all to see, warts and all.
1195202
This book is a must read for anyone who has or knows someone who is living with heart disease.  My significant other had a massive heart attack with sudden cardiac arrest a few months ago and lived to tell the tale.  Mr. Kaufer's book details his own experiences with heart disease and how he has lived an extraordinary life and survived, indeed, thrived for more than 40 years through many cardiac events with the help of his family,his doctors, and the life-affirming perspective he has adopted.  It is a well-written and informative read without being pedantic.  The author tells his own story in a conversational manner which draws the reader in and in my case gives me tremendous hope and power to help my friend in making important decisions as he continues to improve,  but it also reminds me to be ready and not give up if there are any challenges or setbacks along the road to recovery.  I intend to buy more copies to give to friends who are facing similar life-altering tests.
1438964
Jon openly shares his journey adjusting (and not adjusting) to his diagnosis with MS in his page turning book, Shadow Summit.  He describes his experiences, thoughts, denials, and their impact upon himself, his health and others.  Going through both traditional western medicine and then more alternative treatments through diet and lifestyle, he truly inspires one to examine their own wellness.  I will definitely be sharing this book with my friends in the health professional world.  Whether they are doctors, physical therapists, nutritionists, yoga or Pilates instructors or personal trainers, this book can be a motivator for them and their clients.  I will also definitely be sharing this book with my own patients-especially those impacted by autoimmune disorders to offer them help and hope in a very frustrating world of uncertainty.  This book inspires one to examine their own life and how it can be more clear, centered and real.
301359
This book is a "must read".  It is a very inspiring and motivating non-fiction.  Jan Hass had extremem medical issues that nearly took her life.  Facing overwhelming odds, she let her faith, family, and friends help her to endurer and face her challenges and struggles with the recovery process.  Who among us has not faced challenges that took all our strength and focus to recover and find our way through the issues?
This book will inspire and give you a model to follow through hard times.  I thank Jan for her personal story and thoughts and I admire her wisdom, strength, and courage.  She has motivated me to face my challenges with not only strengh but also with grace.
3620734
Suzanne has taken on a subject that has needed to be addressed by someone who can reach a wide audience.  I am relieved and intrigued with what the doctors have to offer and thrilled to learn more with each page.  This is a must read for anyone who has cancer or has someone in their lives experiencing cancer.  Please, share this book with everyone including your doctors.  If your doctors scoff at you then seek another doctor.
We all must be informed and educated and not depend solely on the sentence or prescriptions that a doctor tells or prescribes for us.  Use the internet, your library, your homeopathic doctors, acupuncturists, and friends.  Always seek multiple sources and definitely get multiple doctors opinions before subscribing to chemo or radiation. There is hope for what has been seen as a death sentence.  People are being CURED of cancer. Learn how in this book.