Book review: A delicate balance. Living successfully with chronic illness.
By Susan Milstrey Wells

Review by Jaume Sastre-Garriga, MD
Institute of Neurology, UCL National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery Queen Square, London, UK

A Delicate Balance is the account of a journey through chronic illness, from diagnosis and stigma to the final goal of turning limitations into opportunities. The author gathers information from interviews with people affected by different chronic illnesses, with their carers and family members, and with health professionals involved in the care of these people. The author combines all this first-hand material with her own research to create a relevant tool for the mutual understanding of all people involved in this journey – the journey of many lives.

It is an easy book to read, thanks to her concise style and its excellent organisation. The book sets out with the aim of sharing the views of all those affected by chronic illness. Once these views are exposed, they cause us to reflect about others and about ourselves. I think the aim is achieved.

The first five chapters of the book are mostly concerned with the issues of diagnosis and treatment. I found the chapter on alternative treatments extremely interesting, not only because of the great amount of information, but also because of the extreme objectivity with which it is communicated. This chapter enlightens us with some typical behavioural patterns: individuals who have decided to try one therapy and then become its adamant defenders, or health professionals who maintain that, if a therapy has not been proven to work, then it does not actually work. A reader may or may not agree, but the point of view of the writer is detached enough so that one can make one’s own decisions.

The subsequent chapters are about coming to terms with the condition, both individually and in terms of relations with others, especially at work. Every cloud has a silver lining and the last chapter of the book is about the teachings that chronic illness have to offer those affected.

In summary, this book is an objective account of all aspects of living with chronic illness. It will appeal and teach something to people living with an illness, family, friends and health professionals.

Publisher: Perseus Books Group (Cambridge, Massachusetts.) Copyrighted in 2000. First paperback printing in June 2000. Price: US $17.5 or Canadian $25.95. ISBN: 0-7382-0323-X


Book review: Yes, You Can!!! Go Beyond Physical Adversity and Live Life to Its Fullest
By Janis Dietz, PhD
Review by Kristjan Otsmann, journalist, Estonia

The author demonstrates that life itself offers the joy of living, but individuals hold the responsibility to live it right. She provides various examples of people who have successfully managed their life with MS, and shares their advice for coping with it.

It is an easy book to read, the style is clear and her message is simple, yet persuasive: “You have to concentrate on things you can do instead of things you can’t.” It is influenced strongly by Dale Carnegie’s books (How to Win Friends and Influence People and How to Stop Worrying and Start Living) but she extends Carnegie’s ideas to people living and trying to cope with MS. Carnegie’s motivational and practical teachings are as

sound today as when they were first written. The author’s examples of people who have managed their life with MS or other chronic neurological diseases are convincing and helpful. Every example is like a short story, which readers can relate to their own lives. Perhaps there are a few too many examples and the stories are somewhat repetitive; however, this does not take away from the pleasure of reading shared success stories.

The book is somewhat too “American” for people living in Europe, but is still very useful for non-American readers. My view is that the author is aggressive in her method of convincing individuals to set goals, and perhaps pushes them to achieve their goals in too forceful a manner.

It is a good book because the author gives clever instructions for living a great life in spite of MS. She encourages her readers to strive to be better, to understand and to be understood, to commit to excellence, to control one’s life and to do it with enthusiasm.

Publisher: Demos Medical Publishing, USA
Price: US $15.95 ISBN 1-888799-48-X




YOGA for MS and related conditions

Review by Elsa Teilimo

This is a video designed to be used at home, and is aimed at anyone whose mobility is limited.

The style of the video is simple. Sophisticated equipment is not needed for any of the exercises: a sofa, couch or chair and a belt or a strap for leg exercises is all that is required. In cases where individuals are unable to lift their legs, hands or arms, a helper will be required.
The quality is good; the background music is Asian-influenced and soft, and the background colours are kept light; the female instructor’s voice is soft and articulation is clear – she is not a super-model but an ordinary person demonstrating the exercises diligently.

The video is just the right length, lasting 48 minutes. Exercises are performed in different stages (using the sofa, sitting, standing, and on the floor) and in 24 different positions. Special focus is placed on proper breathing techniques throughout the programme. There is an instruction sheet enclosed with the video describing all the exercises, which you can take to your doctor for consultation prior to starting the programme.

I found this non-complicated video quite good. Exercises are simple but effective and they are performed in a calm, quiet way. Because they are simple, they are easy to remember afterwards, so you may not always have to use the video. The instructions sheet is enough. At the end of the workout there is a 10-minute relaxation cool-down, which I found especially effective.

The exercise programme may be very beneficial for persons with MS. It would be good for anyone for whom normal aerobics videos are too difficult or who has some kind of mobility limitation. Unlike other exercise programmes, it is also suitable for people in wheelchairs. I will certainly recommend Yoga for MS and related conditions to my MS Society and friends.

Mobility Limited 475 Arbutus Avenue, Morro Bay, CA 93442, USA. Tel.: +1 805 366 6038 (USA: 800 772 9253)
www.mobilityltd.com. Price: VHS $29.50, PAL $ 34.50