Diagnosis Dystonia takes you on a personal and educational journey full of valuable information for those newly diagnosed, as well as those who have been living with dystonia for years. This book is also a valuable resource for loved ones and doctors. As a long time dystonia patient, I offer coping skills, healthy living strategies, and treatment options. I also provide practical information for emotionally adjusting to the diagnosis and subsequent life changes. Testimonials from other patients provide additional perspective.
This book is much more than my personal journey about dystonia. It is a comprehensive resource for living with any chronic health condition. Serving as a road map, it discusses personal accounts and well referenced topics from the diagnosis onward, such as grief, fear, anxiety, depression, isolation, pain and pain management, doctor visits, relationships, strategies for daily living (mental/emotional and physical), treatment options, stress and stress management, nutrition, coping skills, and more. It also demonstrates out how anyone can rise from the depths of despair into a life full of hope, triumph, and joy.
Diagnosis Dystonia is a must read for patients, family, friends, caregivers, health care providers, researchers, and anyone who knows someone living with dystonia or other chronic health condition. Readers will benefit from my research, personal experiences, and the knowledge I have gained through first learning to cope with this life changing health condition, and then improving upon the life I lead. This book will help you find your own path to pursuing life in which dystonia is not the focus, but a catalyst for finding better days.
Diagnosis Dystonia was featured in Pain-Free Living Magazine, Pain Pathways Magazine, and recognized by the Michael J. Fox Foundation, who added it to their suggested books and resources list. This is the only book about dystonia on their list. Please also see the scrolling bar below for a list of places where my work has been featured.
From the Author: Why this book?
There are not many books available on dystonia and most that are available were written by people who do not have dystonia. I felt there was a great need for a book from the perspective of patients, as our experiences are uniquely different than those who never walked a day in our shoes. My work as a certified professional life coach in the area of health and wellness has been evidence that much more needs to be addressed than just physical symptoms.
This book provides readers with a wide window into life with dystonia through the eyes of those who live with this challenging condition. It is one of the most comprehensive books currently available on dystonia, covering numerous issues we face on a daily basis and providing countless strategies for overcoming obstacles and living a productive life.
My goal is to provide you with as much information possible to make your life with dystonia easier. This book need not be read from cover to cover. It is formatted so the reader can jump to chapters and topics of relevance and interest. Although this book centers on dystonia, much of the information can be applied to any health condition or other life challenge. It provides useful strategies and tools for any life circumstance.