After the Diagnosis: Transcending Chronic Illness
Diagnosed with type I diabetes at the start of his medical internship, kidney specialist Julian Seifter had to learn to accept his new self as a person with lifelong chronic illness, which is often at odds with his self-image of hard-charging achiever. Speaking as both physician and patient, he acknowledges the difficulty of such a life-changing transformation—“It’s hard to live in a body that doesn’t work right and to hold on to hope when the future’s uncertain,”—then offers strategies helpful in managing chronic challenges on a day-to-day basis and maintaining a positive, productive life. His maxims may seem simple, but they are not. “Be Yourself” emphasizes that the disease does not define the self. “Know Yourself” addresses the balance needed between denial and preoccupation. “Transcend Yourself” stresses the spiritual dimension. “Forget Yourself” means to uncouple from obsession. “Forgive Yourself” by letting go of guilt and holy hindsight. “Grow” via positive change, and “Share” by allowing dependency on others. Part memoir, part self-help, part questioning essay, Seifters’ helpful book about self, illness, healing, and life will have wide appeal. --Whitney Scott