Review of Holding It All Together When You're Hypermobile

[Youngreader720-OluwabukunmiWilliamsOso]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Holding It All Together When You're Hypermobile" by Christie Cox.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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The complications of living with a chronic condition are numerous, from pain and co-morbidities to difficult lifestyle changes. It is even worse when you suffer from hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS), a disease that has a shortage of specialists and is difficult to diagnose. Nonetheless, as Christie Cox puts it in the first chapter, "we must always strive to be better." Her book, Holding It All Together When You're Hypermobile, presents a guide to living your best life as a patient. Christie Cox channels her own experiences with this condition and extracts the lessons she has learned over the years, not just as a patient but also as a mentor and advocate, to help fellow "Zebras" (the EDS mascot) on their journey.

The first thing to note is that patients who suffer from hEDS experience it differently, as there are different forms of the condition and numerous co-morbidities. However, it is the hope that the author inspires through this book that is the first thing I like about it. As a "Zebra," Christie Cox acknowledges the difficulties that hEDS and other chronically ill patients suffer. In most cases, these patients are in pain and feel distraught, and considering that they may never be healed, it can be demoralizing. Therefore, a key feature of this book is to encourage readers early on and alter their mindset completely, from a defeatist attitude to a positive attitude.

The author's passion for wanting to help people who have suffered as she has is very evident in the information she provides in the book. I was quite surprised at how accurate and informative the book was, especially when it came to pain management and the actions and drugs required in the process, from the "four Rs" action plan (recognize, respond, recruit, and revise) to topical and narcotic pain relievers and cannabis. Even as a health professional, I picked up a few interesting things that I will explore, which is a testament to the painstaking effort the author has put into the research for this guide. She also includes methods and advice from trusted professional sources, like Dr. Eric Singman, Anna Hennings, a mental performance coach, Dr. Brad Tinkle, Gwenn Herman of the US Pain Foundation, "Harvard Health" research articles, and more.

While the author includes numerous information from these sources and advises patients to constantly consult a professional, the book is littered with several methods readers can easily apply by themselves to improve their quality of life. Mostly, self-help acronyms were used to simplify and aid in remembering these methods easily, including RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) for pain and GIFTS (growth, inspiration, friends/family, tranquility, and surprise) for identifying and expressing gratitude on your healing journey. I think this aspect of the book is highly significant because it reminds readers that a lot of the power over their lives remains with them despite their condition.

Furthermore, Holding It All Together When You're Hypermobile is a comprehensive read. The author even goes the extra mile to include possible questions readers may have while reading, and she provides the relevant answers personally or through interviews with doctors. The book also seems professionally edited, as I found very few errors throughout the text. I did not find any aspect of the book I did not like. Therefore, I rate this guide four out of four stars.

I implore everyone experiencing any form of chronic illness, even if it isn't EDS, to pick up a copy of this book. I believe it will be a life-changing experience for you. The book will help you manage the fear, uncertainty, pain, and exhaustion that come with chronic conditions and firmly put you on the path to the most comfortable and empowering life you can live.

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Holding It All Together When You're Hypermobile
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[Christabel18+]

It’s my first time coming across any information at all on this disorder. This review has given me a good glimpse of what to expect if I choose to read the book.

[Christabel Uzoamaka]

I cannot imagine what the author’s life is like while living with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. I have never come across or heard about this illness before, so there definitely needs to be more awareness, literature, and conversation concerning it.

[queen anirah]

I believe that the syndrome is something I need to learn about. This review is detailed enough for me to understand that it is not easy for people suffering from this syndrome. The fact that the author also tries to inspire hope for people with this syndrome made the book even better.

[Standor5865]

The author has put such an informative read together. I have never even heard of this condition, but the book will benefit a lot of patients suffering from chronic illnesses.

[Okafor Prosper]

Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) can be quite complicated, especially with the co-morbidities that come with it. I like that the author provides relevant guidance here.

[Emily_Jen]

You mentioned that a key feature of this book is to encourage readers early on and alter their mindset completely, from a defeatist attitude to a positive attitude. I'd like to see how the author navigates that message as it relates to HEADS while giving hope to readers. Thank you for your engaging review.

[Jodeci 007]

The author comes across as such a strong individual to not only be able to live her best life despite this condition but also help those in her shoes who are seeking guidance.

[Glory_C]

This book should be shared in hospitals, so that patients could manager their condition better. This is my first time of learning about this sickness. It's a highly informative book and many would learn from it.