Barbara Kivowitz

I wish I had found this book by Barbara Kivowitz and Roanne Weisman a
couple of years ago when my husband and I developed arthritis, asthma,
heart failure, lung dysfunction, PAD and other illnesses. Having a love
for each other helped, but the adaptations needed on a daily basis
were difficult to master.

Stories in the book tell of how life now revolves around doctor
appointments, hospital visits,lab work and new ways to get around, with
walkers,, etc. As "In Sickness as in Health" points out, patience is a
new virtue for such couples, each relying on the other. If there was no
communication between spouses before, the problems begin. The book
covers this aspect of married life, communication under negative
conditions and the other problems which possibly could surface. As
pointed out by Ms. Kivowitz and Weisman, any illnesses make marriage
cracks more evident.

Many ideas are listed by the authors, such as how to maneuver through
sometimes dysfunctional health systems. Living in isolation is no
answer so community becomes a help in organizing, acting and supporting
the couple as needed. All such ideas are not things that we learn in
growing older; it is only as we reach the point of need that this book
becomes so valuable.

Although I read this as a senior, PTSD is covered from a military
viewpoint. I have PTSD myself, so don't skip this chapter just because
you aren't military and think it pertains only to them. Remove the label
"military" and learn about this anxiety disorder,using your own
experiences.

The last chapter leaves the reader with words of wisdom, and again,
these are priceless. Read them, learn them and use them. I highly
recommend this book to all readers, because at some point, we all age
and will need this information.… (més)