Radcliffe Publishing - Patient Narratives Series

	Patient Narratives Series The books in the Patient Narratives series provide first-hand accounts of experiences of illness. Sometimes gruelling, sometimes uplifting, each personal description vividly illustrates the highs and lows of being a patient, where treatment can be good or bad, unsuccessful or successful, and the insights are invaluable.
		DEPRESSION – A NURSE’S EXPERIENCE *shadows of life* Veronica Burton This book recounts the author’s experiences of major depression, hospital admissions and treatments including medication, ECT and 'talking treatments'. It discusses the care given by medical and nursing staff and social and medical prejudices against those with psychiatric illnesses from a medical practitioner’s perspective. For full information please click here.
		NOTHING PERSONAL *disturbing undercurrents in cancer care* Mitzi Blennerhassett ‘This is essential reading for all who deal with cancer patients – health professionals, politicians, health service developers, carers and, of course, patients themselves. It clearly gives us a distillation of what cancer patients want.' Karol Sikora, in his Foreword For full information please click here.
		STROKE - IT COULDN'T HAPPEN TO ME Margaret Cromarty This book describes the frustrations of being fully aware but ignored as a person by carers unable to communicate effectively, and the painfully slow steps towards rehabilitation. It contains vital lessons for health professionals caring for victims of stroke, and for families and friends of patients. For the 12 months following her stroke, Margaret's husband, Iain, kept a journal. To read an account of his perspective on his wife's illness, please click here. For full information please click here.
		MOURNING SARAH *a case testing group B strep* Theresa Huttlinger Vigour ‘In this astonishing read, we follow Vigour's journey into darkness and loss, a gripping pilgrimage that leads to eventual knowledge and empowerment. This lucid book should be required reading for any woman headed to the maternity ward.' Paul Morris, Director, Master of Liberal Studies Program, Arizona State University, USA For full information please click here.
		FROM ONCOLOGY NURSING TO COPING WITH BREAST CANCER *my journey there and back* Kate Hayward 'Being diagnosed with breast cancer has now changed me from nurse and carer into a vulnerable ill person with doubts and fears for my future. To restore some sense of purpose while on sick leave and help me to get through each treatment stage, I decided to keep a daily journal of my experience.’ Kate Hayward, in her Preface For full information please click here
	Other Patient Experiences
		A LONG WALK HOME Rachel Clark An evocative and moving account of a young woman's cancer treatment and experiences with health professionals, providing insights of enormous practical benefit to doctors, nurses and their colleagues. For full information please click here
		LIFE AFTER DARKNESS *a doctor’s journey through severe depression* Cathy Wield Life After Darkness is the remarkable and moving story of a doctor and mother of four who endured seven years of severe depression. Self-harm, attempted suicides and admissions to psychiatric units culminated in her resorting to brain surgery as a final attempt to escape her illness. For full information please click here.
		EYES WITHOUT SPARKLE *a journey through postnatal illness* Elaine A Hanzak Eyes without Sparkle is a powerful medical autobiography describing the journey followed by the author into, through, and out of puerperal psychosis, the most severe form of postnatal depression. With vivid and intimate descriptions of events and the author’s feelings, this is the only book offering a single first-hand account of postnatal illness. For full information please click here.
		THE SECRET HISTORY OF A WOMAN PATIENT Janet Rhys Dent When Janet Rhys Dent is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, she decides to try and be a ‘good patient’. This book reveals her secret dilemmas and discoveries both inside and outside the hospital. It also records her successes and many failures as she becomes seriously involved in the quest to find out what makes a good patient. For full information please click here.
	Other Narratives
		CHILDHOOD SEXUAL EXPERIENCES narratives of resilience Sally V Hunter This subject is highly controversial, and has generated considerable disagreement and conflict. This book provides vital insights for health professionals in any setting encountering patients who have experienced sexual activity during their childhood. For full information please click here.
		MEMORIES AFTER ABORTION Vivian Wahlberg Memories After Abortion offers thought provoking ideas for all health and social care professionals involved in pregnancy issues. Undergraduate and postgraduate health and social care students, counsellors, therapists, teachers and youth/religious leaders will also find it invaluable. For full information please click here.
		SUDDEN INFANT DEATH SYNDROME learning from stories about SIDS, motherhood and loss Dawne J Gurbutt Focusing on grief, motherhood and maternal identity, the book is an intriguing read - often upsetting, yet desperately compelling. Health and social care professionals will find a wealth of emotional and practical insights to improve professional practice. For full information please click here.