Have you ever felt invisible? Have you ever gone to the doctor with complaints of not feeling well but were unable to pinpoint specific symptoms only to be dismissed by them? Do you or a loved one have a diagnosed or suspected autoimmune disease? Do you want to learn practical tips to living a more balanced life with autoimmune disease? If you answered yes to any of these, then this book is for you.
It took over twelve years for Melissa Marquis to receive a medical diagnosis for the multiple complex symptoms plaguing her. After years of searching and visits with numerous specialists, it was Melissa's own tenacity and diligence that led her to finally receive her multiple diagnoses. She credits her clinical expertise with providing an unmatched understanding on navigating the health-care system to obtain necessary care over her fifteen-year history of living with progressive, chronic, and rare autoimmune diseases. In Invisible: A Nurse-Turned-Patient's Resource to Living Well with Autoimmune Disease, Melissa provides her medical and nursing expertise by explaining some of the numerous autoimmune diseases and their symptoms, common testing (and what they mean), treatment options, as well as resources and practical tips to have a well-balanced and well-lived life while living with autoimmune disease.
Melissa values the experience she gained both professionally and personally during her journey with autoimmune disease. Quickly recognizing that a large gap existed in having a concise, singular resource to learn more about autoimmune disease and applying it to a patient's own life, Melissa curated this book to provide what was lacking for her. Further, she wisely incorporated conversations from the director of the Scleroderma Program at Yale University and several patients with various autoimmune diseases to share their expertise and experience. Her dedication to her craft, her caring spirit, and her desire to help others in a similar situation are all examples of how she continues to live well while living with currently incurable diseases..
