The 1992 book, the author, and some reviews
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The 1992 book, the author, and some reviews |
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Arthritis at your Age?, published in book form in 1992, was widely and enthusiastically reviewed, in both professional and non-professional publications, from Woman magazine to the British Journal of Rheumatology and the Nursing Times, and from Arthritis News and the Lupus UK magazine to the British Journal of Occupational Therapy, the Guardian, and the East Anglian Daily Times.
We're delighted to say it made about £6000 profit, which was distributed in donations to arthritis-related charities such as ARC, Arthritis Care, NASS, Raynaud's & Scleroderma Association.
The book's cover photographs were taken by Glyn Barney, a professional photographer who also happens to have arthritis.
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The author She also has an honours degree in modern languages, and worked full-time for 22 years for the British Council. Jill has been a member of Arthritis Care, Young Arthritis Care and its forerunners for more than 30 years, including spells as magazine editor and in its chair. She is a keen supporter of the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS), and the Raynaud's & Scleroderma Association (RSA), amongst other related organisations. Jill's first ten years were spent in East Africa. Her many interests include travel, genealogy and the theatre, and access (in every sense of the word, especially access to information) for people with disabilities. |
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British Journal of Occupational Therapy, Sept 1993, 56(9) 350
This is described as 'a book specially by, for and about young and youngish people with arthritis', though it could be equally useful to carers, colleagues and health professionals. It is written in a friendly, informal style and is something between a handbook and a directory for people who have arthritis. The author describes it as 'a book for dipping in to' and I found that it was very easy to use it in this way…
This is an excellent book: positive, constructive and packed with information. It could be useful in disability awareness training, and is certainly an invaluable resource for people with arthritis and therapists alike. Lucy Blenkiron, senior OT
Arthritis News, summer 1992
…combines a friend's chattiness with the authority of a well-sourced academic work … very readable. Photos were commissioned from a professional photographer with arthritis.
Young Arthritis News, summer 1992
…comprehensive directory with a lush supply of information that has obviously taken much thorough research but is sprinkled with a friendly personal viewpoint… The beauty of the handbook is its simplicity — it's extremely user-friendly.
It's one of those books that you just can't put down… Jill Holroyd has hit on the successful formula for a handbook: personal experience, calm, self-assured and realistic advice and she's not afraid to express her sense of humour. Sometimes it's like reading a good letter from a friend… reviewer: Michael Hutchinson
Sunday Mirror, 6 Sept 1992, Virginia Ironside's column
More people suffer from arthritis than from any other single disease — and few people realise that it's extremely common in young people. Even rheumatoid arthritis usually starts before 45. A marvellously readable book, written by a sufferer, is Arthritis at your Age? by Jill Holroyd.
It's a mine of information for youngish adults with tips on how to outwit arthritis. Lots of case-histories, lots of 'can't-do's' but lots of 'can-do's' as well…
Hot News, newsletter of the Raynaud's & Scleroderma Association, summer 1992
…for someone with arthritis it is a must. Encouraging and positive in its outlook, this carefully researched handbook is a mine of information and self-help ideas which we would strongly recommend.
National Ankylosing Spondylitis Society (NASS) newsletter, spring/summer 1994
… What makes her book so different is that she has tackled many social and psychological problems related to the condition. The book also acknowledges that arthritis is not necessarily a condition only related to the older population. Certainly we with ankylosing spondylitis are also aware of that. But many books on arthritis tend to ignore the special problems that the younger arthritic person encounters when living a life as near to 'normal' as possible. I can recommend this excellent reference book which also contains an efficient index.
Arthritis News, winter 1992, letter from a reader in Gloucester
…Although I have had arthritis since I was a child I had a flare-up about two years ago which still hasn't settled down and during this time I have experienced so many difficulties especially emotional ones (fear, anger, frustration, etc) and then annoyance with myself for having these feelings instead of just coping. Jill Holroyd's book covers all of these aspects of arthritis and helps you to understand these feelings and most of all shows you that these feelings are perfectly normal and not unique to yourself. It's a comfort to know that what you are experiencing is all a natural part of coming to terms with the dreaded Arthur Itis. I'm sure that many more readers would find the book very worthwhile and a mine of information on the subject.
Comments from another youngish adult reader whose RA was diagnosed four years ago
Being ill seems to close so many doors which are not normally thought of as anything other than open. Your book shows that doors are in fact still open. This is liberating.
Instead of blank nothingness there are signposts all over the place. So many possibilities, so many avenues to explore. A map with possible destinations, an idea of hazards, and some suggestions on how to get past them. Challenging but attainable.
Arthritis Care general book list
Description: written by, for and about people with arthritis, especially younger people
Mini-review: combines the author's chattiness with the authority of a well-sourced, comprehensive, academic work
ARC booklet Occupational Therapy and Arthritis
The book Arthritis at Your Age? is written by Jill Holroyd for the younger person but contains a wealth of information and help for all ages. Published by the Grindle Press, Ipswich, ISBN 0951881604.
British Journal of Rheumatology, vol 32, no 6, June 1993
This book has been written by Jill Holroyd, a young woman who has had chronic juvenile arthritis from early childhood and is now in her mid 40s. While it has been written for people under 50, it will be of great value to anyone diagnosed as having a systemic illness regardless of age. The book covers the practicalities of coping with physical disability, has an excellent chapter on how to develop emotional coping strategies, and includes the repercussions which can take place once a chronic illness has entered a family. Financial benefits, support organizations, pain control and drug therapy are covered in great detail … reviewer: Patricia Le Gallez
News & Views, the Lupus magazine
I learnt something new today! Would you believe that if a disabled person in a superstore or a departmental store came to find that the escalator only goes up, but that there are only steep stairs going down, that if she were to ask nicely, the escalator would be stopped and put into reverse action. It's wonderful, it's mind-boggling… All you have to do is ask! This astonishing information was obtained from a magnificent, newly-published book, entitled Arthritis at your Age?…
It is a veritable gold-mine of information, an encyclopaedia … of arthritis and disability in particular, but more importantly of life in general… it is intelligently and systematically compiled and the author graciously and generously acknowledges her many sources and debts. In addition there is a comprehensive bibliography signposting the direction to more informative and specific reading material. Needless to say, the book is full of invaluable names, addresses and telephone numbers of many organisations, societies, help groups and where to get almost everything.
For under a 'tenner' this book starts off with a preliminary 'easy-to-understand' textbook of arthritis, rheumatism, lupus, etc. There follow chapters on everything you can think of. The emotional and psychological aspects of illness, positive thinking and optimism are accentuated. Obviously, she is a caring humanist.
The chapters on the home, shopping, consumer affairs, how to deal with bureaucracy, makes this a quintessential household book. There are chapters on marriage, sex, personal relationships, employment, self-employment and voluntary work. Aid is given to study, whether for pleasure or for a purpose. Sports, pastimes and hobbies are fully investigated topics as are also social services, insurance, holidays and travel.
It is difficult to imagine the painstaking diligence, industry, research and above all, loving dedication with which Jill has produced this inspired A to Z of disability. No similar work by other aspiring authors need be attempted, not at least until the third millennium.
As for myself, I will keep this treasured reference book in my living room, making sure I speedily order another copy for my bedside table, to take its rightful place together with that other great book. Two other bonus points enhance this publication. The first is that this is a specially bound paperback so that it opens flat for readers with weak hands. Secondly, profits (if any) will be donated to appropriate charities.
My recommendation to all readers of News & Views is to enrich your day to day living and lifestyle by having in your possession, this unique, omniscient 'living with disability' bible and companion. reviewer: Dr Benjamin Green
[Note by Cheryl Marcus, founder of the Lupus UK Group: With thanks to Dr Ben Green, our reviewer, I share his enthusiasm for this exceptionally welcome addition to my book collection.]
Nursing Times, April 14, vol 89, no 15, 1993
This excellent book is written by a young adult with arthritis, for fellow sufferers. So often arthritis is thought of as a disease affecting elderly people, but there are many children, adolescents and young adults who suffer from a wide range of arthritic diseases.
The book is full of information ranging from an explanation of what arthritis is and its physical symptoms to treatments, as well as giving examples of emotional and family problems. It details what help is available in the home and in employment and offers advice in finding a way through the maze of benefits, insurance and help agencies. Much of the information would be applicable to people suffering from other chronic diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
It is a very positive book and tries to help readers maximise whatever potential they may have. The text is well supported by contributions from other young people with arthritis about their experiences and how they surmount problems.
Each chapter can be read as a separate unit, but there is excellent cross-referencing between chapters, and each contains an extensive list of further reading, addresses of relevant groups and agencies. There is also an appendix of useful addresses ain addition to the index. My only criticism is the frequent use of abbreviations that at times make for a disjointed read. It was hard to remember what each abbreviation stood for.
I strongly recommend this book to anyone who knows someone — young or old — with arthritis. The person suffering from a particular disease is very often the one with an in-depth knowledge of that disease and how to get the best out of life. I learnt a lot from reading this book and I am sure that many others will also do so. Janice Oakley, BNurs, RGN, NDNCert, HVCert, PWTCert, senior district nurse
Nursing Times, Sept 30, vol 88, no 40, 1992
As a handbook for arthritis sufferers this is a good example of the genre. It is written for those in their teens to early 50s by an author who has had arthritis for many years. The book deals mainly with the major inflammatory arthropathies…
The text is interspersed with quotes from the author and others detailing how they felt about the effects of arthritis on aspects of their lives, their medical treatment, and how they overcame problems. This adds a sense of immediacy to the book which is often lacking in patient handbooks. My only reservation is that the author recommends that nothing should be tried without getting the doctor's permission — this is a little ironic in a self-help manual.
The book is well-referenced and there is an impressive list of mail-order firms for those unable to get out to the shops. It would be useful if every rheumatologist had a copy of this book to lend to patients. Martin Leach, BA, MSc, RGN, RMN, research nurse
Disability Scotland newsletter, autumn 1992
…friendly and informative … It will be immensely helpful to many people with acute or sub-acute inflammatory arthritis, and to doctors, healthcare professionals and friends and partners.
BSSA news, journal of the British Sjögren's Syndrome Association, Jul-Sept 1992
…wonderfully comprehensive, carefully-researched and friendly handbook on how to live with arthritis and outwit it…
DIAL UK newsletter
…covers all aspects of life … gives comprehensive information and excellent signposts to where to find out more. The book is a must for younger people with arthritis. It contains more information than is generally needed in a DIAL office but may be worth ordering to show clients.
Holistic Health, journal of the British Holistic Medical Association, summer 1993
…a very readable, highly practical and helpful compendium, modestly priced too — which can be confidently recommended to every younger person with arthritis and those who seek to help them. J A Cosh, MD FRCP
Physiotherapy, April 1993
An arthritis sufferer herself from a young age has written this book to provide a wealth of information for other young (under-65) arthritis patients. The book begins by discussing some of the different rheumatic conditions and the various treatments available.
The rest of the book is devoted to all aspects related to 'living with arthritis' — ie employment, further education, socialising, holidays, relationships, marriage, etc. The information provided is frequently interspersed with quotes from other people with arthritis, thus giving a genuine feeling of 'I know how you feel' or 'I know what it is like to…' rather than thoughts and ideas written by non-arthritic people who can only imagine what it must be like to have arthritis.
The overall bias of this book is that patients need a good working relationship with their healthcare team and that they are the people who are central to that team and they need to find out how to help themselves using medical professionals as advisers. At the end of each section there is a bibliography and list of useful contact numbers and addresses.
I feel that the right balance has been achieved in expressing the more depressing aspects of these potentially very disabling diseases and the endless possibilities for leading a fulfilled life provided patients have a strong will and good support from others.
Though primarily written for patients, this book is an invaluable source of information for anyone involved in the management of people with arthritis. The layout makes it easy to dip into and use, as intended, as a reference book. The ring binding instead of a traditional solid spine makes handling the book much easier; especially for arthritics who often have poor hand function. Overall I would say it is excellent value for money and a must for all departments including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and the wards, as it provides quick and easy access to information for patients and their relatives as well as members of staff. reviewer: Elizabeth Hall MCSP