Introduction

Throughout this blog Dr. Angela Joynes will share techniques learned from personal experience to help patients and family members dealing with sudden health catastrophes, unexpected complications or chronic medical conditions.

As a lupus ( Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) patient, Angela dealt with the grief of multiple miscarriages, chronic joint pain and fatigue for many years, mostly in silence. Even her experience with lupus, years of medical training and twenty-five years of active practice in family medicine were no preparation for the four medical crises she encountered from 2012 to 2014.

Dr. Joynes’ medical career screeched to a halt in 2014, putting an end to financial security and threatening her sense of self-worth and independence. Coping with the heart break of multiple losses was as challenging as learning to live with physical limitations, attached to oxygen tubing and respiratory machines.

Through the dark days, Angela gradually developed strategies by setting microscopic daily goals in order to claw back a sense of accomplishment, happiness and fulfillment even in the face of an incurable disorder.

Through personal anecdotes and real life stories, Dr. Joynes shares secrets for simple, doable, strategies for coping with short term or long term illness. She also serves up tips for improving communication with your physicians, knowing when to seek a second opinion or fire your doctor.

Focussing on positive outlook, humor, setting realistic expectations, appropriate body image, and healthy choices, Dr. Joynes shares the journey from mistreated, angry and resentful to a place of contentment where she can use her medical background and history of personal suffering to help others.