Mainstay: For the Well Spouse of the Chronically Ill [Hardcover]

Maggie Strong (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This is at once an affecting, personal, yet practical and specific guide for the well spouse of a chronically ill mate. Strong has, for the past decade, cared for her husband, who suffers from multiple sclerosis. "Those in a similar plight will recognize Strong as a spokesperson who gives voice to their mourning, anger, valor and committed love," said PW . Author tour.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Do you ever think what life must be like for the well spouse of someone chronically ill? Strong tells us what it is like to watch her husband become increasingly debilitated by multiple sclerosis, to deal with the financial burden of illness, to realize that their and their children's futures are changed forever. By writing about her experiences and those of others in similar situations she intends to offer support to the well spouse. The personal accounts are interspersed with practical advice about dealing with physicians, handling insurance, and just coping. An appendix lists organizations giving help. Not a happy book, but well written, moving, and immensely helpful. John Moryl, Yeshiva Univ. Lib., New York
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 323 pages
• Publisher: Little Brown & Co (T); 1st edition (March 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0316819239
• ISBN-13: 978-0316819237
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.4 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,375,242 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars From the heart, August 4, 1999

By 

dcohen229 (New Jersey) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mainstay: For the well spouse of the chronically ill (Paperback)

Maggie Strong has written a hands-on book for those who are living with a chronically ill spouse or partner. She speaks from her own personal experience and shares the stories that other caregivers have told her. Strong was the first one to write a book that 'tells it like it is." Her writing brought tears to my eyes on more than one occasion because I thought my experiences with an ill husband were unique. This book showed me that I was not alone, where to turn for help in finding support groups, how to handle difficult family situations, and most importantly, gave me hope that I could carry on. Being a caregiver is a very lonely existence...most of the attention focuses on the person who is ill. However, illness impacts the entire family. The healthy or well spouse should not be an invisible part of the equation. Brava to Maggie Strong for her courage and for leading the way on this important topic.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Validation and Practical Help for a Well Spouse, October 28, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Mainstay: For the well spouse of the chronically ill (Paperback)

When my husband was diagnosed with a chronic illness in 1992, I was totally unprepared for the major lifestyle changes that it brought about, even though I am a nurse. When I found "Mainstay", it was as though I was no longer alone. There was someone who not only understood but who was able to clearly articulate the experience. The illness and the circumstances were different but the feelings were so similar. The book also gives realistic and practical ways to survive as a well spouse. However, for me, the best part was that the book led to an ongoing organization, the Well Spouse Foundation, that continues to provide support, education, and hope to many well spouses.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Indispensable for caregivers, July 7, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Mainstay: For the well spouse of the chronically ill (Paperback)

This is a rare thing--a practical, down-to-earth guide that's also very personal and written with the power of a good novel. As the wife of a chronically ill husband, Maggie Strong is honest about her husband's long illness and how it has altered their marriage and their family, and about the feelings all caregivers have: the love, the despair, the humor, the determination to go on and transcend enormous problems. There is nothing depressing here, but no Pollyanna either. You'll also learn about insurance, disability checks, dealing with doctors, asking for help, and scores of other ways to manage. You'll learn about a great support group. This voice will stay with you.