The Sacred Disease: My Life with Epilepsy

by Kristin Seaborg MD

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Pub Date Jan 29 2016 | Archive Date Feb 29 2016

Booktrope | Gravity

Biographies & Memoirs | Health, Mind & Body

Description

Young Kristin Seaborg had the world at her fingertips: a loving family, happiness and security, early admission to medical school. Her future seemed certain, until the frightening diagnosis of epilepsy threatened to destroy both her career path and her health. Living in constant fear that her seizures would intensify and prevent her from practicing medicine, Kristin kept her condition a closely guarded secret, leading a tenuous double life as patient and practitioner. A memoir of discovery, acceptance, and hope, The Sacred Disease chronicles Kristin’s tenacious fight for a seizure-free life. Remarkably, although Kristin's knowledge and expertise continue to develop as a pediatrician and mother, her experiences as a vulnerable patient provide the most valuable lessons of all.

Young Kristin Seaborg had the world at her fingertips: a loving family, happiness and security, early admission to medical school. Her future seemed certain, until the frightening diagnosis of...

Advance Praise

This book is not only a valuable read for those for whom epilepsy is a lived reality – for themselves or for loved ones, but this book is very valuable reading for all of us because all of us are fighting some great battle. I found myself applying Dr. Seaborg’s wisdom to my own situation as a cancer patient, to my encounters with people with conditions that are misunderstood – ADHD, depression, anorexia and, well, you name them. -- Pastor Brent Christianson
I am reminded throughout this well-told narrative that I seldom know what battles others are fighting. I am also reminded that there is too much in this life that I don't understand, particularly in the medical field, and I am reminded that bravery is not something relegated to athletic contests or war zones. There are many brave people who fight a battle every day.. I am grateful for Ms. Seaborg's gentle tutorial on the subject of epilepsy. I have other friends who have lived with this "sacred disease" for their life-time and I have not taken the time or had the opportunity to understand it. I am certainly better equipped after this book to listen and care for my other friends. -- William White
This is an inspiring story of a patient turned doctor which is a must-read for anyone hoping to care for patients with debilitating conditions. Kristin's candor about her personal vulnerabilities and how she is able to translate them into being a more thoughtful and empathetic provider of health care is remarkable. Kristin's additional research and notes on the condition of epilepsy throughout history are an excellent and compelling complement to this work. -- Jeanan Yasiri-Moe
The books flows well and she carries you along with her on her journey as well as providing historical perspective with the horrendous treatments that epileptics have been subjected to. Touching, educational and inspirational. -- Mary Evenson, APNP
The book captured me from its early pages. This is a story of grace and faith at the foundation of perseverance in some pretty challenging times. A fantastic read. Any practicing professional or student aiming for a degree in a health care should read this story for inspiration and perspective. -- Lynne Pehrenbacher, PharmD