Overview
Proper diet, exercise, and medication have long been the "doctor's orders" that lead to successful recovery from heart illness. The psychological challenges of illness and recovery--including effects on married life and self-esteem--have rarely been addressed by cardiologists and therapists. Now there is growing recognition that the patient, and often the patient's whole family, needs help coping with the stresses and changes brought on by heart illness--and that such help can be the key to recovery.
In Heart Illness and Intimacy, psychologist Wayne Sotile offers heart patients and their families the first extensive guide to this long-neglected area of cardiac rehabilitation. Sotile addresses common concerns about sex and intimacy, the effect of medication, and the difficulty of changing old habits. He describes techniques for managing stress, understanding personality types, and getting on with a happy and healthy life. His message is upbeat and for most heart patients, sex is no more dangerous than gardening; "Type A" personalities can change their high-risk behaviors and their family relationships; fear, anger, guilt, and regrets can be replaced by positive emotions; coping with heart illness often leaves families closer and "healthier".
Focusing on the ways illness affects spouses, children, and other family members, as well as patients themselves, Sotile offers practical advice for dealing with the emotional stress of heart disease and improving family relationships in general. He describes how illness and rehabilitation affect marriage and family life, and he explains how a patient or family member's reaction to the disease can itself be healthy or unhealthy. Case examples illustrate the importance of coping as a family "team" and highlight typical challenges for patients, spouses, and adult children of heart patients. Strategies for strengthening healthy relationships and honest communication are included, along with sample questions and dialogues.
With a spirit of loving concern, Sotile asserts, people can help each other--and their relationships--survive the stress of chronic heart disease. Many, in fact, emerge from the experience leading fuller and more satisfying--in many cases better--lives than they led before experiencing the crisis of heart disease. Patients and spouses, family members, friends, and health professionals will find Heart Illness and Intimacy a practical guide to ensuring the best chance for the fullest possible recovery--for everyone.