Easy For You To Say

by Kaufman, Miriam

• ISBN13: 9781554070787
• ISBN10: 1554070783
• Edition: Revised
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-08-06
• Publisher: Firefly Books Ltd

Summary

Tens of thousands of teens have to deal every day with problems arising from their chronic conditions or disabilities. They take powerful medications, undergo frequent, sometimes painful, medical procedures, deal with doctors and other medical professionals, and endure the embarrassment of appearing different from others their age. Dr. Miriam Kaufman addresses these challenges with passion and sensitivity, and relates to teens in an approachable way. Topics include: Anemia, Cancer, Cerebral Palsy, Crohn's Disease, Deafness, Diabetes, Head Injury, Heart Disease, Hemophilia, HIV, Lupus, Muscular Dystrophy, Sickle Cell Anemia, Seizures, Spina Bifida, Spinal Cord Injuries, Thyroid Disease

Author Biography

Miriam Kaufman, BScN,MD, FRCP, is a staff physician with the Division of Adolescent Medicine at The Hospital for Sick Children and associate professor, Department of Pediatrics, at the University of Toronto. She has been working with teens for 18 years.

Table of Contents

Preface	vii
Acknowledgments	xi
Family Relationships	1	(34)
Doctors and Medical Issues	35	(30)
Friends and Dating	65	(22)
School and Work	87	(21)
Alcohol, Drugs and Medications	108	(20)
Sexuality	128	(78)
Recreation	206	(28)
Transitions	234	(31)
Appendix: Charts
A. Drugs That Can Cause Acne	251	(1)
B. Drugs That Can Cause Hairiness	251	(1)
C. Medications That Can Cause Decreased Sexual Desire	252	(1)
D. Medications That Can Cause Erectile Problems	252	(1)
E. Medications That Can Lead to Male Breast Enlargement	253	(1)
F. Some Medications That Interact with Birth Control Pills	253	(2)
G. Some Over-the-Counter/Prescription Drug Interactions	255	(1)
H. Street Drugs and Their Possible Effect on Sexual Function	256	(1)
I. Possible Effects of Drinking Alcohol When Taking Medication	256	(3)
J. Possible Effects of Tobacco Use with Medication	259	(1)
K. Possible Effects of Marijuana Use with Medication	259	(2)
L. Possible Effects of Cocaine Use with Medication	261	(1)
M. Possible Effects of Amphetamine (including Ecstasy) Use with Medication	262	(1)
N. Drugs That Combined with PCP Can Lead to Seizures, High Blood Pressure, High Temperature and Muscle Destruction	263	(1)
O. Possible Effects of LSD Use with Medication	263	(1)
P. Other Combinations to Avoid	264	(1)
Glossary	265	(8)
Resources	273	(4)
Index	277

Excerpts

Preface I am a doctor in a clinic for teens at a large hospital. Some teens come because they have questions about sexuality, contraception and pregnancy. Others are having problems with their parents or school, are using drugs or have been sexually abused. Other teens bring their own children for medical care. Many have concerns about their bodies not looking like the models they see in magazine ads. In all these groups are teens who have a chronic illness or disability. In 1991 and 1992 I was asked to talk to a group called Teens of Ontario Living with Lupus. I gave the group file cards and asked them to write down questions about being a teen with a chronic condition. I was stunned by the honesty of their questions. As a teen, I never would have been able to ask questions such as theirs, even anonymously. As I was standing in front of them, I decided to write a book, one that would answer their questions and those of teens with asthma, Crohn's disease, spina bifida, cystic fibrosis, seizure disorders, kidney disease, cancer and other conditions. I knew that there was a growing body of literature written for professionals, and also quite a bit for parents of children with specific diseases or disabilities. I felt it was time to translate some of this important information into English, out of whatever language it is that doctors, nurses and social workers speak. I did not want this book to be for people who share one illness or disability. There is too much of that already -- separating people into little compartments. Teens with long-term conditions have a lot in common. They also have a lot in common with other teens who are not affected by any medical problem. The questions in this book (it is in a question-and-answer format) come from teens I met with while researching the book, in addition to teens who have been patients of mine and of my colleagues in several cities. Some of the questions are combinations of things asked by several kids. Some I have put together from concerns that I have heard expressed over the years. I have been careful to make sure that no one can tell who asked the question. I may have changed the diagnosis (so don't skip through looking for questions from people who have the same thing as you -- you might miss the sections that apply to you). Since the first edition, I have met many more teens, some of whom have asked why I didn't include a certain topic, or who had advice to add to what I suggested. I have updated the book based on their input.In the process of writing this book, I had the opportunity to meet with a number of adolescents with chronic conditions. It was clear to me that most of them did not see themselves as particularly disabled or sick. They had decided to get on with their lives, and despite the many questions and comments they gave me to help me with this book, I felt their lives were healthy and adjusted. I couldn't help believing that there was another group of teens, feeling very sick and very disabled, who couldn't manage to get out to meet me. My suspicion is that if they exist, these teens are, by any objective standard, no more disabled or sick than the ones I talked with. Because I think that attitude has a big impact on how disabling any condition is, some readers may feel I have a "Pollyanna" type approach to problems. I don't want to minimize how difficult it can be to be singled out as different when you are an adolescent. But standing out from the crowd isn't always bad, and you may be able to turn it to your advantage. You may also have problems with my strong belief in fighting for what you need and want. My answers often involve suggestions about writing letters, making phone calls, being an activist. I try to provide alternatives for people who don't want to try these things, but I do think that fighting for what you need often works and helps you feel in control and power