Get a Grip: A Take-Charge Approach to Living with Arthritis

A strong, clear voice that will resonate with young adults impacted by rheumatic diseases, AND people of all ages who struggle with arthritis, chronic conditions, or discouraging limitations of any kind. READ IT! --This is no tale of woe, nor one of triumphant (but short-lived) denial. Amye is a leader who speaks unflinchingly of the troubles chronic illness can bring, all the while proving that a life with long term health challenges can still be one of joy and accomplishment.

I met Amye Leong a number of years ago when she came to me to receive massage therapy which supports her continued mobility. I came to respect her, thoroughly enjoy her and admire her for her life's accomplishments.So when "Get A Grip" was published I was excited to read it, to know Amye's story in greater detail. And yes, the book is very readable, inspiring and filled with the joy that Amye can hold not despite her disease, but WITH her disease.What I was not prepared for was how topical the book is for me as I deal with having a very different chronic autoimmune disease. I had recently sunk into a depression which is a side effect of my physical illness, a response to the ways my life has changed and how I had allowed myself to become a victim of this disease and not, as Amye so strongly addresses in Get A Grip, becoming a participating partner in my health care. Amye Leong has spent many years touching people's lives through her advocacy for, and commitment to the Rheumatoid Arthritis community. Now through her writing she is touching and inspiring so many more!While it is understandable that Get A Grip is directed to people with Rheumatoid Arthritis, I believe it would be intensely appropriate, helpful and perhaps even necessary for anyone dealing with a chronic illness, and even those struggling with a life challenge.

Get A Grip is an amazing and inspirational book by a woman who has been to hell and back! As I read I laughed and cried - I celebrated her victories and was crushed by her defeats. The amazing thing is how she learned and grew from each episode. She has wisdom to share with anyone who is struggling with a chronic illness - or who loves someone with a chronic illness. She takes you step by step through the process of learning to be an advocate, first for yourself, and then for others. It truly is a must read!!

Get A Grip, A MUST read for anyone who has or knows someone who has arthritis...Amye Leong soberly tells in her memoir of her lifelong devastating struggle with Rheumatoid Arthritis...But this is by no means a pity book; this young woman who as a college freshman was first diagnosed, with all her pain and hospitalizations she goes on to receive her MBA...In spite of needing twelve joint replacements to get her out of a wheelchair...when even her education has been accomplished...We journey with her through her sadness and triumphs, loves and laughter and tears, frustration and self education of the disease and most of all, we all cheer her on as she continues to persevere throughout her setbacks...and victories!She represents us all, whether it be as a torch bearer in the 96 Olympics or just as a survivor of life which has dealt her such a harsh blow...Ms. Leong has gone on to help the arthritis community with her starting the first Support Group for the young with arthritis back in the 80's in her home state of California...Working along with C. Everett Coop during the Clinton administration on the Surgeon General's Counsel on Self Help and Public Health...Today she travels the world as a spokesperson for the UN endorsed bone and joint decade 2000-2010...She is an ICON for all of us 43 million Americans who live with arthritis everyday and pray for the cure...Tilda Kruegel Arthritis Foundation Southwest Florida Regional Board Member

Amye Leong is a survivor and an inspiration. Her book, "Get a Grip", is the best kind of self-help book...personal story with practical help mixed in. As a fellow sufferer of rheumatoid arthritis, I've read plenty of self-help books over the years. I wish Amye's book had been out years ago...I wouldn't had wasted so much time reading useless books. This book is essential if you suffer from any chronic disease.