Neurologist & Author Dr. Brandon Beaber called Uncomfortably Numb 2: An Anthology “a must-read” for MS patients.
I hope these stories, from the array of folks living with different stages of the disease, will help readers feel seen and understood. 🧡
I’m thrilled that the sequel to my 2020 medical memoir is now on sale. Uncomfortably Numb 2: An Anthology for Newly-Diagnosed MS Patients tells the stories of a variety of multiple sclerosis patients who are in varying stages of the autoimmune disease. A neurologist who specializes in MS and pediatric neurology, as well as a National MS Society state advocacy professional’s stories are also included.
Kirkus Reviews gave it a shoutout:
This follow-up to O’Brien’s memoir, Uncomfortably Numb (2020), follows several multiple sclerosis patients and experts on their emotional journeys. It’s easy to see shared experiences across the many narratives; many of the people presented here have faced similar challenges with aspects of their illness, from dealing with insurance and prescription drug cost issues to other people’s judgement of using the Americans with Disabilities Act parking when their symptoms aren’t visible to others. A project that many will find relatable.
The president and CEO of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Dr. Tim Coetzee was kind enough to write the foreword in which he says, “This book is essential readding for anyone who wants to fully understand the journey of MS from the perspective of those living with the disease.”
Contributors include:
Author Elissa Grossell Dickey
MS Influencer/Advocate Sarah Quezada (MSfitmomma)
MS Influencer Paige Butas (MSfighter101)
MS Influencer/Advocate Noelle Connolly (MSLivingBalanced)
Greater New England MS Chapter Trustee Eddy Tabit
Artist and Author Lydia Emily
MS Support Group Co-Leader Dianne B.
Dr. Tanuja Chitnis, MS neurologist at Mass General Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Laura Hoch, an MS Society state policy and issues advocate
It’s coming.
In less than a month.
My memoir will be available for sale.
At the beginning of Multiple Sclerosis awareness month.
This is more than slightly terrifying. My memoir, Uncomfortably Numb, is the most personal work I’ve written to date. Hopefully folks will embrace its vulnerability and dark humor. I’ve got my fingers and toes crossed. Tightly.
Meanwhile, it gives me a shot of confidence that Sarai Walker, the author of the much-praised Dietland (yes, the book that was made into a TV show), has kind words for Uncomfortably Numb. In fact, my publisher put an excerpt of Walker’s blurb on the cover.
Here’s Walker’s full blurb:
In Uncomfortably Numb, Meredith O’Brien writes unflinchingly about her life before and after her MS diagnosis. Detailing her treatment, her struggles to be taken seriously by doctors, and the effects of it all on her family, career and sense of self, she writes in a clear-eyed and courageous voice, bringing the reader along with her as she navigates this profound, life-altering experience.
Thank you Sarai!
Image credits: Wyatt-MacKenzie Publishing and Amazon.
Meredith OBrien 