On the week when we mark World MS Day, RealTalk MS host Jon Strum and I chatted about my new anthology of MS patient stories, about the power of advocacy for patients who often feel powerless in the face of their illness, and about trying to come to terms with the uncertainty that is the multiple sclerosis diagnosis.
Meanwhile, The Culture Buzz host John Busbee and I discussed my inadvertently of-the-moment novel, Louie on the Rocks, a vodka-soaked tale about an estranged father-daughter duo on opposite ends of the political spectrum.
I appreciate the spotlight these two folks put on my latest creations.
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.”
Meredith OBrien 