Product Description
“But I don't feel sick. Why do I have to stay here in the hospital?” I stubbornly asked the emergency room doctor, and he replied in an exasperated voice, “Because you are one sick chick. Your platelets are down to 2000. You are going upstairs to PCU and you are going to stay there until I say you can go home.”
I (Greta Burroughs) was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder called ITP (Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia Purpura) in April 2005. At that time, I knew very little about platelets, CBC’s, corticosteroids and other factors that would play a significant role in my well-being for the rest of my life.
Since that time, I have researched autoimmune disorders and ITP and have spoken with a number of people who also suffer from this chronic blood disease. I kept a journal describing my relapses, treatments, successes and failures and wrote up all this information so that I could share it with others who are also fighting this illness.
Heartaches and Miracles is a combination biography, research information and pep talk for anyone suffering with ITP or for family members and friends who want to understand what this disease is all about. There are excerpts from other ITPers who have been on or are still on the never ending roller coaster ride of steroids, surgery and other types of medications and treatments. There are no cures for ITP or for any autoimmune disorder for that matter. The treatments and medications can have terrible side effects, but the disease can be controlled in most people. It can be a hard road filled with relapses and disappointments but with a positive attitude and support from friends and family, there is hope.
Heartaches and Miracles was written as a form of chicken soup for the ITP soul to give encouragement and strength to those affected by this blood disorder. Reading how others have coped, hopefully will give those newly diagnosed a glimpse of what to expect and give everyone with ITP a new hope for tomorrow.
I (Greta Burroughs) was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder called ITP (Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia Purpura) in April 2005. At that time, I knew very little about platelets, CBC’s, corticosteroids and other factors that would play a significant role in my well-being for the rest of my life.
Since that time, I have researched autoimmune disorders and ITP and have spoken with a number of people who also suffer from this chronic blood disease. I kept a journal describing my relapses, treatments, successes and failures and wrote up all this information so that I could share it with others who are also fighting this illness.
Heartaches and Miracles is a combination biography, research information and pep talk for anyone suffering with ITP or for family members and friends who want to understand what this disease is all about. There are excerpts from other ITPers who have been on or are still on the never ending roller coaster ride of steroids, surgery and other types of medications and treatments. There are no cures for ITP or for any autoimmune disorder for that matter. The treatments and medications can have terrible side effects, but the disease can be controlled in most people. It can be a hard road filled with relapses and disappointments but with a positive attitude and support from friends and family, there is hope.
Heartaches and Miracles was written as a form of chicken soup for the ITP soul to give encouragement and strength to those affected by this blood disorder. Reading how others have coped, hopefully will give those newly diagnosed a glimpse of what to expect and give everyone with ITP a new hope for tomorrow.
About the Author
While working her way through college, Greta Burroughs taught in a developmental center for handicapped and delayed preschoolers. That is where she developed her love of reading to children and also first started creating her own stories. After marrying Robert Burroughs, Greta devoted her time to working with her husband in the field of aviation. Robert was a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) designated pilot examiner while Greta maintained the office and administered FAA written tests. Even during that busy period in her life, she did not lose her love of reading or writing. After both of them experienced serious medical issues which took them out of professional aviation, Robert and Greta began new careers as writers. Robert published two novels in his exciting Riders of the Wind series while Greta worked as a freelance reporter for a local newspaper. In her spare time, Greta worked on a series of children’s picture books entitled Patchwork Dog and Calico Cat and a young adult fantasy novel, Gerald and the Wee People. She also kept a journal of her experiences while being treated for a chronic blood disorder called ITP. The treatments, relapses and remissions along with the information she found out about ITP was compiled into a book entitled Heartaches and Miracles. Robert and Greta reside in South Carolina with their four-legged children keeping busy at their computers creating articles and books to share with others. They both have plans for more books and will continue writing as long as they possibly can.
