The Invisible Kingdom: Reimagining Chronic Illness - Book Talk

Explore the challenges of chronic illness and the limitations of modern medicine in this thought-provoking book talk featuring author Meghan O'Rourke. Delve into O'Rourke's personal journey and scientific research as she discusses her work "The Invisible Kingdom: Reimagining Chronic Illness." Gain insights into the frustrating experiences of millions who struggle with undiagnosed conditions, bouncing between various healthcare providers without finding relief. Learn about the gaps in medical knowledge, the psychological impact of chronic illness, and the importance of storytelling in understanding these experiences. Discover the connections between chronic illnesses, long COVID, and infection-associated conditions. Hear valuable advice for both patients and doctors on navigating the complexities of unexplained symptoms and working within the healthcare system. Join this enlightening conversation that bridges poetry, medicine, and community, offering key takeaways on patient-doctor relationships, alternative medicines, and the evolving understanding of chronic illnesses.

Introduction
What is The Invisible Kingdom
Why The Invisible Kingdom
The Medical System
My Symptoms
Knowledge Gap
Psychological Reality
Chronic Illness
Storytelling
The Invisible Kingdom
What if
Where science is silent
We want children
Treatment
I felt seen
A wonderful doctor
Medically unexplained symptoms
Long Covid
Infection Associated Conditions
Medical Unexplained Symptoms
Advice for Others
Advice for Doctors
What worked for you
Where should we go
How to work the system
Questions
Poetry
Medicine
Community
Key Takeaway
Im in my body
Listen to the wisdom
Patients are always going to bring what theyve read
Doctors encounter is really a meeting
Alternative medicines and female health
What motivated your last doctor
Did you go back to your last doctor
Hypochondriacs
Family Support
Pain is New