Comfortable Pain: Inspirational Story of a Nurse Living with Multiple Chronic Illnesses
by Leisa Cadotte
About the Book
Follow this inspirational nurse on her hopeful journey of inner strength as she battles life-threatening illnesses and debilitating pain.
Leisa’s uplifting story takes us on a journey of how she navigates our complicated healthcare system while coping with debilitating chronic pain. Through her humorous accounts of the challenges she faces as both the nurse and the patient, the author teaches us how love, faith, and laughter are the best medicine.
“Leisa’s story of managing multiple chronic diseases is one of a kind. Not only does she combine her experiences and hardships but, she also addresses an admirable and firm faith in God by trusting His purpose for her life, even when faced with circumstances that would dishearten most. As her doctor, to see her approach the ups and downs of her illness with perseverance while always looking for the good in difficult situations is completely inspirational.”
Dr. Evaristus Idanwekhai, MBBS, CCFP, Chief Medical Director and founder of the 1st Canadian Medical Centre
When was the last time you heard a well-experienced nurse who needs the expert care of nurses and doctors, tell it like it really is. Enjoy this read which combines the advances of science and the mysteries of the spiritual. You will be blessed.”
Executive Pastor Jim Heuving, Pacific Community Church
“This book may seem like a small light in the blackest night of pervasive sickness in our society. But it’s a bright light for many who are struggling with health challenges. This book, I think, provides a beacon of light and hope for many who struggle with chronic illness.”
— Dr. C. Leong Wong, DC, FCCPOR(C), DACRB, CCC
About the Author
Leisa Cadotte is now retired from her beloved nursing career due to her own serious health complications. Her 20 years’ experience in Disaster Response, Search & Rescue, Surgical Nursing and finally as an Educator, allow her to share her expertise and the humor needed to becoming a patient warrior.
Leisa is a passionate and fierce advocator for invisible chronic illness and volunteers with the B.C. Lupus Society and Arthritis Research Canada to raise awareness for these complicated and debilitating diseases such as Systemic Lupus, Fibromyalgia and Osteoarthritis. She also participates as a mentor with multiple online chronic illness and pain platforms. Leisa continues to support health care education and makes guest speaker appearances at the former nursing colleges she used to teach at, as well as sharing her story with other organizations. She is also a true Canadian hockey mom and enjoys watching her son play.
Leisa was born in New Westminster, BC, Canada in 1969, and grew up in Maple Ridge and White Rock, BC. She has raised her two boys Mathieu and Benjamin with her husband Francois of twenty-seven years, while living in Quebec and Ontario for Francois’ RCMP career. They are now back living in Surrey, BC.
Both Leisa and Francois love the healing properties of the beach and the ocean. You’ll often find them with their Goldendoodle Cooper, enjoying the benefits of the salty ocean air and the natural beauty of British Columbia.
Interview with Leisa Cadotte
Please share a bit about your journey to become a published author?
I met Julie at women’s event three years ago. As there are so many people living with chronic illness and pain, she encouraged to share my story. I then took one of Julie’s publishing webinars and also spent time at one her weekend writers’ retreats to get started on my book.
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How does the writing process work for you? Do you schedule a time every day, work madly when inspiration hits or ?
I had been writing in a healing journal for the past two years, so a lot of my book was inspired by my journaling. I made a point of either making notes whenever it inspired me on my laptop, phone or in my journal. On ‘better pain’ days I would write like crazy as I know that an opportunity for sitting is short lived. Chronic illness has its own schedule, so I had to write around it, through it, in it or whatever I could stand in that moment.
What did you find most difficult about the writing and publishing process? What was the easiest?
The most difficult part of writing, as I’ve mentioned above, is living with chronic pain; I can only sit for short periods of time. Then serious health complications and hospital stays over the last two years really slowed me down as they would put my writing on holds for months at a time.
The publishing part can be difficult for any author; however working with Julie at Influence Publishing made it a smoother process than expected. She has experience as a writer herself, knows how to lay it all out and guides you through the process step by step – from the title on the cover, right down to the last chapter. I would highly recommend taking her workshops so the publishing part isn’t so daunting.
What title (or titles) have you released?
My book is called Comfortable Pain. It’s my story as a nurse living with chronic pain and multiple chronic illnesses. Lupus, Fibromyalgia and Osteoarthritis are my main issues. I had to retire just two years ago due to health complications. I’m now living on disability and have been working with my doctors to get those health concerns under control. I’ve been walking on my own without my cane for almost a year now! I was also a nurse educator and I miss teaching my students, but I know it’s’ better for my health and my family for me to be at home where I can rest any time I need to.
I have not written any other of my own titles, however as a nurse I have done medical text book and curriculum editing as well as peer reviews and have my name in the 2017 edition of “The Canadian Personal Care Provider” text book.
Do you have any new books in the planning or writing stage?
There may be another book two in me – a newer version of my current book, or follow up focused more on how movement and mental health affects chronic pain. I’ve also considered writing a children’s version of my book for kids who are living with parents that suffer with chronic illness. My sons will have a lot to contribute to that I’m sure. Having a sick parent is so challenging for young children.
What would you like readers to know about you?
My nursing career may be over, but I know my journey on a new path is just beginning. I’d love to be able to network and share my passion of care giving and living with chronic illness and thriving through pain. I have done some public speaking and would like to do more. I love being able to empower patients and families to become their own advocates and navigate in our complicated healthcare system. Writing has been very therapeutic and helped me find my way back to myself.
What do you most hope readers will take away from your book, Comfortable Pain?
I hope readers will take away a feeling of optimism. I hope reading my book helps them understand that even though there is physical and emotional pain, there is lightness and ways to enjoy life despite the limitations of pain.
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jerimiah 29:11 (NIV)