Triona Holden was working as a journalist in London when she first came across the disorder known in Great Britain as "sticky blood" or Hughes syndrome, and known in the United States as antiphospholipid syndrome or APS. Holden realized it would be important to put together a book of information, personal stories, and resources about the disorder for those wanting to know more about it.
The result of Holden's efforts is Positive Options for Antiphospholipid Syndrome. This book, published in 2003 by Hunter House Publishers, has at its core the stories of individuals affected by APS. Holden states her hope that perhaps these stories will help those already diagnosed with APS--and those yet to be--find answers and information which will help them manage their illness. And what stories they are! People who suffered for years without a diagnosis or treatment, women and couples who went through the grief of multiple miscarriages, others who were told their problems were "all in their heads" and sent to psychiatrists. Then, when the correct treatments were started, how the symptoms began to disappear, and healthy babies were born, and people formerly disabled by illness were able to function again.
In addition, Holden has provided explanations in clear, non-medical terms about the workings of antiphospholipid syndrome, what treatments are available, the connection between lupus and APS, and devotes chapters to specific health problems caused by APS.
