The Chronic Pain Couple Book by Karra Eloff

The struggle to maintain joy & a fulfilling relationship while coping with chronic illness and chronic pain is a serious problem for millions of people today. 

Australian entrepreneur and health professional Karra Eloff draws on academic research and her own pursuit of joy in spite of suffering to bring this trailblazing, compassionate, low-energy and practical path to a remarkable new normal, for you and your chosen human/partner.

On average, one in five adults suffer from chronic pain. In older people, the number rises to three in five. Most of these people don’t realise they do not have to settle for a survival-based coexistence with their partner or bury their hopes for success and joy under a mountain of heat packs or duvets.

Chronic illness or pain need not hold you back from experiencing personal joy and success. It is possible to forge a path to remarkable—to move the dial of a relationship challenged with chronic pain from embattled and exhausted to joyful and passion-filled.

This is possible through small, practical changes that require little energy but make a big impact in the areas of:

  1. Communication

  2. Mental health

  3. Intimacy

  4. Personal Success

This book is for you if you experience chronic pain, love someone with a chronic illness or are a health professional seeking practical advice for people with chronic pain.

  • “The Chronic Pain Couple is an authentic, meaningful and highly practical guide to safeguarding and restoring relationships touched by chronic pain. Rather than observing the topic from a safe distance, Karra dives in boots-and-all with an account that is both deeply personal and accessible, all the while grounded in evidence-based research and practice. A must-read for any couple or individual navigating the twin challenges of managing chronic pain and aspiring to a mutually satisfying relationship, and for the health professionals who support them.”

    Dr Gemma Roux, Clinical Psychologist, Director of Flourish Psychology, Communicator

  • “In this book, as in all her work, Karra is approachable, compassionate and warm, with a wealth of knowledge and experience in the areas of chronic pain and relationships. The rare, unmistakable authenticity, understanding and empathy that shines on a background of both lived experience, and professional expertise is sure to change lives for the many people struggling through life and love in pain. Reading Karra’s book feels like talking to your best friend - who gets it, has the best advice, and tells it to you straight! This book is a must read for chronic pain sufferers, their partners, and professionals working with them.

    Sally Shepherd, Author and Clinical Psychologist

  • Karra's writing is as if you're listening to your best friend. She is honest, kind, respectful, and encouraging! I really enjoyed the structure and thought all of the advice was great.

    I also enjoyed getting to learn about Karra's story too, which is an important aspect to this book. I immediately trusted what Karra was saying as I knew she understood it! She is also living it, and that makes all the difference (in my opinion).

    I recommend this book for anyone who is living with a chronic illness (whether that includes chronic pain or not) who is in a relationship, or looking for one.

    Jess O’Brien - from the Podcast ‘That’s So Chronic’

  • “What a wonderfully refreshing book! Karra writes with the knowledge of a health professional and the soul of a romantic, and has skilfully combined the most up-to-date research with her and others’ lived experiences to provide a practical and down to earth guide for couples who are navigating chronic pain. Personally, I think this book has something to offer all couples, irrespective of pain, but particularly chronic pain survivors who have been searching for practical ways to fell joy and intimate connection in their relationships again. Bravo!”

    Laura Bennett - Clinical Psychologist & Clinical Neuropsychologist

  • I really enjoyed reading the Chronic Pain Couple. The chapters are fairly short. I like that because my attention span isn’t always great.

    I take no pleasure in knowing that Karra lives with pain. But a book like this can only be written by someone who really understands what this kind of life is like. I’m not normally a fan of the phrase ‘people don’t understand unless they have pain themselves’ but sometimes it is a true saying.

    Liz - Despite Pain Blog