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Book Reviews

Book Reviews for “Graves’ Disease In Our Own Words”

So many of those seemingly contradictory "facts" available on the Internet are made clear in this extraordinary compilation of authoritative information on Graves' Disease. Because it shares important perspectives on emotional as well as physiological aspects of G.D., it should be required reading for those spouses, family members and health care providers who truly want to understand.

Arliss Beardmore
President Thyroid Foundation of Canada (1997-2000)

While Graves' disease is not well known, several patients are: Former President George H.W. Bush, Mrs. Barbara Bush, and Olympic champion, Gail Devers. Chances are, if you're reading this, you or a loved one has Graves’ disease. I congratulate your decision to educate yourself on this condition which is too often overlooked, under diagnosed, misdiagnosed, and misunderstood. I also congratulate--and thank--the authors for compiling this resource.

I wish I could prescribe Graves' Disease, In Our Own Words for every patient with Graves' disease. . .and their loved ones. Whenever chronic illness is diagnosed, it's scary. Patients and their loved ones naturally seek information, because knowledge is power. Yet it's almost impossible to find one comprehensive source with all the necessary information, in an easy to read format. . .with a real-life "been-there-done-that" perspective from other patients. Co-authors Nancy Patterson, PhD and Jake George of the National Graves' Disease Foundation have provided that.

As a physician, I am pleased that the medical information presented is thorough, comprehensive, and accurate. Even more appealing, however, are the sections addressing the social aspects of Graves' disease: memory problems, family problems, work problems and other emotional issues. The letter from David Bos to spouses of Graves' disease patients is a poignant love letter; it’s a powerful starting point for readers whose loved ones have Graves' disease. As a women's health advocate, I particularly appreciate the sections on Graves' disease and pregnancy, as many women patients are diagnosed by their gynecologists when trying to conceive.

Yours in good health,
Donnica L. Moore, MD
President, DrDonnica.com

Following Reviews from readers at Amazon.com

It's fairly obvious, February 20, 2003
Reviewer: A reader

That the folks who felt this book was... "inadequate" in addressing all of the issues, opinions, folk-remedies and whatnot regarding Graves' disease share the opinions of the "other" thyroid disease message board. So rather than use this review page as an Us vs. Them battle, I suggest that our fellow reviewers stick to the facts... and perhaps do a little research themselves.

For one: "Spontaneous Remission", a phrase long uttered by fans of Elaine Moore and Mary Shomon, is NOT the expected end result of either treated or untreated Graves' disease. Any Graves' disease patient who expects that their condition will suddenly cure itself or run its course, either through the use of ATMs, bogus herbal remedies or beta blockers, is taking a dangerous health gamble. While some patients do go into "remission" (meaning their Graves' antibodies settle down for a bit, but will likely flare up at a later date) through the use of ATMs, the long-term effects of improperly treated GD are marked: coronary involvement, osteoporosis, significant muscle wasting and possible thyroid storm or death. Any person who suggests that GD patients should try herbal remedies and vitamins alone to control this INCURABLE autoimmune disorder is flying in the face of established medical fact and may be placing other patients in serious medical harm.

So while I applaud any GD patient who has managed to send their disease into "remission" using one or more of the above methods, unfortunately most of the rest of us aren't in any position to gamble with our already failing health. When my blood pressure spiked to 210/115 and my resting heart rate was at 150 bpm on 50mgs of Atenolol b.i.d., waiting for "remission" was a luxury I just didn't have. And due to the severe immune system involvement of my condition, ATMs were also not an option. So I chose RAI, and while many GD patients will attempt to make me and others like me feel guilty for making this choice (and they did, on the "other" message board), I know that I made the best medical decision for me and will support other GD patients in their treatment choices - regardless of what that choice might be, within the realm of common sense.

Which is what 'Graves' Disease In Our Own Words' is all about, and why it is a far superior book to Elaine Moore's (not-so)'Practical Guide'. It offers REAL stories from REAL GD patients who faced tough decisions regarding their treatment. 'In Our Own Words' offers ALL treatment options from an objective point of view, and simply because the authors choose to not denounce RAI as evil spawned from Satan himself does not mean that they are "pushing" that option onto anyone.

In addition to addressing the "technical" side of this illness (done in a very matter-of-fact, cut through the B.S. way that I greatly appreciated), I loved how this book tackled the real-life, emotional issues of GD overlooked in so many other books on the topic: family problems, job-related stress, memory loss, and depression and anxiety to name a few.

'Graves' Disease In Our Own Words' may not be the definitive, encyclopedic tome on treating and managing this chronic condition, but if you want down-to-earth, realistic information on this disease from the people who know it best (fellow GD patients), this is the book for you.

Easy to read, while very informative, February 3, 2003
Reviewer: A reader from Melbourne, FL United States

Having researched a number of the available titles about Graves' Disease, it was refreshing to find one which is not too technical, nor too "dumbed down". This well researched, yet easy to read book provides help and hope! I recommend it as a first choice to my recently diagnosed patients seeking information about their disease.

Great, factual information in plain language, January 25, 2003
Reviewer: A reader from San Jose, CA USA

These are the people with experience, the people with the disease, and the people who have learned all there is to know about the disease. They are backed by knowledgeable health professionals (the experts in the field) and refuse to perpetuate common myths and misperceptions about various aspects of the disease and its treatment. Every fact has been checked and verified with its medical board of directors and can be completely relied upon. Also written in a conversational style that is easy to read. EXCELLENT book.

Wonderful information, January 25, 2003
Reviewer: Denise Wilcher from Griffin, GA United States

I wish this book had been availably a year ago when I started my battle with Graves' Disease. Gives honest, well-researched information. If you are just starting your battle with this disease and struggling with getting info. from Doctor and need easy to understand, not too technical information then this book will give you or your family members a better understanding of what you could be going through, what may happen down the road and how to work with your Doctor at making you better.

What can I say, I loved the book and only wish there was more than 210 pages to it.

Very one-sided view of Graves Disease!, January 24, 2003
Reviewer: A reader from Philadelphia, PA

I was diagnosed with Graves Disease over two years ago and was put on the medicine and was pressured by the doctors to have surgery or RAI - and decided against all of that. After being on PTU for over a year (12 pills/day) I went off of the medicine and started treating myself naturally with minerals and vitamins. I was in remission within three weeks - and a year later, I am pregnant and still in remission. When I posted my results on the author's website, I was removed and was told it was "impossible to go into remission using vitamins and minerals". Impossible? I've done it and stayed this way for over a year - along with countless others! They wouldn't even let me give other people on their site the chance to see if something else would work for them. The medicine and surgery and RAI all have negative side-effects - why would they not want people to know that there may be another option? I'll tell you why - because they were in the process of publishing this book. Pretending to be an advocate for this disease is very different than keeping an open mind and allowing all facets of remission to be known and then letting people make up their own minds about their individual treatment.

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Book review for “The Red Man In Me”

From The Eagle

The Red Man In Me is a small book compared to most books, but it has a message, actually a number of messages, delivered from the heart.

One day while in Sundancer Gallery, Cocoa Village, rummaging through the bookshelves, I discovered a small autographed book, number 106 of 1,000. It looked interesting. The title intrigued me. I was looking for research books and thought it might provide special insight into Native American philosophy. It is written by a man who describes himself as a man of mixed blood who has adopted his Native American heritage. The final poem, Freedom At All Costs, was worth the price of the book.

It’s not a book for everyone, but I consider it an important part of my American heritage bookshelf. If you are not receptive to other cultures and beliefs, you probably will not appreciate this book.

Who will like this book: readers who are interested in Native Americans, individuals with a “mystic” side to their personalities.

guttenberg

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