Multiple sclerosis a guide for the newly diagnosed

By Nancy J. Holland, T. Jock Murray, Stephen C. Reingold

Reviewed by Melanie Trevethick, New Zealand

This excellent book begins by providing an introduction for those with little previous knowledge of MS. It describes the disorder in easy to comprehend language while assuming the reader wants more than a cursory overview of the subject. The various diagnostic processes are explained along with the symptoms most often experienced and their treatments.

Instead of falling into the trap of bombarding the reader with negativity, this middle section instead places great emphasis on how to maintain a positive attitude and live with the condition. It’s a refreshing change. The book stresses the key to successful management of MS comes from acknowledging its presence in your life and according it a place where you can co-exist, side by side. It’s the need to balance its symptoms within the framework of our lives, yet not become bound by a state of inertia because of them. This philosophy is best summed up in a quote on fatigue: “Stay active, with reasonable rest, not rest, with reasonable activity.”

The difficulties of denial, grieving, and the balance between understanding in an intellectual or emotional way the changes a diagnosis can bring are handled in a sensitive yet challenging manner. More than merely stating these issues exist, the book offers valuable techniques to work through these phases and enhance the very relationships that sustain all our lives. It also provides sensible and practical advice on subjects such as employment, decisions on who and when to tell, and how to sift through the myths versus helpful advice available and circulating via the Internet.

The last section explains in more detail the current developments underway internationally to predict, identify and combat the effects of this complex condition. Current immunology research is described as pivotal to how autoimmune diseases are able to take hold; seeking to understand how and why immune system cells and antibodies cross the blood/brain barrier to enter the central nervous system. The new areas of genetics, glial cell, and infectious disease research also hold the clues that will eventually unravel the mysteries of this disease.

Overall, this is a book for the thinking person wanting a comprehensive and reasonably detailed view of where MS is at the present time. A very useful glossary and additional reading list completes it, delivering a must-have for anyone wanting answers and education about MS.

Publishers: Demos Medical Publishing Inc, USA, 2002. Price US $21.95. ISBN 1-888799-60-9
http://www.demosmedpub.com

Life on cripple creek


By Dean Kramer

Reviewed by Kathy Balt, Australia

I am an English-speaking Australian, who can also speak a little French. I can count to ten in Dutch and in Italian, but I have no grasp at all on that very difficult language known as “medical jargon”. Therefore, Life On Cripple Creek by Dean Kramer was a rather refreshing diversion from the infinitely more common, exasperatingly technical accounts of dealing with MS.

I chose to read Life on Cripple Creek while undergoing treatment for a MS relapse. I crave such books in order to understand how others cope with this disease.

I must admit I was a bit tentative about picking up the book because of its title. You shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but I did.

However, I overcame my nervousness and devoured the book. I laughed and I cried. I made dog-ears on many pages where Dean had articulated my exact feelings and thoughts. It was actually a wonderful journey through my own life.

I recommend this book to anyone who wants to understand what it is like to live with MS. It tells the truth, whilst also hitting the emotional mark. Don’t be put off by the title, for this is a most enlightening and poignant story.

Publishers: Demos Medical Publishing Inc, USA, 2003. Price US $19.95. ISBN 1-888799-68-4
http://www.demosmedpub.com