Medicine and Health Books

I have to disagree with some of the poor reviews. After trying to get pregnant for 2 years, I got this book and began following some of Dr. Silber's advice, on my own thought I had figured out what my problem was after charting my temperature and reading the chapter on that, and sure enough went to the Dr who diagnosed the problem I suspected I was having. I was started on Clomid and was pregnant a few months later!

I thought this book was very informative for people who are trying to concieve for the first time. It is easy to read and made many good points.

When reading this book I felt that Dr. Silber was talking directly to me. In a patient and non condesending manor he brought a lot of clarity to some fuzzy concepts that I had. Imagine a medical book that is easy to understand!!! Thank you Dr. Silber for sharing your years of experience and study with us.

This book was the most accurate of the 3 I read. The most important information dealt with exact timing of intercourse (or IUIs) in order to conceive. Some of the information I had earlier was wrong, which actually could have prevented conception!

i enjoyed the book. i think anyone who wants to get pregent should read this book. it is great...

This is a good manual about the medical establishment written by an insider, Pamela Gallin, M.D. First, she describes in detail how the medical world works. Second, she tells you how to obtain the best medical care.

The medical profession is organized around teams. The teams are hospitals or medical centers. There are three leagues. At the top are hospitals providing tertiary care. These represent the best city hospitals. They deliver the widest array of specialized medicine services. Their specialists are often among the leading authorities. If you have a complex medical condition that is where you should go. Next are hospitals providing secondary care. They have very good resources but for the rare diseases mentioned above. Finally, you get hospitals providing primary care. These are good for mundane conditions only. For others, they will refer you to the nearest hospital that delivers secondary or tertiary care.

The medical profession has a military like hierarchy. At the bottom are several ranks of nurses. Above them are many ranks of doctors with different level of experience and specialization. There are also hospital administrators who are doctors who got promoted upstairs into managerial roles.

There is a key defense line among doctors that consist of the radiologist, anesthiologist, and pathologist. The author calls them the invisible doctors because they have no patient contact. But, their work is key. The radiologist gives others the broad road map of a disease by interpreting X-Rays. After reading the chapter about the anesthiologists you appreciate their importance. If a surgeon makes a mistake, you are typically ok. If an anesthiologist does, your dead! The pathologist is the true scientist who analyze the disease at the cellular level. He is the one that advise the surgeon if he has cut enough cancerous tissue. These three "invisible" doctors, together are more important than the surgeon.

The main advice the author gives regarding how to get the best care is original. The most important issue is to select the best hospital or medical center. The best hospital will have the best team of doctors, including the key invisible ones mentioned above. Only then, should you focus on choosing a primary doctor. And, she gives good advice on how to select both a hospital and a doctor.

My only issue with the book is that we often can't choose a hospital as she suggests. Employer sponsored health insurance (HMO/PPO) restricts you to a given hospital. Yet, her advice kicks in when you are referred to a hospital outside of the HMO/PPO network. Overall, this is still an excellent insider's view on a hermetic profession.

Dr. Gallin has created a tool for everyone to be able to navigate the medical system. I wish that I had read this book before my recent foot injury as I would have known how to better handle my medical care. In fact at the time of injury, I didn't know what to do when I injured myself. Since I didn't know that I was allowed to make choices on my behalf or choose specific doctors I wound up getting inferior care.

The best part about this book is the simplicity whith which complicated matters are explained. The infusion of real world examples not only exemplifies the topic that is being described, but also allows you to grasp how situations that are not properly monitered can go wrong. You know that if this can happen to a doctor or someone in their family, it can happen to anyone. I got this book from a friend and feel that the future of my health is better and safer for having read this as I will know what to do when there is a problem.

This book is a must for one and all!

This clearly written book has helped me in many ways. I never realized the importance of choosing the hospital first and then choosing your doctors from one center. Dr. Gallin made me understand how important that can be if you need to be hospitalized. I also came to appreciate the value of second opinions and understand that this is not a slight to doctors.
I feel better prepared to navigate the medical system as a result of reading this excellent book.

Every patient should read this book. The author gives you a view from what the medical field is like from the inside. She helps you understand why certain things are the way they are and when you should and shouldn't accept that. I learned how a doctor/patient relationship works and how I can make it work for me. I learned what questions to ask, who to ask, and when to ask them. This is an excellenct book full of valuable information. It is a must read for all patients!

Dr. Gallin's book was my roadmap during my mother's recent illness and hospitalization. It showed me how to negotiate the very difficult path after her complex surgery, and how to deal with careless mistakes that made her recovery more challenging. This book gives important focus to all of us who are caring for and worried about ill loved ones, no matter how informed or sophisticated we are. I have given it to several friends who have family members with significant health issues.
It is easy to read, very direct and upbeat.

Dr. Gilsdorf is a renaissance woman, known for many things, among them her knitting. I consider this book her personal tapestry, beautifully and carefully woven. She relates the story of her breast cancer and treatment with insights that very few others could convey, and she is honest about all the details - her caregivers, her treatment, the toll it takes, her reactions, her anger, her sometimes petty and sometimes magnanimous reactions, her fear, her courage. Disclosure: I know the author, and if she is tough on anyone in this book, it's on herself. But peeking through the story, in little moments that seem written only to place the cancer treatment and recovery in the context of her regular life, one gets a glimpse of a person who never, ever takes the easy way out. Her sense of loyalty and devotion, to her family, her patients, her fellow physicians, her students, her lab, is there on every page, and the depth of her integrity is tremendously inspiring. It's always a danger to call something inspiring, so let me add - the book is funny, witty and tremendously enjoyable to read, even though the ordeal of breast cancer was anything but enjoyable. I found the insights into the academic medical life and Dr. Gilsdorf's life as a pioneering woman physician particularly interesting, and watching such a fine and generous mind at work was one of the best things about reading the book. I couldn't put it book down. I read it most of the night, and took it in to work with me the next day, read it over lunch, finished it up the next evening - and then re-read favorite passages over and over again.

This book is a wonderfully written, deeply personal account of how Dr. Gilsdorf made the transition from successful researcher and physician to patient and then back again. The book is full of vivid imagery that will make you want to read it all in one sitting, yet will keep haunting you for weeks after you put it down. This book moved me so deeply that I have purchased a copy for every female member of my family for Christmas. It really is a must have for anyone who has ever been affected by breast cancer.

Gilsdorf's book is a must-read for anyone who has, is now, or may someday face a serious illness. Ditto for every doctor and health care provider. Her writing is clear, gentle, almost poetic at times, and always comfortable -- that's good, because she writes about very uncomfortable things, the harsh, confusing, frightening world of cancer. Gilsdorf lays open her life during this difficult journey. An accomplished academic physician and scientist, she shares with brutal honesty her inner, intimate world. The boss who's used to being in control is not. An always healthy woman is not. An elite doctor sees her world from the scruffy perspective of a patient. You will savor some passages, yet read the book quickly. You'll be bothered by the story but won't want the book to end.

This is an amazing book, and one that I would not hesitate to read over and over again; nor would I hesitate to recommend it to the best of friends.
With tidbits about her fulfilling and extremely accomplished life intertwined with education and insight about a very popular and unfortunate disease, from the prospective of patient AND doctor. I laughed and cried, and better yet, learned.
She discusses everything from the riddles we used to chant as children to preparing a speach on scientific ethics in Kazakhstan and the cultural experiences while living there. From grant writing to fund research projects to the way a rainbow arrives at the proverbial pot of gold. She is frank and tells it like it is, but with the most beautifully descriptive words and analogies.
We typically see cancer as a death sentence. Dr. Gilsdorf, somehow, made it improve her life and happiness ten-fold.
This book is beautifully written, and I'm am a better person for having had the joy of reading it. A must read for all who can.
I'll leave you with the following: "The person who doesn't read has no advantage over the person who can't read." So read and enjoy!

This is a beautiful story of a very hard reality in this author's very active and successful life. She shares her private fears and medical knowledge with us. This is a must read for those that had, are having cancer or know a loved one struggling with this reality and terrible desease.

Very useful! This is the one source for test interpretations that you need. Sensibility and specificity? This book will give you much more than that, including indications, limitations, factors that alter the results and more. I highly recommend it.

An indispensable guide. Thorough and complete. Very helpful both in determining what tests to order, and how to interpret test results; especially helpful for the less common and more esoteric tests.

I am surprised that many professionals are not aware of the results of the diagnostic test results that are listed in this medical reference. Every doctor's office should have this manuscript in their library. Especially for the nurse practioners and physician assistants in their employ.
My initial curiosity was with the results of urine tests/toxicology tests and the way certain tests are skewed by other drugs/agents in the patients regimens.
One should be especially interested in false positives in urine tests, that can be caused by other medications.

A patient of mine was acccused of being positive for benzodiazepines on a urine test by the same nurse practioner that prescibed him/her high doses of ibuprofen. This manuscript proved that the results of the urine test were wrong. There are no blood tests to prove otherwise. The medical facility now agrees that this book should be in their library. Saving the patient undo stress/ridicule/delay of actual competent therapy.

I, too, have been using this reference for several years. I consider it to be one of the five most useful medical books on my shelf. This is probably the only book I feel the need to purchase every time there is an updated edition. I strongly recommend it for medical students, residents, midlevel providers and practicing physicians. It is a core reference in medical board review. It may also be of value for nursing staff in the hospital or clinic setting, especially for critical care nurses, or for anyone who is motivated to learn about medical diagnosis. The book is less likely to be useful to patients and their families, due to its highly technical nature.

This is a little book I've been using since day one at work, and let me say it is simply the most practical reference I had ever bought. It has a very concise overview of the principles underlying any diagnosis, an overview of some critical values, a pathologist incline clasification in the book (more disease oriented), and a super complete list of causes that may provoque the anomalies detected and outlined in this book. All in a minute consultation, really fast and easy to use. Simply very, very good.

This workbook provides a basic introduction to the study of intuition medicine. While it is better to have such introductions in person, this book, supplemented by a series of audiotapes, can provide a good taste of the subject.

I am pleased to see a major emphasis given here to grounding exercises, which help to keep the student and practitioner centered and in touch with earth energies. Without this, it is very easy to get "ungrounded" and confused in doing intuitive and energy work.

Other chapters introduce the aura and chakra energy systems for healing, colors in healing, male/female energies and more.

These days most people I know are trying to find the "meaning" in their lives. Their trying to "get clear" of the information in their head that isn't necessarily their own... cultural messages, family messages, "I should" messages. This book is excellent for explaining in a technical yet understandable mode of what is really going on. Thus, one can "reclaim" their personal power in order to live their life full of "ease and grace."

A concise, easy to use text for anyone interested in exploring and strengthening their gift of intuition. Whether a beginner or experienced student of the subject, everyone will walk away with practical tools to enhance everyday living!

Intuition Medicine: The Science of Energy is an important book in the emerging field of energy medicine. Unlike many popular books on this subject, Ms. McCartney provides an equal balance of theory and practical tools that make her model come alive. Her language is clear and concise so that even skeptics can understand the basic importance of enhancing intuition and mapping the body's energy systems. McCartney's book is filled with useful meditation techniques and daily living advice to help readers gain a better awareness of how to increase their intuition, gain a better awareness of their energetic body, and a heightened ability to connect to their higher self. This book presents an important way of looking at the relationship we have with ourselves and others. I highly recommend it.

The information Ms. McCartney shares in this intriguing volume provides valuable insight to seeking and understanding yourself. I have studied with Ms. McCartney and have experienced the lessons in this book firsthand. This process has helped me to uncover who I really am and what I want to do with my life. If you don't live in the Bay Area and cannot attend the Academy of Intuitive Studies and Intuition Medicine in person, this book and the companion tapes are the next best thing. You will learn a compendium of tools from a variety of disciplines, including those developed by Ms. McCartney herself, that can provide ways to find deeper insight into your life and purpose. I cannot recommend it highly enough!

I ran into this book by chance. I got it by mail from those book clubs that sent out stuff, and you can either pay it or return it. When I got it, I thought it was weird to receive such a big medicine book on such promotional campaigns and I was almost positive to return it, but I didn't because the book was so big I decided to keep it.
This Book is one of my favorites!! It has all the information of all illnesses, so you can read and consult any health related issue. It is very clear and encourages you to read more about how your body works and keep a healthy lifestyle.

There I was able to compare it with several others in its class, anddetermined that it was the most complete and best organized for myneeds. This book contains 17 chapters dedicated to understanding different parts of the body, and the symptoms, treatment, and prognosis for any illness I have checked for so far. A 48 page insert of color pictures helps you diagnosis certain kinds of rashes, sore throats, etc. The book also has recommendations on what can be treated at home and when you should consult a doctor. There are also sections on staying healthy, first aid and emergency care. END

"The Johns Hopkins Family Health Book" is well-written, clearly organized, and very informative. I am finding it to be a valuable addition to my home library.

It gets four stars instead of five for being a bit dry, and not terribly reassuring; but on the other hand, I suppose that would be a different kind of book.

Don't hesitate to choose this work as a staple in your reference pantry!

The "Jhons Hopkins Family Health Book" is the ultimate home reference tool to help you become an active partner in your family's health. Written and designed to be clear and readable, stands out for its accessibility, usefulness, and detailed coverage of health issues.

This home medical guide covers almost everything you can need at home; from staying healthy and providing first aid and home care, to diagnosing symptoms and treating different diseases and disorders. Truly a most have for every family.

The book is organized in 7 parts:

PART 1: Staying healthy.
- Eating well. - Staying active, staying fit. - Everyday safety. - Smoking and how to stop. - Alcohol and substance abuse.
PART 2: Health over the life course.
- Family history. - Genetics, and your health. - Pregnancy and childbirth. - Infancy. - The Preschool to preteen years. - The teen years. - Adulthood. - The senior years.
PART 3: First aid and emergency care.
PART 4: Body systems and disorders.
- Brain and nervous systems. - Eyes. - Ear, nose and throat. - Musculoskeletal system. - The Breast. - Cardiovascular system. - Infectious diseases. - Blood and inmune systems. - Digestive systems. - Urinary tract. - Reproductive system. - Endocrine system. - Mental health. - Skin, hair, and nails. - Allergies. - Cancer.
PART 5: Becoming a partner in your health care.
- Taking charge of your health care. Preparing for surgery. - How to use medications. - Home care and long term care. - Death and dying.
PART 6: Appendices.
- Medication directory. - Glossary. - Growth charts. - Living wills and advanced directives. - Measurement convertions. Laboratory tests.
PART 7: Color Atlas of Anatomy, Disorders, and Diseases.

A must have reference about self-prevention that shows how to diagnose your own health. This way, as an informed patient, and if the potential need for a physician's intervention arises, you can help him get the best and definitive diagnose.

I have used this book for about five years to do introductory and background research. I own or have examined the leading competitors (Harvard, Cornell, Mayo guides). The Johns Hopkins guide is consistently the best. It provides concise and precise information and is clearly written. It is written for the intelligent and literate reader, and is less illustrated than some of the competitors, but the information content is consistently superior.

Of all the "handbooks" which are on the market for cancer patients and their families and other supporters, this one is the most straightforward discussion of all aspects of the disease - mental, physical, spiritual. There is a strong emphasis on the patient, family and doctor relationship. The steps of healing right up to the "final" healing are honest and professional. Three cheers for Dr. Geffen.

An excellent overview of cancer today. The author, Dr.Geffen, covers what cancer really is, current treatments, alternative therapies, and more. He was especially helpful in pointing out how "the journey" can be a time of spiritual growth and clarity for not only the patient but family and friends as well. If you've never dealt closely with this disease before, Dr. Geffen is an excellent guide.

If you or anyone you know is going through an experience of cancer, then you know it is a journey. The Journey Through Cancer, IS your guide book.

The day cancer came to visit my husband Joe, is a day I will never forget. The moment you hear the words from a doctor, your life changes. In a split second you are no longer just a person, you are a person with cancer.

The Journey Through Cancer gives you simple, practical and very real guidance. The world of cancer and your journey through it can be overwhelming, confusing and sometimes very isolating. Dr. Geffen comes shining through with the wisdom and compassion that comes from years of experience.

Often, when we hear of someone with cancer, it seems tragic and we feel at a loss for how to offer real help. This book offers everything needed to sustain the journey.

This book is now the first thing I give to anyone I know or hear of who has cancer. It brings me joy to know that in giving this book, someone is receiving one of the greatest gifts. The opportunities for healing and transformation available within these pages, are so profound, everyone should take advantage. Even those not touched by cancer.

I ordered this book as soon as I was diagnosed with breast cancer. This is a comforting - helpful read!! It told me what I would be facing - and gave me ideas as to how best to get through it. I have now passed this book on to others as they begin the same journey. Thanks to the wonderful Doctor who wrote this book!!!

This book finally addresses the many dimensions of the human experience of illness. This book gives us the rare opportunity to follow a course that we can hold on to while being tossed in the waves of profound illness. The Seven Levels Of Healing doesn't miss any part of these difficult and frightening times. After reading this book, there was never an aspect of the journey through any illness that this book did not deeply explore. Though many other books delve into the components of healing and the transformation that we all go through in journeying through illness, this book finally has the courage to take the critical extra steps. The final 4 levels are able to sensatively and compassionately guide us through the deepest aspects of human wellness. These are steps that we could use whether in the process of healing an illness, or trying to identify the critical decisions, beliefs, and obstacles to feeling deeply connected with our lives in general. These seven levels are ones that I intend to update as I go through the many changes that accompany any life. It should be required reading for everyone. This book is an absolute gem!

This is an excellent book for anyone who has animals. It is a very easy read. It is especially helpful to anyone who is coming to the end with a pet and will have to make the decision

I had the wonderful, good fortune to experience all of the topics discussed in this book first hand! Dr. Nakaya was my veterinarian for many years, through several dogs, surgeries, hospitalizations, and their aging processes. She lives what she speaks, and only after I cried through the first reading of this book did I realize that not only did she treat my wonderful Emily Houdini, Templar and Gizmo, she treated me as well! Her holistic approach to animal care was new to me-I was no longer treated as an invoice waiting to be paid. She guided me through so many issues and taught me that by caring for my animals, I was also caring about and for myself. She helped me lovingly put my Templar to rest when all he wanted to do was muster what energy he had left to wag his tail for me. Everyone who loves animals should not only read this book, but keep it as a reminder of how our animal friends love us under all circumstances. It makes a wonderful gift to anyone who loves animals....a keeper!

This book is a must have for anyone who shares their lives with animals. The text is informative without overwhelming the reader with complicated medical jargon. With knowledge and sensitivity, Dr. Nakaya has written a book which imparts great wisdom and insight regarding the decisions we as caregivers must make throughout the lives of our animal companions. She guides the reader through this decision making process by helping them clearly identify key issues they should consider. I found the chapter dealing with euthanasia to be extremely helpful. To summarize in three words, BUY THIS BOOK

Finally a book on pet care giving that is not full of medical jargon. Dr. Nakaya has written a book that guides the pet owner through the decsions that are made on behalf of their pets. She guides you through the decision process on finding a vet all the way through the difficult choices that may have to be made towards the end of a pet's life. She writes in a language that is easy to understand and full of compassion. In reading this book, you realize that caring for a pet in your life is not just medical choices but emotional choices as well. This book is a MUST HAVE for all pet owners, no matter which species they share their everyday lives with.

At first glance Kindred Spirit, Kindred Care: Making Health Decisions On Behalf Of Our Animal Companions might seem to be just a pet owner's manual - but in addressing the spiritual as well as the physical needs of animal, Dr. Nakaya goes much further, examining the nature of the human-animal bond itself and how to help animals both live and die gracefully. A wonderful, unusual guide to the overall needs of a pet adds a dimension lacking in your usual 'pet owner manual'.

A book of this sort is good insofar as it is technically accurate, and also if it zeroes in on your especial situation. As a non-scientist I am unble to judge the former, and my situation is that I was recently diagnosed with early emphysema. But I quit smoking 13 years ago, so all the pages devoted to quitting smoking were irrelevant to me. I have, however, spent a lifetime with heavy smokers, starting before my birth -- not that I can do anything about that now. Thanks, Mom and Dad, colleagues, friends, and current and former husbands!

There is a lot in this book about COPD, its causes, its course, varieties of treatment, & strateies for living with it. It is easy to understand and has a glosary, bibliography for further research, and good index.

Fortunately my condition has been arrested with the use of Spireva [mentioned in the book],but I will keep my copy just in case.

This is an excellent book for anyone suffering from or who has just acquired a breathing disorder. I bought it after coming down with a case of bronchitis that would not go away after several weeks. The book helped me realize the dangers of not getting the proper treatment for COPD. It also helped me be a partner with my doctor in the treatment of it. I understand the treatment decisions, the drugs used (and not used) and what to do to prevent a recurrance. The cost of the book is a small price to pay for being a knowledgeable patient.

I first saw Dr. Schacter being interviewed on the Today Show in April while I was home recouperating from my third round of pneumonia in about 15 years. I ordered the book immediately and read it within a day of receiving it.

The information contained in the book was extremely helpful in educating me about how serious a chronic cough can be and how important it is to get appropriate treatment for anything that is related to your lungs on a timely basis. My sister is a severe asthmatic and I ordered a copy for her and sent it to her in California.

Following my bout of pneumonia, I have learned that I have a pulmonary nodule and again found the information in the book helpful as I have begun to navigate the ramifications of that health issue. When I was first diagnosed, I also emailed Dr. Schacter some questions and he responded to me personally which was certainly "above and beyond."

I highly recommend this book to anyone anyone with any pulmonary issues.

I picked this book up because I was concerned about my husband, who has had a morning cough for about 2 years. The book was the catalyst to a whole lifestyle change for him! We went to his doctor, had him tested for COPD (he is in the early stages), he quit smoking, we ripped out our carpet, we've changed our diet.... I can't say enough about the value of this book. Read it!!!

Finally, a book to help patients suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The families of people suffering from COPD will have a better understanding of the disease after reading this book.

At the present time, COPD is not curable. However, by reading Life and Breath, it will help those suffering from COPD live longer, happier and healthier lives. The book will teach us how to better control COPD.

One is taught and is given a better understanding of the complete chest workup. Eating habits are gone over extensively, and we learn that by changing our diet we can breath easier and more normally.

Pulmonary protection and physical work outs will allow us to breath easier and realize it is never too late to give up bad habits. Treatment strategies for both asthma and COPD are outlined in the book and are extremely important.

I recommend this bood to doctors, COPD patients and their families.

Daniel J. Colona, NY

This book has helped me in so many ways. I agree with Tami and Nancys comments, TOTALLY!!

I actually gave my book away to a Massage Therapist. I am purchasing a second one so I can go back to it over and over again. This book has given me more information than any Dr. has even tried to do. I have been battling LE in my left leg for 33 years and just found out there is help out there.

Great source of information!!

THE AUTHORS:
Ann Ehrlich: professional medical writer with Lymphedema following breast cancer treatment.
Alma Vinje-Harrewijn: licensed physiotherapist with more than 15 years of experience and postgraduate training in MLD per Vodder, Foldi, Chikley...
Elizabeth McMahon, PhD: clinical psychologist with over 25 years helping persons with chronic medical conditions manage anxiety, depression and other emotional issues.

WHY READ THE BOOK? The self-care knowledge and techniques presented can thwart a host of illnesses in addition to Lymphedema. Also see www.lymphnet.org

EDEMA: the body's normal swelling response to an injury.

LYMPHEDEMA: abnormal swelling due to damage or improper development of the lymphatic system, which, left untreated, can become worse, dangerous or life-threatening. Primary Lymphedema is hereditary; secondary Lymphedema results from damage to lymphatic system. Treatment is the same. Onset may be immediate or delayed for years. Approximately 5 million Americans affected.

RISK FACTORS, SECONDARY LYMPHEDEMA: biopsies; burns; scars; obesity; circulatory malfunctions; fractures; joint dislocations; other injuries; paralysis; multiple sclerosis; inactivity. Cancer treatments lead in developing nations.

EARLY SYMPTOMS: infection; swelling; pitting edema; "pins & needles;" heaviness; tight skin, ring, bracelet, shoe or sleeve; shoulder/hip aching; decreased joint mobility...

STAGE1: Swollen tissues are soft, and pitting edema is present. Elevation relieves temporarily. Early treatment can improve it greatly.

STAGE2: Tissues feel firm, even hard, and pressure leaves only a slight indentation. There may be more swelling, fibrosis, infections and skin problems. Intense treatment may improve.

STAGE3: Swelling and tissue fibrosis cause the skin to harden. Folds of tissue disfigure and limit mobility. Fungal infections and open wounds develop. Intense therapy improves it or prevents worsening. Reversal is rare.

FIBROSIS: an inflammatory reaction to stagnant, protein-rich lymph, which further slows the lymph circulation, which traps more stagnant lymph and causes additional swelling. Infection risk increases.

DIAGNOSIS: 90% based on symptoms and family history. 10% require more sophisticated testing and questioning. Any heart condition will be diagnosed and treated first. Sudden swelling - could be thrombosis; slow progressive swelling of legs - could be chronic venous insufficiency; Rapidly-progressive and painful Lymphedema-type swelling - could be a fast-growing tumor. Check practitioner's credentials.

COMBINATIONS: explanation of Lymphedema interactions with obesity; lipedema; congestive heart failure; chronic venous insufficiency; dependent edema; cellulitis; diabetes; peripheral neuropathy.

SELF-PROTECTION: For the affected or at risk limb, avoid: injections, blood draws, finger pricks, IV placements, acupuncture, burns, injuries, tattoo parlors, excess weight, flying or exercising without compression garment.

TREATMENT-MLD: Manual lymph drainage moves lymph away from the affected area. Contraindicated if cellulitis, fever, infection, developing infection, uncontrolled major illnesses. More often contraindicated for the elderly due to co-occurring illnesses.

TREATMENT-COMPRESSION, FUNCTIONS: Bandages and garments maintain progress; prevent additional swelling; support natural lymph drainage; help muscles pump lymph; soften fibrotic (hardened) tissues. Remove for sleeping.

TREATMENT-PUMP: In the early 1990's Complete Decongestive Therapy (MLD+compression+self-management) was found more effective than the pump, which can increase fibrosis and displace the swelling of the limb into the trunk or genitalia. However, the (newer generation) pump can be used successfully: if therapist sees and evaluates the patient first; if MLD has already been performed on the neck, the abdomen and the uninvolved leg/arm; if there is careful monitoring for progress, fibrosis or increased swelling in surrounding tissues.

POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES OF NEGLECT: cellulitis, erysipelas, athlete's foot, toenail fungus, orthopedic problems, fibrosis, hyperkeratosis, papillomatosis, weeping Lymphedema, lymphangitis,
lymphangiosarcomalJ(rare)

LYMPHEDEMA THERAPIST CERTIFICATION: Lymphology Assn of North America (LANA) requires 135 hours of specialized education... Prerequisite is a professional license in physical therapy or related profession.

RESOURCES: www lymphnotes.com lists treatment facilities and support groups and other resources, and provides a network. Also contact cancer support groups.

INSURANCE: Excellent chapter on Insurance; Family and Medical Leave Act; Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998.

EMOTIONS: Handling emotional challenges affects your self-management competence. Dr. McMahon's, Overcoming the Emotional Challenges of Lymphedema, is recommended. Practice relaxation; take action on problems without waiting to feel better; confine worrying to a scheduled time; talk to yourself with respect; get professionals to answer all of your questions.

SELF-MASSAGE: coordinate w/Dr. and Lymphedema therapist; does not replace MLD by trained Lymphedema therapist; technique and sequence are explained and illustrated, but you must be trained; Self-massage not recommended if...certain malignant tumors, leukemia, acute inflammation, infections, tuberculosis, toxoplasmosis, acute allergic reactions, erysipelas, thrombosis, precancerous skin conditions, chronic inflammation, thyroid disorders, bronchial asthma, dysautonomia, granulomas, or occlusive artery disease.

SELF-BANDAGING: Get instructions. Eight pages on technique, safety, materials and effectiveness. Contraindications: infection; open wounds; congestive heart failure; other.

EXERCISE: Illustrations. Precautions. Coordinate with Lymphedema specialist; Wear compression; Exercise increases lymph flow rate 15 times and combats depression & fatigue; Deep breathing moves lymph through abdomen; goal to enjoy 1-hour hike 3 times/week.

AQUATIC THERAPY: The buoyancy enables relaxation, pain decrease, additional motions, reduced joint stress, and cardiovascular system strengthening. Many precautions, guidelines.

NUTRITION: Good nutrition is essential to managing Lymphedema's stress on the body. Obesity is risky. Consume adequate protein. Stay well-hydrated.

HEALTH JOURNAL: calendar, visit records, current medications, healthcare team roster, medical history, Lymphedema records, compression garment records, hospitalization records. Helps with informing doctor and with insurance claims.

HAVING FUN: laughing; tennis; basketball; golf; bowling; travel; saunas & steam rooms (avoid); hiking; backpacking; trampolining; dancing; yoga. Limitations and safe participation are explained.

UNDERSTANDING THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM: 22 pages of outstanding explanation and illustration. This material can improve one's self-care via own-body respect.

SUGGESTION 1: Dual-Purpose Cancer Prevention: Pre-knowledge of the Lymphedema side-effect from cancer sagas would have made more of the recipients of biopsy, surgery, radiation and chemotherapy proactive on prevention. Numerous books teach cancer prevention, and Mary Kerney Levenstein's Everyday Cancer Risks and How to Avoid Them aptly and comprehensively does this. (Enter "Mary Kerney" or "0895295059" for a quick find on Amazon.com.) Also see Singer and Grismaijer's, Dressed to Kill: The Link Between Breast Cancer and Bras, wherein lymph flow restriction is deemed culpable.

SUGGESTION 2: Read, Coping With Lymphedema by Swirsky and Nannery, 1998 - also excellent but significantly different.

SUGGESTION 3: I suggest writing booknotes (mine~5000words) for understanding, reference and retention.

This is a wonderful book for anyone with lymphedema or a caregiver. The book covers all aspects of lymphedema and I especially like the chapters on how to manually drain the lymphatic nodes to help reduce the swelling of the affected limb. This is a must have book.

I've had lymphedema since 2001 as the result of breast cancer treatment and now I help run a support group for lymphedema patients. "Living Well With Lymphedema" is the best book out there for patients and is the most up-to-date book of its kind right now.

We recommend it to all the members of our lymphedema support group. Our organization has bought additional copies to distribute to libraries in our area so anyone who needs it will have free access to it.

This book is a straight forward, readable instruction book for the lymphedema patient. The medical information is
thorough and current. The authors have done an incredible job surveying the patient population for suggestions and practices that work. Plus there is information on the emotional aspects that patients have to contend with and coping recommendations.

With this book, living well with lymphedema is what it's all about and definitely an attainable goal for most patients. What a positive message!

Highly recommended.

With this book as a recent purchase I would have to say its one of the best. I diagnosed with LE in the right leg 6 months ago have been trying to find all kinds of info on it to help me understand it more. Also it has helped my family understand what I and the rest of us have to endure. It still makes me mad that we live in a time where Doctors are either not willing to diagnose our conditios correctly or they have no clue about the condition.