Multiple Sclerosis: A Guide for the Newly Diagnosed

A number of people in my life have been diagnosed with MS. I read this book as a possible aid to them, as well as to learn more about what has been learned. I found this book well laid out, and easy to understand. I really liked the repetition from section to section of some basic information. It seems to be if I were newly diagnosed I might not read from cover to cover, but would jump to those sections I felt I needed right now. The repetition means I could enter anywhere and still understand.
Good up-to-date information, lots of leads on where to turn for more. I liked the fact that it outlined pros and cons of all treatments, even those the authors didn’t think were effective. I recommend this book.

If I were newly diagnosed with MS, this is the book I would read cover to cover and keep around for reference. The tone of the book is helpful and more importantly, HOPEFUL! It's packed full of practical advice on symptoms, therapies, coping skills, telling friends, families, and coworkers, drugs, and participating in clinical trials. Lots of information on finding additional authoritative information from organizations and nonprofit groups. the authors give a nod to more unconventional therapies which might be helpful to some patients. Nice glossary and index to help readers pinpoint information.

I’ve had a special interest in MS since my daughter was diagnosed with the disease about 25 years ago. With this book I’m going to quit checking MS books on the Library Thing because in February she lost her battle with the disease. However, I have a granddaughter-in-law, who was diagnosed with MS about a year ago, and this book is right to the point for her.
The advice in this book is very much on target. The authors provide information on the history of the disease, causes (no one knows), and treatments (unfortunately, it can’t be cured but it can be alleviated). The best advice comes in later chapters: Do not let the disease control your life. You are in control and MS does not define you. Stay active. Exercise regularly. Eat show more properly.
I have no hesitation in recommending this book to anyone who gets the bad news about MS. I no longer need the book, and I wish I didn’t know anyone who does, but under the circumstances I’m please to be able to pass it along. show less

As its title suggests, this book is a valuable resource for those newly diagnosed with MS. It’s also a highly readable and informative update for patients who’ve been living with the disease for a longer time. There’s detailed information about advances in treatment, current clinical studies, and the science that underlies those efforts. The authors strike the delicate balance of providing a large volume of technical medical and scientific information in a matter-of-fact way without dumbing it down or seeming to treat the reader with condescension.

Unlike many books on this topic, this one provides information about alternative treatments in a relatively non-judgmental way; the risks and unknowns, and evidence of ineffectiveness show more of some such treatments, are presented for the reader’s consideration. Also unusually useful for a book in this genre is the glossary, which is readable on its own as a tour through the concepts and issues with which a patient must become familiar in learning to effectively navigate a course following the MS diagnosis. show less

I am thankful for being selected as a reviewer by librarything.com. The diagnosis of M.S. has been a part of my and my family's life for about 7 years. M.S. produced many questions, frustrations, and hardships. I am thankful this book was written for those newly diagnosed. It does a good job addressing myriad aspects, what to do, how to plan, and points to many resources. I enjoyed this book and rated it favorably because of the information, style of writing and their ability to lay it out in a realistic and helpful manner. I have done a lot of reading about this illness, have done clinical trials, interacted with multiple physicians and live with this disease daily. I thank Demos Medical Publishing for publishing this book and hope its show more readers get a lot out of it and find it useful. show less

This book is an excellent introduction to MS for the newly diagnosed and their families. It will also be useful for anyone else who wants to learn about multiple sclerosis. Now in its fourth edition, this volume appears to be as up-to-date as any print source can be. Alternative treatments are covered, and there is a section on clinical trials. Besides the obvious medical issues, legal matters such as employment and estate planning are covered. An extensive resource list of organizations, websites, and books is included.

This book was an excellent summary of the history of the diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis, the methods used to diagnose it, sources to utilize for support, medical treatments, exercise ideas and other issues relating to Multiple Sclerosis. ALthough my husband has had MS for more than twenty years, I try to keep abreast of new treatments and ideas to make his life easier. This was a handly guide for the newly diagnosed. I recommend it.