But what good is knowledge when you are too ill to use it? People who have the symptom of severe fatigue, as well as those who share my experience with lupus cognitive impairment problems, will understand what I mean.

I was having shortness of breath and knew that trouble breathing is big trouble. I was being treated in a managed care setting with antibiotics. I had also been taken off my medications to see if drug allergies were causing breathing problems, and it was proposed that this be tried again even though I only got sicker the first time. I was told I might have acute lupus pneumonitis and when I saw some of my own test results I knew this is what I had. But I wasn't sure what to do about it! My steroids were being decreased and I was getting worse.

A paragraph in Dr. Wallace's book leapt out at me, telling me that (page 85) "If it is properly managed with high doses of steroids, [acute lupus pneumonitis] can be completely reversible...Despite this, it is unfortunate that up to 50 percent of patients with ALP die within months, often due to a delay in diagnosis". Well, folks, I happen to know Dr. Wallace and hightailed to Beverly Hills to see him ASAP. I did have ALP and I would have been in a box underground soon enough if I didn't get treatment, which obviously I did or I wouldn't be here writing this review.

Enough said! Get the book.


GET IT!!   September 11, 1998
 27 out of 27 found this review helpful

My Rheumatolgist recommended this book and I finally took his advice. This is the most comprehensive, easy to understand book on lupus I have ever read.. AND most importantly, it is not depressing. I feel empowered after reading this book. The section on lab results is very informative..I would recommend this to anybody curious about lupus.


The BEST book out there so far!   April 17, 2000
 23 out of 24 found this review helpful

I was just diagnosed this year with lupus and let me tell you, I was reading everything I could on lupus and when I ordered this book and read it in less than 1 day I felt so much better about my disease because this book helps you understand it, it is clear and concise. I feel after reading this book that I have at least better understanding and that is what we all need. I have passed the book onto my family members to read as well. VERY informative book.


Fellow Lupies - Get It!   December 3, 1999
 20 out of 21 found this review helpful

I have the 1996 one, and got the new one last night. Read it entirely. It's full of very useful new information, such as splitting the peripheral nervous system out from the central NS. Up to date lab work, expanded medications section. It's very much worth while. You will recognize some sections as lifted bodily from the old version, but it really is revised and expanded, well worth your dollars!