Book on the way!

[Polywotsit]

Hi there,

Over the last few months I have been working on a book that puts together, for people with PMR and GCA, what I have learned over the years working with the people involved with PMRGCAuk, and the expert clinicians who are treating patients and researching the causes and courses of these illnesses. It is now almost at the point of publication. The title is 'Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Giant Cell Arteritis: a survival guide'. There are chapters that describe PMR and GCA, what is known about what they are, what the causes are, diagnosis and treatment; on living with PMR and GCA; the road to recovery, and what support is available; and how PMR and GCA are currently being researched, and prospects for future research, as well as the campaign to raise awareness to prevent sight loss.

The proceeds for the publication will go to PMRGCAuk. The book is around 40,000 words long, which we think will come out at about 150 pages in the printed format. We need to do a bit of market research to find out how many copies of this book it would be a good idea to print, and how many people might be more interested in downloading it, say from Amazon, as an e-book.

We have put a poll up and it would be really helpful if you could respond to it please and help us with this vital information. Please check the answers on the poll that you agree with. healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

Many thanks,

Kate and Sophy, PMRGCAuk

[Whittlesey]

Dear Kate,

So glad to hear this about the book. Congratulations ! Believe it will help many people. These are rare diseases and working through systems and doctors can be very difficult, especially at first. I think you will reach a willing and receptive population. I look forward to reading the book. Thank you for compiling it, and your work. It is much appreciated. All my best, Lynn Bowne Weed U.S. / Whittlesey

[Polywotsit PMRGCAuk team member]

Thanks so much! It is a first try, at least, and no doubt it will have weaknesses. But it's a start!

[BromleyPen]

Hi Kate

Well done! It will be so good to have this information in book form.

I completed the survey. I prefer traditional books to read. However, if the Kindle version wasn't too much extra I would buy that too as it is always good to keep the reference for when travelling light which I try to do these days! Penny, NorthWest Kent Support Group

[patdencass]

This is welcome news. I would buy it in book form preferably so I could let others read it & hopefully help them understand. I feel so rubbish sometimes trying to explain PMR/GCA when I don't understand it myself. Thanks Kate

[biblifleur]

Well done, this is welcome news which I'm sure will be helpful to all of us sufferers. I shall definitely buy the printed version. Is there any chance of it being available at our local support groups?

[Maredon]

Just wanted to say thank you for your book. I saw it on the website and downloaded it on my Kindle and have found it really helpful as I start on my PMR journey.