"New books about PMR" - the low down from PMRpro

[PMRpro]

Someone posted the other day about 2 new books about PMR they had found on Amazon. One is about myths in PMR and the other about current research.

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

Despite a degree of scepticism about this style of book, and because I am wonderful and love you all, I bought the myths one as it was only £4 or so as an ebook (even less really as my daughter funds my Kindle as an ongoing birthday/Christmas present). So here is my opinion:

To be brutally honest - it really probably is not worth the money, you can get everything that is in it free here!! The only plus I could think of is that it is all in one place and by ploughing through it, you will get a longwinded answer about each potential approach.

I suspect this is going to be one of about 20, each with a title linking it to another autoimmune disease! Even within PMR as a subject it was very repetitious. She deals with all the possible alternatives people will think of to try to manage without taking pred: supplements, acupuncture, reiki, massage, diet blah, blah, blah. So, a chapter each and I suspect she wrote one chapter and then went through changing "supplement" to "acupuncture" and adding the odd sentence specifically directed at the subject. Other than that, the same sentiments appeared again and again.

She was at least correct and consistent about her main theme: corticosteroids are the only treatment that works for PMR, none of the alternatives work and trying them may be dangerous because it delays proper treatment and the PMR gets worse.

I can't find much about her at all except she has been a health science writer for years. I think she may be Canadian because there was a mention of Canada somewhere. She mentioned prices in dollars - but not what SORT of dollar - and the obvious sources in the USA like the Mayo but the writing style wasn't I expect from American writers.

If anyone fancies trying the other book do go ahead and tell us what it was like. I didn't select that as it cost more!

[pmrdec112014]

Sitting here in the dentist waiting room when your post came in!Thank you for that PMRPro! That has saved some money and time!

Can't beat Health Unlocked and the sound support we get here.

Maybe I will write a book! I am sure I know it all really ( as most others here will too! ) and it would be first hand....

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to pmrdec112014]

I do have to admit that I read it thinking - I could have written this!! But I didn't and tailoring replies to the question is more fun!!!!

[Longtimer]

I am waiting for your book, it would be a bestseller!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Longtimer]

It's here - updated daily ...

[pmrdec112014 in reply to Longtimer]

I second that!Come on PMRPro!!!!!!

[tangocharlie]

I'm eagerly awaiting the next edition of Kate Gilbert's book and then I think somehow we need to get a copy of it to EVERY rheumatologist in the land and anyone dx with PMR should buy a copy to give to their GP. Provided it is suitably 'scientific' and evidence-based or endorsed by the charity to be acceptable to the medics of course

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to tangocharlie]

The previous ones weren't particularly - but Kate has always emphasised it was her journey rather than aimed at medics.

[tangocharlie in reply to PMRpro]

Which is fair enough. Maybe an endorsement by a good rheumatologist would help?

[Excelsior80]

Thank you!

[Excelsior80]

It seems odd that theres no 'about the author' section. Usually authors are keen to show they know something about the topic, professionally or personally. But I couldn't find anything on Cheryl White. Does she cite research or guidelines or is it take her word for it?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Excelsior80]

I thought that too, I did look. Or maybe she realises people like us would rumble the duplicated attack!! Some chapters have a few references but I think I quote more!

[bright-horizon]

Thank you! I love your healthy skepticism though I long ago accepted that pred is the sole solution for GCA and PMR. Wouldn't buy such a book, so thanks for your sacrifice.

I've been taking Low Dose Naltrexone for over a year now and have found that the worst of my aches have noticeably eased. Three weeks ago the supply in NZ became unavailable and I've noticed a return of aching shoulders, arms and hips as well as increased fatigue.

Is it the change of weather? Is it the increased length of my morning swims? Is it the fact that our quiet house of two octogenarians has suddenly expanded by five additional humans, a dog and a cat? Hmmm? I'll know when the LDN supply is available next week.