Title: Managing MS
Subtitle: Straight Talk From a Thirty-One-Year-Survivor
By Debbie Petrina
Publisher: iUniverse, 12/28/2011
Genre: Self-help/Motivational/Inspirational
ISBN: 978-1-46207-051-0 Hardcover $24.95
978-1-46207-052-7 Softcover
$14.95
978-1-46207-050-3 eBook &
$7.99
Order online at
Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iUniverse; www.DebbieMS.com
Review by
Sharon Baldacci, Author of A Sundog Moment www.sharonbaldacci.com
When I was
asked to review Debbie Petrina’s new book, Managing MS: Straight Talk From a
Thirty-One-Year Survivor, I had to chuckle. I too have lived with this
illness just as long and didn’t think it was possible to learn anything new.
Boy, was I wrong.
This small, easy to read book is a wealth of matter-of- fact information
interspersed with her memories that add credibility. I learned more about
spasticity here than I knew and also the word `clonus’ that describes exactly
what my weaker leg does sometimes. She adds practical tips for dealing with so
many of the symptoms, and side effects of medications. The chapters are broken
down into advice for the newly diagnosed, symptoms, grieving, heat, and what you
can do about the variety of problems that come with MS. There are chapters about
dealing with people (and how they deal with us) as well as what she calls
the elephant in the closet - suicide.
She also makes it clear that it is the person
with MS that is in charge of all decision-making, not the doctors. The doctors
are there to give all the information needed for decision-making. She explains
clearly why and how she made difficult decisions for her and her family and how
it has worked out all for the best. She strongly encourages everyone to do the
same. This is an empowering book that doesn’t sugar coat anything but makes the
endless details manageable - from her 31-one years of experience. I felt like I
was learning from an old friend over a cup of tea.
This should be
required reading for doctors, health professionals, MS patients and their
families.
About the Author:
During the years Debbie Petrina lived with MS, she has
spoken to thousands of persons affected by MS as a 15-year volunteer with the
National MS Society and on her own. Currently she resides in Glendale, AZ with
her husband of 34 years, Dennis, and her faithful companion Bear. An avid reader, volunteer, and swimmer,
Debbie’s ability to effectively manage her MS enables her to enjoy travelling
with her husband and Bear in their accessible RV. Debbie continues to build her
website with videos, blog articles, and other information to offer
help/solutions for persons dealing with MS.
~Sharon Baldacci, the reviewer, is author of A Sundog Moment.
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