A Life Shaken: My Encounter with Parkinson's Disease
In 1990, Los Angeles Times senior editor Havemann was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease at the early age of 45. Here he movingly chronicles the physical and emotional effects the disease has had on his life since the diagnosis. He briefly discusses Parkinson's history, possible causes, medical and surgical treatments, and research progress, but the strength of this book is the account of his personal struggle with the disease. Initially denying that the diagnosis would adversely affect his personal and professional life, he accepted a posting to Brussels and dealt with the resulting frustrations of seeing physicians who did not speak English. The disease's progressive effects on his body are vividly detailed. Havemann's realistic acceptance of and resistance to limitations, as well as his appreciation of life in spite of disability, is inspiring. While Abraham Lieberman's Shaking Up Parkinson Disease: Fighting Like a Tiger, Thinking Like a Fox provides more medical information, Havemann offers a wonderful personal view for patients and families. Recommended for consumer health collections. Janet M. Schneider, James A. Haley Veterans' Hosp., Tampa, FLCopyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to theHardcoveredition.