A Life Shaken: My Encounter with Parkinson's Disease [Hardcover]

Joel Havemann (Author), Stephen G. Reich (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 18, 2002 | ISBN-10: 0801869285 | ISBN-13: 978-0801869280 | Edition: 1

"I'm flat on my back on a couch that's too short in a windowless room in the bureau. I can't even sit at a computer, much less make a keyboard work. My arms and legs are shaking uncontrollably. Although I am only 53 years old, I have already been struggling with Parkinson's disease for seven years. And right now the disease is winning." So begins Joel Havemann's account of the insidious disease that is Parkinson's. Into his own story, Havemann weaves accessible explanations of how Parkinson's disrupts the brain's circuitry, how symptoms are managed through drugs and surgery, and how people cope with the disease's psychological challenges. The paperback edition brings the discussion of treatment options and research thoroughly up to date.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

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, FL
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Los Angeles Times reporter Havemann's neurological problems had been improperly diagnosed for some time before his medical-student stepdaughter took him to see a specialist in Parkinson's disease (PD) in younger people. PD was diagnosed early in 1990, when Havemann was 45. His editor took a chance, however, and assigned him to Brussels to cover the economic development of the European Union. With the help of his wife and many PD patients he came to know, he successfully continued his career as the disease progressed. Throughout this practical and personal account, he stresses the great variations among PD patients in terms of symptoms, responses, and the progression of the disease. He describes the various drugs he used and how he responded to them, and the depression and other psychological problems he endured. While he reports mixed feelings about acupuncture, he points out that many others have benefited from it, and he notes treatment possibilities for the future. He concludes soberly with "Some Recent Moments" in, unfortunately, the downhill progress of this "cunning and insidious" disease. William Beatty
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Hardcover: 200 pages
• Publisher: The Johns Hopkins University Press; 1 edition (March 18, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0801869285
• ISBN-13: 978-0801869280
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,317,293 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderfully Informative and Helpful, May 15, 2002

By 

Lynn Duda (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Life Shaken: My Encounter with Parkinson's Disease (Hardcover)

Ever since my father was diagnosed with PD I read everything about the disease; Joel Havemann's book is excellent. He explained the medical condition in simple terms and helped me understand what was going on with my dad. I hope more people living with the disease will write about how they cope with it, because not only does PD affect the person with the disease but all of their friends and family.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars AN HONEST ACCOUNT OF LIFE WITH PARKINSON'S DISEASE, April 29, 2002

By 

PAT SALDARINI (ROANOKE, VA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Life Shaken: My Encounter with Parkinson's Disease (Hardcover)

WHEN MY HUSBAND WAS DIAGNOISED WITH PARKINSON'S DISEASE LAST YEAR I HAD VERY LITTLE KNOWLEDGE OF THE DISEASE. JOEL HAVEMANN HAS WRITTEN A BOOK WHICH IS EASY TO READ AND EXTREMELY HONEST ABOUT WHAT ONE CAN EXPECT TO FACE IN DEALING WITH THIS DISEASE, BOTH AS THE PATIENT AND AS THE CARE GIVER. HE HAS GIVEN AN EXTREMELY FRANK ACCOUNT OF HIS OWN COPING SKILLS. HE HAS RESEARCED ALL OF THE LATEST TREATMENTS AND DRUG THERAPIES. I SAT DOWN WITH THE BOOK AND READ IT COVER TO COVER. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderfully touching, Expertly written, July 18, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: A Life Shaken: My Encounter with Parkinson's Disease (Hardcover)

Mr. Havemann provides us with an incredibly personal view into Parkinson's disease. His wit, candor, and superb writing style draws the reader into his story to such a degree that it is difficult to disengage. While telling his story he concurrently entertains and educates the reader as to where medicine stands with regard to research and current treatment, and how individuals cope. I'm looking forward to his next work.