Muscular Dystrophy: theFacts [Paperback]

Alan Emery (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0192632175 | ISBN-13: 978-0192632173 | Publication Date: June 15, 2000 | Edition: 2

The muscular dystrophies are a group of genetic diseases that severely affect children and adults. For sufferers and their family, the illness presents enormous physical and psychological challenges. Written specifically for people with muscular dystrophy and their families, this new edition of Muscular dystrophy: the facts answers many of the questions asked about how and why it occurs, and how it will affect the life of a recently diagnosed child. Throughout, the different types of muscular dystrophy are described with a minimum of technical jargon. Questions relating to exercise, physiotherapy, surgery, and the emotional effects of the diseases are answered, and advice given on the problems of schooling and choice of career. Since publication of the 1st edition, the genes for almost all the different types of dystrophy have been identified, enabling prevention through genetic counselling, and relieving some of the worry for affected families. Drawn from his many years of experience treating patients, Professor Emery provides authoritative, yet compassionate advice for people living with this illness. From reviews of 1st edition 'A family visiting a genetic counsellor readied with information from this book would be well versed in the scope of concerns that can arise as families live with MD. I applaud the effort to make this care package of information available to families.' The American Journal of Human Genetics.

Editorial Reviews

Review

`"This book, written for people with muscular dystrophy and their families, describes the nature of the disease...and its treatment options in a clear and easy to understand way."' Practice Nursing

`..."this book is very relevant for families who are affected by MD, and new staff joining the types of units where MD clients attend for treatment/education, etc."' Physiotherapy

About the Author

Professor Alan Emery, 2 Ingleside Upper West Terrace, Budleigh Salterton, Devon EX9 6NZ. 01395 445847 fax: [phone]

Product Details

• Paperback: 166 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA; 2 edition (June 15, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0192632175
• ISBN-13: 978-0192632173
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,643,346 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars ok on facts, light on sense, September 13, 2005

By 

G. Miller (Berlin Deutschland) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Muscular Dystrophy: theFacts (Paperback)

The medical aspects are dealt with fairly accessibly, but troubles me is the author's tone throughout the book - patronising, and his tendency to make statements that belie an extraordinary ignorance of human beings. What kind of weirdo would write a sentence like "....of course, the death of a child is always tragic, even when it is expected"?

There are a few such pronouncements in the book, but the whole thing is saturated with that strange arrogance that only doctors seem to manage - I think it comes from dealing so much with "the sick" and "suffering" family members, that they start thinking that doctors are some higher breed of "healthy" humans who are on earth to offer hope to poor unfortunates.

I would not recommend this book for parents.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great source of information, January 1, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Muscular Dystrophy: theFacts (Paperback)

This book uses easy to understand language to explain the complexities of this group of disorders. It is a good first book for individuals and families faced with the likelihood or reality of a muscular dystrophy diagnosis.