What's Wrong with Me? The Frustrated Patient's Guide to Getting an Accurate Diagnosis (Paperback)

by Lynn M. Dannheisser (Author), Jerry M. Rosenbaum (Author)
Key Phrases: mystery malady, mystery maladies, diagnosis dilemma, Eight Steps, Step One, Step Five (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

The Rx for solving your "mystery malady" when your doctors can't

You may feel that your doctor isn't spending the time needed to give you accurate diagnoses--and often you are right. One-third to one-half of all symptoms evaluated by a doctor are medically unexplained. Written by two "mystery malady" patients, What's Wrong with Me? identifies an array of often undiagnosed and misdiagnosed conditions and teaches you how to become your own medical detective.

Inside, you will find:

• The authors' revolutionary Self-Diagnosis Model, including the "Eight Steps to Self-Diagnosis" and numerous case studies of medical mysteries that illustrate the model's success
• Tips on how to create a partnership with your doctor to get an accurate diagnosis
• Advice on how to search for medical clues on the Internet
• Techniques for dealing with chronic pain, insomnia, and stress accompanying mysterious maladies

From the Back Cover

"What's Wrong with Me? makes a clear and convincing case that anyone can help themselves get an accurate diagnosis, no matter how complicated the malady. A "must" for you or someone you love who is having a tough time navigating the medical maze with anything from unexplained back pain to unidentified children's ailments."
--Judge Marilyn Milian of "The People's Court"

From persistent stomachaches to inexplicable skin rashes, recurring infections, and chronic pain, millions of people suffer with misdiagnosed or undiagnosed medical conditions. Overburdened doctors and an often frustrating medical system leave patients no option but to take charge of their own medical care.

Written by two "mystery malady" patients, What's Wrong With Me? centers around the Eight Steps to Self-Diagnosis, an easy-to-follow program designed to help you take charge of your health, in conjunction with your doctor's advice. Through numerous case studies covering a wide array of conditions, you will learn how to:

• Develop and track down the clues that may lead to a correct diagnosis
• Choose the right physicians and create a team of medical care professionals, and learn how to work with them for your benefit
• Use the Internet in search of valid medical clues
• Find relief from suffering and learn techniques to live well despite your mystery illness, including advice on dealing with chronic pain, insomnia, and emotional stress

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill; 1 edition (March 3, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0071435069
• ISBN-13: 978-0071435062
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #435,565 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Eight Steps to Self-Diagnosis - Very useful book, April 25, 2005

By	Claudia Summer (Puget Sound, USA) - See all my reviews

The authors, an attorney and a physician, explore the problems millions of patients face in finding definitive diagnoses for ailments that are difficult to pinpoint.

The crux of the book is the eight-step program Dr. Rosenbaum devised to help you define and understand your symptoms. Answering questions in Rosenbaum's eight diagnostic categories will take some thought and perhaps some homework on your part--well worth it, as the answers will provide your own doctor invaluable clues to help him/her diagnose and cure your condition. One very useful chapter tells you how to select the right doctor and make the best use of the time you spend together.

Providing a psychological boost to those who have been told that their mystery malady is "all in your head," (how frustrating is that?) the authors help you deal with the emotional stress and pain that may accompany unnamed conditions. Signficantly, they encourage you to keep on looking for answers. Never give up!

The chapter on children's conditions will be helpful to every parent who has ever been (or will be) faced with a sick child whose exact condition can't be diagnosed even after a battery of tests. This happened to my son and it was a nightmare for the child, for me, and for an entire team of physicians. I wish I'd had this book then, as no one was ever able to give him an accurate diagnosis. (Come to think of it, I'm going to send him a copy of this book, as some symptoms persisted into adulthood.)

Rich with facts, figures, and case histories, the book will intrigue the millions of patients walking around with undiagnosed conditions, their families, and the healthcare providers who work with them. An excellent addition to your health and medical reference books.

4.0 out of 5 stars It was helpful., December 17, 2008

By	L. Cox "CustomStuffOnline" - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I think this a pretty good book.
If you do all the things it tells you to do I think it can be pretty helpful.
My DH was have terrible headaches and no one could figure out why. I came across a little story in this book about someone who was always on their cell phone and would hold it between their neck and shoulder. DH is on his work phone all day long and also does this. We got him a bluetooth and the headaches slowly went away!
If it hadn't been for this book we would probably still be miserable!
If your looking at this book, then your probably at your wits end, so I would say what else do you have to lose, it just might help you too!