Rusty's Story (Paperback)

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Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

YA The true story of one young woman's nightmare battle with epilepsy, told by the registered nurse with whom she lived. Gino first meets Barbara Russell (Rusty) when Rusty is 19 and they are both working at a nursing home. Four years earlier, Rusty was diagnosed as having severe epilepsy. Even with medication, the blackouts and seizures continued. After one violent seizure, she attempted suicide and was placed in a mental hospital, with brutal guards, violent patients, and lack of adequate care. Only Rusty's strength and belief in herself helped her survive. When her attacks resumed, she left Gino's house, but Gino continued to try to find the right physician and treatment. An epilogue in 1985 shows that Rusty made it through college and has become an independent, accepted member of society. Rusty's story covers approximately 15 years, but the feeling is one of an immediate event. Gino's involvement, intensity, and anger at the medical establishment moves readers into an empathy for Rusty and horror at the ignorance of some physicians and the world at large. Teens who enjoy the books of Torey Hayden, Eleanor Craig, or Mary MacCracken will also like this one. Diana Hirsch, PGCMLS, Md.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

While many advancements have been made in understanding and treating epilepsy, the disease is still surrounded by an aura of dread. Rusty was a teenager when she was stricken with epilepsy. Misdiagnosed as a paranoid schizophrenic, for years she suffered more from inappropriate medical treatment than from her condition. The reader is mesmerized as Gino (author of The Nurse's Story , LJ 10/1/82) passionately relates Rusty's plight. Despite repeated incarcerations in a frightful state mental institution and the toxic effects of drugs, she never lost her sense of humanity or her strong desire to help others. Gino's deep distrust of the medical establishment, her fervent attachment to nursing, and her conviction that the patient knows best are themes that are interwoven into the emotional story of Rusty's fight for a normal life. Carol R. Glatt, Helene Fuld Medical Center Lib., Trenton, N.J.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: aah-ha! Books Inc.; 2 edition (September 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1889853194
• ISBN-13: 978-1889853192
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #184,460 in Books (See Bestsellers 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 Excellent book about misunderstood or misdiagnosed epilepsy, July 29, 1998

By A Customer

Rusty has epilepsy, but neither her family nor her caretakers are willing to accept this diagnosis. This book chronicles the life of a young woman who was denied the chance to live normally even though her condition is easily treatable. Even Rusty herself had misconceptions about epilepsy and what could be done for her condition. A must read for patient advocates, medical ethicists, and people who want to know more about the history of epilepsy treatment. Reading level: College/Adult. Warnings: small amount of violence. Reader considers this book very *emotionally provoking*. Reader also considers this one of her favorite books.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A hearttouching true story of a womans fight against illness, April 26, 1998

By A Customer

All Rusty wanted to be was a normal teenage girl, but a epilepsy and that wrong diagnosis locked her up in a mental institute with real crazy people. This is a story that unlocks you inner most fears of a life lived in constant terror. The unforgettable true story of friendship and triumph over the greatest of odds.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You think it couldn't happen to you... but your wrong., October 15, 2002

By A Customer

I found out about this book the summer of 2002 from the Epilepsy Foundation of America. It could so easily be my story and very nearly is.... Patient rights need to be protected but so often they are ignored. I was committed after refusing a feeding tube, but then denied medical care for my status episodes of seizures and migraines while in the Psych Ward. Nobody can ever explain what it is like to happen to you, but Carol Gino comes close. Everyone needs to read this story and then go to your lawyer and get a medical power of attorney assigned to someone you trust. Protect yourself anyway you can. This story may scare you, but in the long run you need to protect yourself. Know that you have rights. Also, know that there is always someone worse off than you, and that you must always have hope. I did, and I survived...