Women and Autoimmune Disease: The Mysterious Ways Your Body Betrays Itself    by Robert G Lahita Order:  USA  Can Regan, 2005 (2004) Hardcover Read an Excerpt     Reviewed by Mary Ann Smyth Autoimmune Disease is a personal subject to me. I sought help for fourteen years before I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in 1979. I was told for the most part that my symptoms were all in my head and that all I needed was a good, quiet vacation. Yeah, sure, right! It was a relief to be informed I had a real affliction – that I had not conjured up a condition. Today, autoimmune diseases are better understood, and there is help out there in the medical field. Not a cure. But at least a way to handle the problems that arise from such conditions. And a sympathetic ear. Multiple Sclerosis, Fibromyalgia, Juvenile Diabetes, Graves' Disease, Lupus, Antiphospholipid Syndrome, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Rheumatic Fever, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Pandas, Scleroderma, Sjogren's Syndrome, Vasculitis, and Alopecia are all discussed in Women and Autoimmune Disease. If you are like me, you are always looking for new writings on your own case. And not every doctor agrees with findings other than their own. I found this particular book to be right on the mark with what I already knew about my own health. I also liked being able to better understand what some of my friends contend with. We all know someone who is inflicted with an autoimmune disease. It helps to be able to discuss how you are feeling with someone and have them understand. When asked how I am, I always say I'm just fine, thank you. I look fine, so why shouldn't I be? When in reality it might be a bad day, and I didn't sleep well the night before, and I am so tired I'm afraid I'll forget to breathe. And, yes, the pain in my hips is worse today but my breast bone isn't so sore and I really didn't feel nauseous this morning. We all have aches and pains. Understanding the whys and wherefores through books like this one is a step towards accepting what has been handed us and to making the best of the good days. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more NonFiction books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews