Authored by two physicians who work in the field along with a biochemist, Loebl (The Columbia Presbyterian Osteoarthritis Handbook), this authoritative guide will be useful to health professionals, people afflicted with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), and their families. RA, a chronic autoimmune disorder, causes inflammation, stiffness and sometimes destruction of joints. While the severity of its symptoms varies, this systemic disease affects 2.5 million people in the U.S. and is more common among women than men. A cure continues to elude researchers, but medical advances, including the discovery of new drugs to ease pain and improve movement, advances in surgical procedures and the development of exercise and nutrition regimens, have greatly improved patients' physical and emotional health. In addition to providing valuable information about the drugs (their benefits and side effects) and operations (from diagnostic anthroscopy to total joint replacement) available, the authors address the special problems and needs of pregnant women with RA. The wealth of details about medicines and surgeries may occasionally overwhelm lay readers, but the practical advice about self care and taking control of one's personal treatment plan will empower RA patients. With authors dedicated to providing information on everything from alternative therapies to radical surgery and from methods of pain control to the RA patient's sex life, this is a worthwhile resource indeed. (Nov.)
