The Lupus Book: A Guide for Patients and Their Families - Hardcover

In many cases, lupus patients receive only a cursory explanation of their disease and a brief discussion of its management. They have no idea what to expect and have many questions. Daniel Wallace wrote this book for them and their physicians. Rheumatology textbooks and lupus monographs are available at medical libraries, but the information is not presented in a way that patients and their families can easily understand. Support groups publish excellent pamphlets on various aspects of the disorder, but these are often superficial and do not explain in detail the disease's mechanisms or put therapies in their proper context. Several books have appeared for the lay audience, but, for the most part, they are either outdated, describe personal struggles, or concern themselves with promoting coping strategies. Ultimately, there is a great need for this book. As a physician who specializes in Rheumatology and has special interest in lupus, Daniel Wallace tried to anticipate patients' and caregivers' questions with the most up-to-date information now available on causes, prevention, cure, exercise, diet, and many other important topics. This book is a distillation of his experience in treating over a thousand lupus patients, and it is meant to be both informative and enjoyable to read. While it is not meant to be a substitute for advice given by a physician or specialist, it is a valuable resource for those who are interested in how various aspects of the disease are approached.

Daniel J. Wallace, M.D., is Clinical Professor of Medicine at UCLA and past Clinical Chief of Rheumatology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, in Los Angeles. He is President of the Lupus Foundation of America.