Maureen Pratt is not an MD. She is a journalist, author, and frequent speaker on thyroid disease and autoimmune disorders, as well as chronic pain and spirituality. So, what makes her an expert on thyroid disease? She has hypothyroidism, herself, along with lupus. She has lived, up close and personal, with two life-altering diseases. With this book, 'The First Year---Hypothyroidism,' she will wrap her arms around the newly diagnosed, cradle and reassure them, while arming the reader with practical information for coping with this serious condition, one that can wreak havoc on every single cell in the body.
While there is ample information regarding latest trends in treatment, medication alternatives and research, it is the sharing of her personal experiences that makes this a first read choice for the newly diagnosed; those trying to cope with the shock of the diagnosis and its implications. I know that when I read some of the negative symptoms she suffered through, I no longer felt alone with this disease. I felt a kinship with Pratt, that had me sharing a few tears, at times. And, this is one of the most dog-eared books I now own, because when I'm feeling blue, I turn to pages where she described feeling likewise. For example, when you share that your hair is falling out to your physician, they acknowledge superficially, that this is a symptom of hypothyroidism, and move on. Only one woman, relating to another, both with globs of hair in hand, can relate to how heart-wrenching this can feel, how de-feminizing. My Dr. is wonderful, but she's a victim of the system, too, with set limits for time she can spend with each patient. There's not much time to assess, and be nurturing, in 10 minutes; a system problem we must all deal with.
I can fully understand why Pratt is a valued speaker. When faced with any illness, or situational problem, we want to speak with, or hear from someone who has walked in the same shoes. In this case, she was more validating than my Dr. who, while supportive, has never experienced hypothyroidism except through a textbook. Believe me, I now know the difference, as I'm a RN, and when this disease struck home, it opened a new world beyond what I had previously understood about thyroid disease. It will bring on an entirely new dimension, and understanding, to my patient education practices.
I have moved on to more comprehensive, medical tomes, to enhance my knowledge base, but Pratt's book will always remain my nurturing introduction---my 'warm-fuzzy' book to turn to, as I would turn to a good friend. I thank her for sharing her experiences, the bitter and the sweet, with others. If I needed this type of support, as a health care practitioner, I believe that lay people will find it a Godsend. Thankfully, it is presented in a thorough, but simplistic manner that can be readily comprehended, by all.
