Managing MS: A Roadmap to Navigate Multiple Sclerosis

by Debbie Petrina

A 2022 Honorable Mention Nonfiction/Reference book in the 30th Annual Writer's Digest Self-Published Book Awards Debbie Petrina understands she has spent 41 years living with it and over 30 years educating, counseling, interacting and volunteering through numerous channels to help anyone deal with it. Since publishing Managing MS-Straight Talk from a Thirty-One Year Survivor in 2011, she was inspired to write this enhanced 2nd edition as her MS journey continued, explaining how to proceed in the complicated and ever-changing world of MS. Newly-diagnosed or older with MS? Trying to figure out the basics, what treatments to take, symptoms, interrelationships? Or, how to handle difficult subjects like bladder/bowel problems, mental health, stigmas and employment? In a "what to know, what to do" user-friendly format, readers are guided easily through current MS information and resources available today. Managing MS offers patients and their loved ones hands-on knowledge and support to make life easier and less fearful. Others assisting MS patients will understand MS from a survivor's viewpoint, and how they can help them move forward. "Debbie Petrina's remarkable book will be helpful to people with MS and their loved ones as they embark on their own journeys." -Barry A. Hendin M.D., Center for Neurology and Spine, Phoenix, AZ; MSAA Chief Medical Officer "Petrina's book is rich not only in experience and information, it includes validation from licensed professionals. Her take on conventional wisdom, peer communication, and advice feels just right to this reviewer." -Kim Dolce, MSer, Moderator, MultipleSclerosis.net "This book is an excellent and practical how-to guide for people newly diagnosed with MS. I wish my neurologist had recommended it, it changed everything for me. If you're living with MS one way or another, I can't recommend this book enough." -Amazon, Verified Purchase

Kindle Edition

Published May 10, 2022

Reviews

[Melissa Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

No need for anyone to write a newbie's multiple sclerosis book again—it has already been written. Kirkus Review says, "A bravely told and brutally honest self-help work." This book is ideal for patients with multiple sclerosis, caregivers, family, friends, and anyone with an MSer (that's what we call ourselves) in their personal or work lives. Knowing how MS affects the body and mind is crucial to identifying ways to help when needed.

Debbie Petrina is an MS veteran who volunteered for the National MS Society, MS community, and other institutions for over four decades. She writes from the heart with a compassionate voice giving sound information and advice. "What to do?" sections present options for managing and treating various symptoms and issues.

Managing MS is a thorough overview of potential issues MS patients face, from diagnosis to symptom management to disability and practical advice. Debbie shares how to get the most out of life despite multiple sclerosis. An optimist, she shares her darkest moments and most significant challenges along with methods she has used to stay positive and move forward to achieve bucket list items even when they result in "pay days" or recovery time after a big event. The most valuable piece of advice in the book is how to prepare for long-term disability. Spot on, in my opinion. The book ends with a wealth of resources.

If I could change one thing, it would be to have Debbie disclose her choice not to take a DMT (disease-modifying treatment) at the beginning of the book instead of the end. She was diagnosed in the 1970s before the various DMTs were available and had her reasons for not taking one when they came to market.

Today, there are many DMTs available which Debbie points out to readers. I have been on DMTs for 20+ years and worry about the long-term side effects, but I believe the quality of life on my current DMT is far better than it would have been without it. We each make this decision for ourselves with our doctor's input.

I highly recommend Managing MS and encourage readers to return and offer ratings and reviews on Amazon, Goodreads, and Bookbub. Ratings and reviews help authors to succeed.