New PN book
 

I may have missed an earlier post about this book but I just received a copy of Norman Latov’s book, “Peripheral Neuropathy, When the Numbness, Weakness, and Pain Won’t Stop” which I read last night. I know from earlier posts that there are very mixed feelings about Latov but I’ll make some observations anyhow.

The book is short, 134pg and costs $19.95 but I think it can be a good “primer” for newly diagnosed PN sufferers. However, as many long time PN sufferers have noted there is an incredible wealth of information contained within the posts and stickies of this forum so my suggestion to “newbies” would be to use the book as a starting point. The real details of virtually any PN related topic can and will be found within this forum. For long time PN sufferers the info is basic and elementary and probably won’t tell you anything that you don’t already know or haven’t found on the forum.

The 7 chapters are relatively short and include a description of PN, a brief discussion of motor, sensory, and autonomic nerves, axonal vs demyelinating PN, symptoms of PN, diagnosis of PN (a far cry from LizaJane’s comprehensive tests in the stickies), causes of PN (here for example he includes discussions, albeit brief ones, of glucose intolerance, vitamin deficiencies, celiac disease, alcoholism, bariatric surgery, malabsorbtion, autoimmune, CIDP, vasculitic, Guillain-Barré, viral and bacterial infections, Lyme disease, leprosy, cancer, chemotherapy, paraneoplastic disease, primary amyloidosis, hereditary, drug-induced including statins, toxins like heavy metals, solvent and chemical related (near and dear to my heart), plexopathies and radiculopathies, and last but by no means least IDIOPATHIC. This list, while seemingly long is still truncated and does not include all of the now 100+ recognized causes of or contributors to PN.

A chapter re: management of PN focuses primarily on systemic pain meds (anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and opiates) and topical (lidocaine and fentanyl patches and capsaicin) and interventional therapies. Autonomic symptoms and treatments are also described followed by a very brief discussion of alternate meds including proper nutrition and supplements (much less info than found from MrsD's posts or Rose’s B12 site). The last chapter is testimonials from various PN sufferers reprinted from Neuropathy News or Guideposts.

Alkymst

good and bad...
 

It is good because it at least defines the terms.
It is good, esp at the end with the patient's histories/experiences. This book would have been better if more of this were in it IMO.

It is bad because the B12 information was WRONG...and in two places.
pg 86= 500mg of B12. Glaring typo... if he meant 500mcg that is a bit low.
Certainly he did not mean 500 milligrams and there is no discussion of cyano vs methyl and 50mg of Thiamine is not quite enough IMO.
On page 28 he says 100mg thiamine and 500mg (wrong again) B12 in a short list.
Telling laymen to use 5mg folic acid without prior testing for B12 levels is not
considered level of care or safe.

This is a very small book for the price. I think in the end, more information is available on the various PN support boards, than this book. Its only redeeming feature is the "dictionary" of terms. I found the contrast of the personal stories to Dr. Latov's part huge....he never really gives a feel for the suffering involved. I think more patient's histories would have had more usefulness and impact.

So sorry, I just was disappointed hugely in this book.

Alkymst & Mrs. D
 

Thanks for reading and reviewing this book. My reading time is severely limited due to the dry eyes of Sjogren's. I do so appreciate your's and Mrs. D's time and the knowledge you put into this review. I'm glad to know I'm not missing a new revelation.

Billye

Latov is well respected in his field, and many patients revere him.
But that does not a good writer, or author.... make!
I've seen this boook touted by devotees, merely because it has his name on it.
Thank you, Mrs D- for putting it in perspective. It seems to be another 'primer' for those seeking information early on in their quest for knowledge about PN. Nothing really meaningful to the educated reader, seeking deeper understanding and knowledge.

Billye,
Sadly, there are no new revelations about PN as of yet.
As usual, many things 'in the works' or in studies or in research-
but nothing we can see happening in the immediate future.
No magic bullets, revelations or 'cures' for those who are suffering.

I concur with Nide44's analysis--
 

--especially as I have met and spoken with Dr Latov.

He is to be commended for doing a great deal of work in the field of autoimmune neuropathy, and also for his advocacy and fund-raising for the expanded use of IVIg for suspected autoimmune conditions. Like many research neuros, though, he's not the greatest communicator in the world (though he does have a dry sense of humor).

We should remember that as members of this board we generally have far more knowledge of neuropathy causes, symptoms, and treatments than most new patients, and even most non-specialist physicians, do. The Latov book is best thought of us as a primer volume for the uninitiated.

you know...
 

It took me one night to read this book (sure I am a bit informed)

Why couldn't Dr. Latov proofread it properly...or at least provide useful
information without error?

I don't care how "wonderful" he is...coasting on a big ego.
I also wonder how much $$ he gets from the IVIG companies to promote and test this drug out? I bet big $$$.
Millions may read his book and get all this distorted info.

Sorry, Allkymst....not to minimize your thread, which means well.
But this book illustrates how DRUGS are given careful thought, and prevention/support short shrift. And it sort of makes me angry.