Valley Fever Epidemic

A Review of Valley Fever Epidemic

This book is the only book on the subject of the horrific disease of Coccidioidomycosis, or ¿Valley Fever¿ and it is an extremely well-written book. It presents a wealth of information in an easy to understand language, and it is very comprehensive. The authors provide much detail on the history of the disease, the life-cycle of the coccidioides fungi as researched by medical scientists, the symptoms of the disease, and comparisons to other diseases with similar symptoms. One of the most helpful chapters to me is the one that describes all the different tests ¿ blood and cerebrospinal fluid tests, titers, X-rays and MRIs, biopsies and bronchoscopies and other procedures used for diagnosis and follow-up. Equally helpful are all the real-person life stories of people who have suffered from this disease. Their stories are heart-breaking and inspirational all at the same time. The chapters explaining different drugs and treatments is very informative and helpful. Because this disease is so misunderstood and misdiagnosed, this book will be extremely helpful to patients and their families. Submitted by Rebecca Kay, another Valley Fever survivor

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Finally, A book that will help everyone who breaths the air and needs to understand what even the healthy person needs to be aware of. But also for the unaware doctors and survivors of Valley Fever. What everyone needs to know.

I am a five year survivor of Valley Fever. But dealing with doctors and specialists who are not knowledgeable enough on this horrible disease, has made me feel like I am the only one with vf. To this day, I still suffer from symptoms that debilitate my life. I am so grateful to have found the book Valley Fever Epidemic. I feel as though it has in a way saved my life. All my questions are answered in this book. I have a clear understanding of the disease now, and I now feel confident that I can go to my doctor and be my own advocate. The material covered in this book clearly indicates the most updated truth and facts of valley fever. I am so thankful that David Filip and Sharon Filip including the doctors and survivors, whom put so much time and effort into this book, have such caring and passion for the truth and facts to be told to every person that shares in breathing the air.

Thank you for helping in saving my life.

Joyce Erdman (survivor)
From Simi Valley Ca.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

ALL Pregnant Women Should Read This INCREDIBLE Book!

I was in my 3rd trimester of pregnancy when I moved from Massachusetts to Arizona in October 1999. Little did I know that I was at risk for contracting Valley Fever. After living in Arizona for only 1 month, I was faced with the horrible symptoms described so clearly in this incredible book. My new Ob/Gyn in Arizona was aware of Valley Fever and immediately had me tested and treated. Thankfully, my baby was born healthy! Unfortunately, I have been suffering with Valley Fever ever since. I WISH THIS BOOK WAS AVAILABLE 9 YEARS AGO AND MY DOCTOR IN MASSACHUSETTS WAS KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT VALLEY FEVER.....I NEVER WOULD HAVE MOVED TO ARIZONA!!!! This book is a MUST for ALL doctors AND pregnant women, especially those who live and/or visit an epidemic area!!!

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

A MUST READ book!

If you suffer from Valley Fever or, especially, if you are a friend or loved one of a VF victim, you must read Sharon and David Filip's book. VF is a very puzzling illness to the victims, families and even the doctors who treat it. This is the first book of its' kind. It clearly explains how devastating VF can be, how it is an incurable disease, what the symptoms are and how to recognize them, what treatments are available and how to emotionally manage your illness. I have been a Valley Fever sufferer for almost a year and I can tell you firsthand how tough it's been. In the initial stages, I was quite ill, but have settled into a more chronic stage of debilitating fatigue and joint pain. One of the hardest things has been to try to explain to people why I am not better yet. Sharon and David's book lays it all out. I highly recommend it to friends and family who want to understand and be supportive. I am an RN and had considered myself to be pretty savvy about VF. But, after reading this book, I feel incredibly enlightened and empowered to deal with my illness and to be compassionate to my fellow VF sufferers.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

A Fantastic Book Everyone Should Read!!

Valley Fever¿.do you have valley fever? Do you know what valley fever is? Did you know a tiny cocci spore could travel 500 miles and that there are 15 trillion cocci spores in one cubic inch? Did you know that you contract this disease just by breathing in Arizona, California, Texas, Nevada and other desert regions of the USA? Valley fever usually starts in your lungs and can attack you further by disseminating throughout other parts of your body and can become fatal. I am a valley fever survivor. Not everyone can say that who gets valley fever. Did you know that valley fever could change your life forever from one tiny spore? It did mine. I contracted valley fever in 2003 and have not felt the same since. The above information is only a microscopic piece of knowledge this book contains. David and Sharon Filip have done an outstanding job in providing such incredible amounts of information through their hard, persistent, and ongoing research on this deadly disease called valley fever. This book not only shows such an abundance of information but also is written in layman¿s terms. It¿s a book that contains answers to most questions you can think of and more. It has a glossary that can help you understand what your medical reports are saying. There is no other book of this kind written. I highly recommend this book to anyone who lives in the southwest, has visited the southwest, plan to visit the southwest, drive through or change planes in the southwest or just breathes.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Read, Read, and Tell a Friend

Highly recommended reading - for those who reside in or visit the Southwest United States, the natural habitat of the cocci organism. This small, easily read book is an excellent resource for understanding the impact of this disease on the infected individual as well as their family and friends and the risks for contracting Valley Fever. In addition to self-care, readers will know they can do something in the work of treating infections from this government regulated biological agent.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Just What the Doctor Ordered

'Valley Fever Epidemic' is 'just what the doctor ordered' and most doctors could learn something from reading it. It answers so many questions regarding the multitude of symptoms that VF victims can suffer from. The drugs and treatment section can be very helpful for finding prescription assistance for those who can't afford their medication. The personal stories will help others realize the devastating impact that VF can have on victims and their families. My brother lost his life to this disease. He did not fall into any of the high risk groups. It CAN happen to anyone!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

ONE STOP BOOK ON VALLEY FEVER

August 28, 2008 I recently read Valley Fever Epidemic by David and Sharon Filip. What a wonderful book and so long overdue. Valley Fever Epidemic is written so that everyone can understand it, and it includes an in-depth glossary of medical terms for your convenience. This book is the most complete, comprehensive and up-to-date book written on Valley Fever. Valley Fever Epidemic is a must read for anyone who lives in the Southwest or is planning to move or visit the Southwest. I have been battling Valley Fever now for 34 months, and it certainly has affected my quality of life. I lecture on Valley Fever and found Arizona Victims of Valley Fever support group in Sun City West, AZ, and have learned new things from reading this book. I suggest to everyone in our support group to purchase this must have, tell all book. I even purchased a book for my internist, so that he is better informed about this incurable illness. If you only buy one book this year, make sure you buy Valley Fever Epidemic. Pat White, Founder & Lecturer Arizona Victims of Valley Fever. Pat-valleyfever@live.com

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Valley Fever Epidemic

Whether you have been diagnosed with this incurable disease or not, this book is a must read. By reading Valley Fever Epidemic, you can educate yourself and the people you care about. Valley Fever is not some benign illness, it can be devastating and can infect ANYONE! Young, old, healthy, unhealthy, even pets. Because everyone has to breathe. Next time you plan on visiting the South Western United States, you might want to rethink your trip. This disease is something the entire human race needs to know about. And in Valley Fever Epidemic, you will obtain all the information you need in a well put together, easy to understand, and informative book.

Valley Fever EPIDEMIC is an Excellent and very informative Book

Very well laid out, gives information on every level needed. I truly wish I had this book when I was first diagnosed with Valley Fever. Sharon was the only person who was available for me to talk to once I found out I had Valley Fever. I know the years of her research that went into this book. The book is remarkable and any reader will have 90 % of their questions answered if not all of them. I highly recoment this book to anyone who has Valley Fever, who knows someone with Valley Fever or anyone wanting to know about it. Here is where you will find your answers!

"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge...." ~ Hos. 4:6 NKJV

I am the wife of a VF survivor. My husband was diagnosed with cocci-meningitis in 2004. We almost lost him --

I thank God for Sharon and David Filip. This dynamic duo live a purposeful life; they are a living testimony of what "voice for action" really means. Words have power; knowledge is power. I have yet to find another complete and well researched book as Valley Fever Epidemic. God bless your labor of love.

This book must be read by all, shared with all. If you have access to the masses, use your voice for action. I have personally given a copy to our local newspaper reporter. What can you do to save a life? Equip your fellow neighbor with knowledge, lest he perish for the lack thereof. It's time to take action !

LONG OVERDUE AND NEEDED BOOK

Valley Fever Epidemic is very informative about this disease. Most doctors do not know what Valley Fever is or how to treat it and the lingering after affects it produces for your WHOLE LIFETIME. By being informed with the research in this book you can manage your condition and realize symptoms you have are definitely related to contracting Valley Fever. Knowledge is power-- and this book gives you the knowledge about a disease that is swept under the table by the states where it is prevalent. A MUST READ FOR ANYONE WHO HAS LINGERING SYMPTOMS THAT CAN'T BE DIAGNOSED OR CURED -- AS YOU MAY HAVE VALLEY FEVER AND NOT KNOW IT!!!! (Especially read before you travel out West.)

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