The Official Patient's Sourcebook on Polymyositis: A Revised and Updated Directory for the Internet Age »

This is a "must have" reference book for patients, parents, caregivers, and libraries with medical collections. This sourcebook is organized into three parts. Part I explores basic techniques to researching polymyositis (e.g. finding guidelines on diagnosis, treatments, and prognosis), followed by a number of topics, including information on how to get in touch with organizations, associations, or other patient networks dedicated to polymyositis. It also gives you sources of information that can help you find a doctor in your local area specializing in treating polymyositis. Collectively, the material presented in Part I is a complete primer on basic research topics for patients with polymyositis. Part II moves on to advanced research dedicated to polymyositis. Part II is intended for those willing to invest many hours of hard work and study. It is here that we direct you to the latest scientific and applied research on polymyositis. When possible, contact names, links via the Internet, and summaries are provided. In general, every attempt is made to recommend "free-to-use" options. Part III provides appendices of useful background reading for all patients with polymyositis or related disorders. The appendices are dedicated to more pragmatic issues faced by many patients with polymyositis. Accessing materials via medical libraries may be the only option for some readers, so a guide is provided for finding local medical libraries which are open to the public. Part III, therefore, focuses on advice that goes beyond the biological and scientific issues facing patients with polymyositis.

Introduction
Overview
Organization
Scope
Moving Forward
PART I: THE ESSENTIALS
Chapter 1. The Essentials on Polymyositis: Guidelines
Overview
What Is Polymyositis?
Is There Any Treatment?
What Is the Prognosis?
What Research Is Being Done?
For More Information
More Guideline Sources
Vocabulary Builder
Chapter 2. Seeking Guidance
Overview
Associations and Polymyositis
Finding More Associations
Finding Doctors
Finding a Neurologist
Selecting Your Doctor
Working with Your Doctor
Broader Health-Related Resources
Vocabulary Builder
Chapter 3. Clinical Trials and Polymyositis
Overview
Recent Trials on Polymyositis
Benefits and Risks
Keeping Current on Clinical Trials
General References
Vocabulary Builder
PART II: ADDITIONAL RESOURCES AND ADVANCED MATERIAL
Chapter 4. Studies on Polymyositis
Overview
The Combined Health Information Database
Federally-Funded Research on Polymyositis
E-Journals: PubMed Central
The National Library of Medicine: PubMed
Vocabulary Builder
Chapter 5. Books on Polymyositis
Overview
Book Summaries: Federal Agencies
The National Library of Medicine Book Index
Chapters on Polymyositis
General Home References
Vocabulary Builder
Chapter 6. Multimedia on Polymyositis
Overview
Video Recordings
Bibliography: Multimedia on Polymyositis
Vocabulary Builder
Chapter 7. Periodicals and News on Polymyositis
Overview
News Services and Press Releases
Newsletters on Polymyositis
Newsletter Articles
Academic Periodicals covering Polymyositis
Vocabulary Builder
Chapter 8. Physician Guidelines and Databases
Overview
NIH Guidelines
NIH Databases
Other Commercial Databases
The Genome Project and Polymyositis
Specialized References
Vocabulary Builder
PART III. APPENDICES
Appendix A. Researching Your Medications
Overview
Your Medications: The Basics
Learning More about Your Medications
Commercial Databases
Contraindications and Interactions (Hidden Dangers)
A Final Warning
General References
Vocabulary Builder
Appendix B. Researching Alternative Medicine
Overview
What Is CAM?
What Are the Domains of Alternative Medicine?
Can Alternatives Affect My Treatment?
Finding CAM References on Polymyositis
Additional Web Resources
General References
Vocabulary Builder
Appendix C. Researching Nutrition
Overview
Food and Nutrition: General Principles
Finding Studies on Polymyositis
Federal Resources on Nutrition
Additional Web Resources
Vocabulary Builder
Appendix D. Finding Medical Libraries
Overview
Preparation
Finding a Local Medical Library
Medical Libraries in the U.S. and Canada
Appendix E. Your Rights and Insurance
Overview
Your Rights as a Patient
Patient Responsibilities
Choosing an Insurance Plan
Medicare and Medicaid
NORD s Medication Assistance Programs
Additional Resources
Vocabulary Builder
ONLINE GLOSSARIES
Online Dictionary Directories
POLYMYOSITIS GLOSSARY
General Dictionaries and Glossaries
INDEX