High Dependency is the true story of a man who has literally lived through hell. Spontaneous Combustion sounds like an urban myth but it can and does happen - it happened to Stuart Doyle and here he tells the compelling tale of how his life went up in flames and the immense difficulties he faces in building anew on those ashes. The book brings awareness to a condition barely known and scarcely talked about. I think that few of us will be aware of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, of which Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Syndrome (TENS) is a more severe form, which is probably to the good if you would so much as think about losing your skin through internal and external burning such as Stuart Doyle experienced. If this sounds like a horror story it is certainly horrific to think of both the physical and psychological effects that such a condition can and does have. But most of all, what we have here is a truly inspirational story of extreme disability and battling for survival against all odds with incredible strength and motivation.
This book is not for those weak at heart when it comes to unimaginable pain & suffering of others. But it MUST BE! If not for any other reason than EVERYONE NEEDS A GOOD OLD DOSE OF REALITY, the reality that there are an unimaginable amount of Men, Women & yes even CHILDREN that are "surviving", not "living" with this horrendous disease & others that Drs, friends, family and many others will try to convince the PERSON they are imagining it, that it is all in their heads, that ALL THE SUFFERING They are experiencing, the symptoms etc is just their mind playing tricks. They hear this over & over for a disease that actually exists, a 100% honest to goodness REAL THING! For SJS (TENS), RSD (Reflex Sympathetic Disease) Also known as, CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome) a quick diagnosis & treatment COULD change just how HELL FILLED ones life may become, no change that, not just ones life, but everyone's life that touches that persons life. As you will know with any illness loved ones suffer too in many ways. I added RSD/CRPS because it is very real, that makes sufferers feel like their bodies are set on fire from the inside out! People answer usually when asked, "what is one of the worst ways you can think of dying is" either drowning or in a fire. Well imagine LIVING in that FIRE 24/7 that's what I LIVE WITH AS WELL AS MILLIONS OF OTHERS EACH AND EVERY DAY! Yes millions, only to still hear it's all in your head, to have to search & search for a Dr who even truly knows what these diseases like TENS & RSD/CRPS are! Imagine screaming in pain, unable to be touched by a loved one for comfort, hugged, even have a slight breeze go across your skin in a ER DEPARTMENT, only to have the staff look at you nuts when you can even give them the disease name when they reply "uh? What? Never heard of it" now you suffer longer as they research it...yep happens everyday or the ones that refuse to acknowledge it & rather label you a "Drug Seeker" and kick you out. Which thanks to the new laws from the Gov on pain meds & Drs prescribing them is happening more & more.( which is another book all in its self) Bottom line is, it is a must read heart breaking, life changing true to life real journey told by one man of his disease TENS, a disease that could be knocking at someone you love door...do you want to recognize it on the steps, or wait till it MOVES IN FOR GOOD? These uncomfortable stories are a necessary thing, the more educated everyone becomes the more we can hold those that vow to do no harm accordingly in treatment & locating a cure. The hospital & staff in this mans journey are a perfect example of true dedication & caring and for that I thank them( no I don't know the author) but I have Thanks knowing others I may know are in good hands if in that local.
A deep look at personal pain and the life sacrificed before it
I didn’t know what to expect when starting this one but found myself involved in the life of a once healthy and successful man. From the account of before and the first few years, it captured my attention. Well written and unforgettable. Best wishes to Mr. Doyle as well as these thoughts on his recount of the life changing illness he has and is going through. May his days be peaceful.
I had never heard of this condition before, I found this book very informative and intense. There should be more help available for those who suffer from this.