Product DescriptionCory Friedman woke up one morning when he was five years old with the uncontrollable urge to shake his head and his life was never the same again. From that day forward his life became a hell of uncontrollable tics, urges, and involuntary utterances. Eventually he is diagnosed with Tourette's Syndrome and Obsessive Compulsive disorder, and Cory embarks on an excruciating journey from specialist to specialist, enduring countless combinations of medications in wildly varying doses. Soon it becomes unclear what tics are symptoms of his disease and what are side effects of the drugs. The only certainty is that it kept getting worse. Despite his lack of control, Cory is aware of every embarrassing movement, and sensitive to every person's reaction to his often aggravating presence. Simply put: Cory Friedman's life is a living hell.
AGAINST MEDICAL ADVICE is the true story of Cory and his family's decades-long battle for survival in the face of extraordinary difficulties and a maddening medical establishment. It is a heart-rending story of struggle and triumph with a climax as dramatic as any James Patterson thriller.
Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: - A good, quick read
I liked it. It was recommended by the Glenn Beck radio show. Although Beck's a nut most of the time, he was on the money here. It tells a good human story in straightforward and easy to read fashion.
Rating: - Amazing!!!!
I read this book in 2 days!! I could not put it down. I had always been interested in this disease having been a nurse, working in the pharma business etc. Cory is a hero! He tells the story from his heart. This family is amazing. The courage and kindness and strength they showed. I don't know how many people could do the same. It really makes you look at your life. I am telling all my freinds and family to read it. I admire James Patterson for co-authoring it. He is a great guy! It is a must read!!!!
Rating: - Against Medical Advice
They were right! Against Medical Advice is a quick read you cannot put down. This true story draws you in to experience the emotional roller coaster this family endured. As an educator, you can see how important a teachers' influence is on a child; it can really make or break student success.
Rating: - Disappointing
As a Special Ed teacher, I was very excited to read this book. I am sad to say that I was quite disappointed in the book. First of all, I thought the layout was strange. There were 72 chapters and each chapter was one or two pages. Secondly, I thought the book lacked depth. I finished the book in two days, and I really felt I was left without much of the story. Although I don't want to ruin the ending, I thought it was also somewhat unbelievable.
Rating: - My Book Report
I found this book most interesting. It is a shame this boy had to endure as much pain as he did both from the medications and from the way he was treated at times. His was a long journey from sickness to relative good health. It is well worth the read.
- A good, quick read
- Amazing!!!!
- Disappointing
